Oak, Beech or Cherry: Hardwood Worktops For Your Kitchen

By: Dominic Donaldson

Wood is one of nature's finest and most solid materials. No two pieces of wood are the same, which means when you fit hardwood worktops into your kitchen, you are introducing a completely unique design that won't exist any-where else in the world. The beauty of hardwood worktops is that they are so versatile and come in a range of different styles, including the ever popular Oak, Beech and Cherry.

Choosing the right kitchen worktops for your kitchen will depend on your budget and your personal style. However it's also important to consider the practicality of the materials you choose. Kitchen work surfaces take some rough treatment, such as hot pans, knives and household chemicals and it's worth considering this before you buy.

Hardwood worktops are a great option for kitchen surfaces because if they become scratched or water stained, it's simple to re-sand, re-oil and restore as good as new. Many people like the look, feel and durability of natural wood and these worktops tend to work well with almost any kitchen design, whether it's an old farmhouse or new apartment.

As the maintenance of hardwood worktops is very simple, it means they can last a lifetime, assuming they are cared for properly with regular oiling, to seal in moisture. Oak hardwood worktops are extremely strong and durable and usually contain bundles of character. They may include a few small clean knots and are the perfect choice for the traditional cottage or farmhouse style kitchen.

Beech is another popular option for a hardwood worktop, with its pale, light tan shades and darker colour flecks which add to the character. Beech finishes tend to lie between Maple and Ash in style and colour and is the most popular and versatile of all the hardwoods. The light tone and soft grain produce a bright feel that compliments any style of kitchen.

The European species of beech tree produce a widely used timber, an easy-to-work beautiful wood. Throughout the drying process when the Beech is steamed, it yields a pink/orangey tan colour, while the unsteamed Beech yields a blonde tan coloured wood. The difference is duly noted in the final product.
A further option is Cherry, an elegant colourful wood, fast becoming one of the most popular choices for today's kitchens.

True to its name, Cherry worktops have a subtle autumnal red appearance, which consumers will find darkens gracefully over time to a rich maturity. If exposed to direct sunlight, this transformation can occur in just six weeks however out of sunlight, can take six to eight months. Cherry can be described as a somewhat hard and heavy wood, making it ideal for use in the home and its solid structure makes Cherry highly resistant to shock and damage. Cherry wood is famed for its grain as much as its warm, homely colour's. With a unique blend of beautiful markings, gum streaks and pin knots and combined with the rich, aging red and brown shades, Cherry is ideal material for your hardwood worktops.

Whatever your personal preference, the range of choice of hardwood worktops available ensures you are guaranteed an individual, stylish, hard-wearing kitchen surface that not only looks stunning, but will also stand the test of time.

Article Source: http://www.articlepro.co.uk/international

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in Home Improvements Find out more about Hardwood Worktops and how different styles of Oak, Cherry and Beech can improve the look of your kitchen.

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