There’s something undeniably special about solid wood worktops. Made from real timber, they introduce a unique aesthetic and personality to a kitchen.
They can seamlessly fit into a wide range of kitchen styles thanks to the numerous wood choices and finish options available. What's more, they're a great investment too – if you look after solid wood kitchen worktops properly, they will easily last as long as your kitchen.
Despite their good looks and durability, however, it's worth noting that solid wood worktops might not be the right choice for everyone due to budget considerations or ongoing maintenance. To find out if they are the best option for your space, we've put together an expert guide to give you the lowdown on the pros and cons of this natural worktop option.
Why choose a solid wood worktop?
Solid wood worktops are a popular and cost-effective option when designing a kitchen. Will Frankling, co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers, briefly explains their makeup: “Solid wood worktops are crafted from staves (plank or block) of timber joined together, offering natural warmth and character.”
Popular choices include oak, walnut, beech, and ash, each with its own characteristics that allow the wood's natural grain and colour to remain visible. He adds, “They are ideal for traditional kitchens, islands, or breakfast bars where tactile texture is desired.”
Will Frankling co-founded Kitchen Makeovers in 2018. With over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution providing a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
Pros of solid wood worktops
1. Long lasting
Solid wood worktops can last for years, but they will need to be looked after, says Steve Larkin, kitchen expert and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub. “Even though they do require maintenance and oiling, solid wood worktops can last for a long time.” When they are not looking their best and need a refresh. Larkins adds, “They can be sanded down and re-oiled to restore their condition.”
2. Natural aesthetic
The beauty of solid wood lies in its natural finish, as Will Frankling shares, “Nothing quite mimics the organic warmth and unique grain patterns of real timber. It adds instant character to a sterile room and actually improves with age, developing a rich patina that synthetic materials cannot replicate.”
3: Hygenic properties
Solid wooden worktops have natural antibacterial properties, which makes them a good choice for your kitchen worktop ideas, explains Steve Larkin. “Solid wood worktops are a good choice for food preparation areas. It is estimated that the majority of bacteria placed on a wooden surface will begin to die in minutes.”
Steve Larkin is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub with years of experience in kitchen design, carpentry and fitting. Kitchen Door Hub are passionate about helping homeowners craft their dream spaces and are with them for every step of their renovation journey.
Cons of solid wood worktops
1. Ongoing maintenance
While solid wood worktops can last for years, they are high-maintenance, shares Will Frankling: “Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it reacts to moisture. This means it requires regular oiling (every few months) to seal the surface.” Forgetting or avoiding regular maintenance will bring downsides, he continues, “Solid wood can warp, blacken, or rot, particularly around sink areas where water sits.”
Steve Larkin points out to watch out for this key situation: “If you drop water onto the worktop and it immediately sinks into the surface, this is an indicator that the wood needs to be resealed," he explains.
2. Soft surface
Wood, by its very nature, has a softer surface than worktop materials like stone, which means it can be damaged more easily than other surfaces, as Will points out: “It will dent if heavy pots are dropped on it and can scorch if hot pans are placed directly on the surface.”
Steve Larkin adds, “Wood is vulnerable to scratches or dents. For this reason, you should not chop food directly on the surface, as this can leave marks on the surface.”
Typical costs of solid wood worktops
If you're looking for new worktops or are considering the cost of replacing kitchen worktops, it's worth knowing that the prices for solid wood worktops vary widely depending on several factors. The size and material are two of the key factors. “A solid wood worktop can cost between £100 and £900 per unit, but this will vary depending on the type of wood, width of the stave and the worktop thickness," says Steve Larkin.
“Budget wooden worktops are usually made from beech, ash or oak, with mid-range worktops being made from prime oak or walnut. Premium solid wood worktops will be made from full-stave oak (solid, wide planks of wood," he adds. "Common woods like beech are cheaper than exotic woods, and butcher block staves (narrow planks) are generally cheaper than full staves.”
So what can you expect to pay? Low-end prices start at around £150-£300 for a 3m length (such as this Solid Wood Oak Worktop from B&Q).
“Mid-range solid wood worktops start at around £650 per 3m length," says Will Frankling, but again, prices can vary depending on brand and quality.
At the top end of the market, solid wood worktops such as Super Stave Walnut or Full Stave Oak can cost £600+ for a metre. Again, the quality and complexity will affect prices. Shop around, check local hardware stores for more common solid wood worktops and look out for local specialist suppliers for premium worktops.
Try these solid wood worktops for your next kitchen update
Crafted from premium-grade beech wood, this worktop showcases the rich, warm tones that only genuine beech can provide.
A durable solid wood, farmhouse oak worktop, designed in the classic Butcher Block style. Adds a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to any kitchen style.
With rich tones and unique grain patterns, this heavy duty European Walnut worktop comes with square edges and a one year guarantee.
Additional considerations for solid wood worktops
Ongoing maintenance
Solid wood worktops do require regular attention, although this isn't difficult. If you buy a factory-finished solid wood worktop, it will be ready to use. However, if you buy an untreated worktop, you need to seal it before use.
Afterwards, it's simply a matter of regular wipe-downs with soap and water. Whether you have wooden worktops throughout or just as part of your kitchen island ideas, to keep a solid wood worktop in good condition, you will need to reseal it periodically. The frequency depends on the quality of the initial sealing. As a general guideline, I suggest resealing every two or three months at first, then annually, depending on how much it’s used.
Heat resistance
“It’s always worth remembering that solid wood worktops are generally heat resistant, but they can still be damaged by heat," says Steve Larkin. “The wooden surface can withstand a moderate amount of heat from a pan, but it is still best to use heat mats to protect the worktop.”
Ideally, don’t leave a hot pan on a solid wood surface for more than a few seconds. I leave pans to cool on the stove before placing them on a bare solid worktop. If a pan leaves a mark, you will need to sand it and seal it as soon as possible.
Dealing with marks and stains
As is the case with other materials such as Corian worktops, maintenance is key to stopping stains. If you do not regularly maintain a solid wooden worktop, it is more prone to staining or marking. The simple solution is to wipe away any stains as quickly as possible.
Will Frankling says, “Strong pigments, such as curry and wine, will stain quickly if the seal is compromised.”
The lighter the wood, the more obvious the stain, so ideally, you want to choose a darker solid worktop (like this Solid Wood Walnut Worktop from B&Q) if it fits your budget and design choices. If a worktop does stain, a tinted oil will help even out the mark.
New solid wood worktops are an essential addition to any kitchen renovation. Learn how to get the most out of them with these kitchen layout ideas and small kitchen ideas.
