Hey everyone! I'm planning to replace my kitchen countertops with a butcher block and I've narrowed it down to two options: 1) unfinished solid wood countertops that I'll seal with Tung Oil or Waterlox, or 2) Ikea veneer countertops, which I'll strip of their wax finish and seal similarly. I'm really curious about whether it makes a significant difference which type of wood I choose. I live in Toronto, where the humidity and temperature change quite a bit, from hot summers to freezing winters. I'm also considering the fact that these countertops will be around my sink, and while I plan to take all the usual sealing precautions, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks in advance for your input!
1 Answer
I'd definitely go with solid wood for your countertops. Edge-grain or face-grain butcher block is the way to go. Veneer just can't match the durability and look of solid wood. I've got a mix of Corian and butcher block in my kitchen, and while Corian is holding up okay, it can't compete with solid wood in terms of performance—no glue separation or scratches like I'd expect with veneer. If you're set on wood, just stick with solid; otherwise, look into a synthetic option like Corian.
Just a heads up, Corian is a solid material and can be sanded down, while veneer will chip and scratch. If you want a wooden look, go with end grain butcher block! Just remember to keep it dry and maintain it regularly.