The Natural Beauty of Real Wood Countertops
When Joe and Jessica Ashcroft renovated their downstairs bathroom, they wanted something stunningly modern to serve as the visual centerpiece.
“We were looking for a different material to stand out against the tile and the darker colors we used,” Joe says.
That’s when they came to Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods and found a beautiful hickory countertop material to finish off the space. The result? A custom countertop that combined natural beauty with long-lasting function.
A DIY Dream With High-Quality Craftsmanship
Even though Joe had 
a bit of DIY experience under his belt, he felt that granite was too expensive and difficult to work with for his bathroom remodel project. And if he and Jessica weren’t going to use stone, they knew the final product had to be utilitarian and tough enough to withstand daily use in a wet environment.
Ultimately, they decided to go with something a little less traditional for a bathroom countertop: a gorgeous, custom solid wood countertop.
With the plan in hand, they contacted Baird Brothers and the project was set in motion. They simply needed to provide the specifications for the solid surface and backsplash, and the pros at Baird Brothers help
ed with the rest.
Joe elected to have minimal finishing done, so he could do the sanding and finishing himself. He also did the cutouts for the sink and faucet. (But, for those without woodworking skills, Baird Brothers can do any sink cutouts or finishing that might be needed!)
Future-Proofing for a Water-Resistant Finish
Keep in mind that when installing wood counters, there are steps that homeowners should take to protect the integrity of the hardwood, especially in areas where water is present. After all, natural wood and humidity aren’t exactly a great mix. Without proper treatment, any wood type will be subject to warping.
Stains, Polyurethane, Varnish and Oil Finishes
Depending on the look you want to achieve, a variety of stain colors are available (and can be used on any wood species, like white oak, red oak, black walnut, hickory, hard maple and more). Stains help to enhance the natural color and grain pattern of the wood.
Multiple coats of a polyurethane sealer, such as Minwax or Waterlox, are essential to keeping moisture at bay. Or, opt for a varnish that brings out the beauty in every grain while sealing the surface from water and stains. You can even find combined stain and sealers to achieve your desired look while still giving your wood countertop plenty of protection.
Many homeowners are opting for a matte finish as opposed to a high gloss option, especially if the countertops are being used in a kitchen setting as a butcher block island. In these instances, an FDA-approved mineral oil can keep the product moisture-, heat- and stain-resistant.
Pro tip: If you’re doing cutouts for plumbing or fixtures, be sure to seal inside holes and around the edges of the wood countertop to keep things watertight!
Hardwood for Bar Tops, Island Tops & Beyond
Wood countertops don’t just look great in the bathroom. They can add depth and character to any room they find a place in, whether that’s the kitchen, bar, laundry room or even as table tops.
An end grain butcher block kitchen island can be a showstopper! Just keep in mind that in the kitchen, additional precautions need to be taken to protect your wood surfaces. You will have to use a food-safe sealer on any wood counters that will be used for food preparation.
Bob Vila has some great tips on how to care for butcher block kitchen countertops, including stain removal and refinishing. And be sure to check out our Guide to Hardwood in Your Kitchen for more inspiration!
Butcher Block vs. Plank Style Tops
What is the difference between butcher block and plank style?
Traditional butcher block is constructed of small pieces of wood face-glued together with the edge grain showing. Its functionality and durability are widely known. Butcher block counters can take a lot of punishment and won’t dull your knives, which is why they’re so often used for cutting boards.
Plank style tops, by comparison, have the face grain showing and deliver a more elegant appearance. The boards are usually between three and six inches wide, and the face grain’s exposure highlights the beauty of the natural wood and results in a relatively even color throughout the top. Wide plank countertops are not as hard as butcher block countertops, but are becoming increasingly popular.
Additional Countertop Options From Baird Brothers
Whether you want a complete DIY solid wood countertop project or need some help along the way, Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods is here for you!
Additional, customizable options include mitered tops/straight jointed (Festool connectors included), sink and faucet cutouts, CNC setup (circle tops, radius edges, copenhagen corners, etc.), routered edges (bullnose must be done on a CNC) and waterfall edges.
Choosing an Edge Profile for Your Wood Countertop
We can customize your wide plank or butcher block countertops with a variety of edge profiles. With 12 to choose from, and custom options available upon request, we’re certain to have what you’re looking for with your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the difference between roundover, waterfall and table edge. One of our experts can walk you through every option!
A High-End Wood Grain Look Even on a DIY Budget
Wooden countertops offer a beautiful, natural aesthetic with unmatched craftsmanship, all while being more budget-friendly than granite or marble. Small nicks can easily be fixed with wood filler, and proper treatment and care can help hardwood countertops last a lifetime for a fraction of the price of stone.
When it’s time to give your kitchen or bathroom a makeover, consider a beautiful wood countertop from Baird Brothers. “It’s what pops in the bathroom,” Jessica says about her new countertop.
No matter the style, wood species or finish, Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods has the answers you need. Give us a call at 1-800-732-1697 or visit us at www.bairdbrothers.com.
