Wood

Wood surfacing is found in kitchens, furniture, and island counter or eating bar tops.

Wood surfaces are typically, unless in an area that requires it to be food-safe, is unsealed. Some popular natural wood tones are black walnut, cherry, bubinga, sapele, mahogany, maple, and wenge. While wood works best in transitional and traditional styles, it can also be used to give warmth to contemporary spaces and contrast with materials like stainless steel and glass.

Durability and Maintenance

Because natural wood retains the enzymes produced by the living tree, it has a built-in safeguard to bacteria, which makes wood a good choice for kitchen surfaces. Mild soap and water is the best way to clean wood, and avoid using furniture cleaner in food areas. While wood is a soft material that will show nicks, dents, and wear, these flaws add to wood’s charm and elegance. Wood is an eco-friendly surface choice because many companies who sell wood are very upfront about how they harvest materials, often planting two trees for every one felled. Manufacturer websites will have more specific information.

Cost

Natural wood falls in the higher price range, similar to a high-end granite price.

Selection and Installation

The availability of different types of wood depends on how abundant its type of tree is; if a certain tree goes on the endangered species list, the wood will become very expensive and will eventually be pulled. Wood installations should be completed by a fabricator with strong experience in this type of installation.

Here’s an example of how a Drury designer has used wood in a kitchen design featuring an interesting wenge wood island counter with a large double ogee edge.