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Countertops

Maintaining the Beauty and Durability of Your Custom Wood Countertops

Charlie · July 6, 2023 ·

Wood countertops bring warmth, character, and a unique aesthetic to any kitchen. 

With proper care, these natural masterpieces can last a lifetime. In this guide, we’ll cover how to maintain, repair, and compare wood countertops to other popular materials.

Choosing Wood Countertops Has Long-Term Benefits

The Aesthetic of Wood

Wood offers a timeless beauty that is hard to replicate. Its natural grain, color variations, and depth add an organic touch to your kitchen.

Functional Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, wood countertops are easy on your knives and resilient to wear when properly cared for.

Hardwoods in Our Shop

We specialize in several types of hardwoods, each with unique properties. This variety ensures there’s a wood countertop for every taste and requirement.

Basic Care and Maintenance for Wood Countertops

Daily Cleaning

Avoid abrasive cleaners which can damage your countertop’s finish.

Instead, use mild soap and water for daily cleaning. Wipe the surface dry after cleaning to prevent water stains and warping.

Periodic Maintenance

Oiling your countertop regularly (about once a month) maintains its luster and prevents it from drying out. 

Use food-grade mineral oil or a specially designed butcher block oil for best results.

Long-Term Maintenance

Every few years, it might be necessary to sand the countertop surface to remove any deeper scratches or soaked-in stains. 

After sanding, apply a generous coat of oil to restore its finish.

Sealing and Resealing Your Wood Countertop

Importance of Sealing

Sealing is crucial for preventing water damage and stains on your wood countertop. A well-sealed countertop is also easier to clean.

Sealing Process

Apply a layer of sealer evenly over the countertop and allow it to penetrate the wood. After it dries, apply a second coat for extra protection.

Re-sealing Your Countertop

Over time, the sealer may wear off. You’ll know it’s time to re-seal when water no longer beads up on the surface.

Fixing Minor Repairs on Your Woodtops

Identifying Minor Damages

Small scratches, dents, or light stains can be fixed at home with some simple steps.

Deeper scratches, large grooves or heavy staining may require more professional attention.

Repairing Minor Damage

For minor scratches or dents, sand the area gently until the damage is gone. Then, reapply oil to the sanded area.

DIY Repair Precautions

Always sand along the grain of the wood and avoid pressing down too hard to prevent further damage.

Wood Countertops Vs Other Materials

While granite, marble, and quartz have their advantages, wood countertops provide a warm, organic aesthetic that these materials can’t match.

Choosing wood countertops can also be an environmentally friendly choice as wood is a renewable resource.

With proper care, your wood countertop can remain a beautiful centerpiece in your kitchen for years to come. 

Should you have any further questions or require professional assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Live Edge + Resin Countertops and Bar Tops

Charlie · March 14, 2023 ·

While many people have grown fond of custom wood countertops, those who want something even more unique have begun utilizing a live edge + resin countertop style.

This style of countertop is perfect for those who love natural and organic styles in the kitchen and home and appreciate the unique character each piece of wood offers. It also allows a pop of color to add flair and highlight the organic look of natural wood.

What Are Live Edge + Resin Countertops?

Live edge countertops offer a style of countertop which has a natural edge on the wood as opposed to a straight edge which is usually cut and sanded smooth.

This style is gaining in popularity because it shows the unique characteristics of the wood such as knots, burls and other naturally occurring features.

When this live edge is combined with a colorful resin, the live edge can take on a more unique beauty and it becomes preserved with that natural edge of the wood while adding a glossy, durable finish fit for daily use.

The final product is a one-of-a-kind countertop which shows the natural beauty of the wood, a splash of color from the resin, and all the while providing durability, utility and resistance to stains you would expect from traditional countertops.

How Are They Made?

The process of creating a live edge + resin countertop involves taking a raw piece of wood to begin with—very minimal pieces are trimmed away to keep the most natural look and feel.

Next, the piece of wood will be cut to the proper size for the countertop. If the countertop will be a waterfall style, it will be trimmed to have both sides cascading down, as well, and lined up appropriately to meet the corners and floor.

The next step is choosing the color of resin you want. Once chosen, the resin is added to the countertop by first filling the edges, holes and knots. Finally, the resin covers the entire piece of wood and is smoothed out across the entire surface.

Once the resin has cured, the last step is to sand, smooth and polish the resin to a glossy finish, then install it in the kitchen.

Do They Require Extra Maintenance?

These types of countertops do require an extra amount of maintenance. While they should never require any recoating, regular polishing can help keep the durability and glossy finish looking its best.

Because of regular use, small scratches, nicks, and other minor imperfections can allow water or other moisture to rest on the surface. Polishing enables you to keep these foreign substances clear and the surface smooth.

After the first few weeks, you should only need to maintain the countertop approximately once per month.

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Woodshp QC | 5019 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 | Phone: 704-940-0346

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