Kitchen Materials: Wood
As a natural material wood offers endless variation. There are hardwoods like maple and oak and softwoods like pine and cedar. There are blond woods like ash and dark woods like walnut. Grain patterns and textures vary widely, determined not only by species but by how quickly the wood was grown and how it was cut at the mill. Various woods react very differently to the affects of exposure to water or light. Oak may blacken when exposed to ammonia solutions, maple naturally yellows when exposed to sunlight over time and certain finishes may accentuate the grain on some woods. All of these properties are important when working with wood in a kitchen.
Wood can be used for cabinetry, floors, walls and work surfaces. In general we feel that wood counters only work if you are willing to accept the normal wear marking that will accumulate over time. Maple butcher blocks are a popular choice, in part because maple is a very sanitary, hard, close-grained wood that holds up to water well. The downside is that it will yellow, stain, scratch and may require periodic bleaching if you use it as a cutting surface. All finishes used on wood counters will scratch and wear. If you want a pristine, durable counter surface, consider another material and use butcher block for a cutting or prep area. Butcher block is best left unfinished as most wood finishes will not hold up well on horizontal work surfaces.
Get Free Wood Samples from BuildDirect
Wood Finishes for Kitchen Applications
The finish is as important as the species. Most factory and custom cabinetry comes with a multi-coat sprayed lacquer finish which should hold up well, especially on vertical surfaces. Floors receive thicker, harder finishes. Your options in wood finishing are not limited to choosing for durability or sheen. Dyes and stains can be used to create wood finishes that can cover virtually any color or shade imaginable while still retaining the wood’s grain and character.
Manufactured or Engineered Wood Products
Solid wood does not necessarily mean what you may think. Many wood cabinets and counters are built up on an engineered wood base made of materials like medium density fiberboard (MDF), a manufactured material that is very stable and machines easily and accurately. Engineered woods are very valuable in an abusive environment like a kitchen because of their stability and durability. As a substrate for veneers or laminates they are the preferred choice over solid boards that can warp and shrink.
Wood for Floors
Floors take a lot of abuse and require constant cleaning in kitchens. Softwoods like pine make very attractive floors but are susceptible to serious damage from heavy objects and things like high heels and metal chair legs which can leave marks or holes. Finish on softwood flooring will wear quickly requiring regular upkeep.
Hardwood floors are very durable and solid underfoot without the hardness of stone or tile. It has been traditional to use maple for kitchen floors because of its natural resistance to water and extreme hardness. Other woods may stain under repeated cleaning and spills.
New technology hardwood floors combine man-made laminate technology with thin veneers to offer a very durable and easy to install surface that still retains the natural grain, color and texture of solid wood. Pre-finished and easy to work, they do not require unusual construction or reinforcing, making it an easy way to resurface old floors with wood.
Wood Cabinetry
Wood is the traditional materiel for cabinetry although you can get stainless steel or thermo-formed resin doors if you choose. Wood functions well, is very attractive and, on vertical surfaces, a wide variety of choices are practical. Its important in choosing a wood to consider the effect of a large expanse of wood doors and drawer fronts. You may find that a sample door made of walnut that looked great in a showroom overwhelms a room when it’s dark texture and color are spread over a large number of square feet.
