Hardwood

Unrivaled for its natural beauty and warmth hardwood is often included as a kitchen countertop. A kitchen may have all wood countertops or may contain special areas for food prep that have a hardwood surface. Your surface may be made of lacquered hardwood (veneered), end-grain wood (butcher block), or oiled planks of solid wood. Hard Maple, Red Oak, and Teak are the recommended hardwoods for counters. The Hardwood Manufacturers Association suggests the use of Hard Maple or Eastern Hardrock Sugar Maple as the best hardwood to use for a butcher block cutting board. You can link to the Hardwood Manufacturers' Association for more information on natural hardwood countertops.

According to Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London DK Home Design Workbooks "Kitchen", by Johnny Grey, the following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of these types of wood countertops.

Lacquered (Veneered)
Advantages
· wide range of colors and grains
· custom match finish
· reasonably priced
Disadvantages
· liquids may dissolve the lacquer
· knife cuts damage surface
· least durable wood surface

End-Grain Wood (Blocks)
Advantages
· dense material that wears evenly
· knife cuts do not damage surface
· blade grips on surface--safer to use
Disadvantages
· counter may warp
· absorbs strong flavors
· contraction and expansion may crack surface

Oiled Wood (Planks)
Advantages
· "more resistant to heat than lacquered wood"
· withstands knocks due to flexibility
· easy to maintain with sanding and oil
Disadvantages
· warping and cracking
· not a good chopping surface
· may be expensive

Remember that wood is sensitive to humidity and water, which may cause it to expand, contract or warp. Therefore it is important that seams are sealed and that it is kept as dry as possible if used around water--do not put it over your dishwasher. Your decision to use wood, whether it is the entire countertop or just a section, requires upkeep. Keep it sealed or treat it with mineral oil, beeswax or polyurethane products specifically made for food-preparation surfaces.