I'm planning to make a countertop for our kitchen, but my wife is against the idea. She believes that countertops need to be sealed every couple of years, while I think it's not necessary. Who's right?
4 Answers
It kind of depends on your finish choice, doesn't it? What were you thinking of using?
Actually, both of you might be off a bit. Countertops usually need sealing every 6 to 12 months based on how much they’re used. It's all about maintenance!
As a woodworker, I have to chime in that wooden countertops do need sealing every couple of years, particularly in kitchens where there's a lot of use and water exposure. I really dislike refinishing kitchens because it can be super disruptive. The type of product you use makes a difference, but with kitchen counters, wear and tear is pretty much inevitable.
It really comes down to what kind of sealant you use. I used to make countertops professionally, and we used Rubio Monocoat, which we claimed only needed a fresh coat every 7 to 10 years. In my experience, we never had to refinish them during the time I worked there. If you opt for a sturdy finish like polyurethane, you'll likely be looking at similar maintenance. But if you use a simple oil finish, then yeah, you might need to do touch-ups every year or so. It’s also about how you maintain it—heavy wear and tear can lead to more frequent sealing needs.
We're still just discussing options, nothing decided yet!