The Natural Beauty of 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.

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, solid wood, custom plank 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 helped 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 hardwood countertops there are steps that homeowners should take in order to protect the integrity of the hardwood, especially if the product will be used in areas where water is present (after all, wood and humidity aren’t exactly a great mix). Without proper treatment, any wood will be subject to warping. 

Stains, Polyurethane and Oil Finishes

Depending on the look you want to achieve, a variety of stain colors are available (and can be used on any species, like white oak, red oak, 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. 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 finish, 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.

Remember, if you’re doing cutouts for plumbing or fixtures, be sure to seal inside holes and around the edges of the wood countertop.

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, such as the kitchen, bar or laundry room. 

An end grain butcher block kitchen island can be a show stopper! 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 countertop 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. It’s durability is widely known. Butcher block counters can take a lot of punishment and won’t dull your knives, which is why these types of cutting boards are very typical. 

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 wood and results in a relatively even color throughout the top. Plank tops 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

Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods can customize your 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 will be happy to explain all of your choices!

A High-End Wood Grain Look Even on a DIY Budget

Wood is one of the most budget-friendly materials for a home improvement project and can also be one of the most forgiving! 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, type of wood, or size, 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