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Design Dilemma Renovating Kitchens

Timber kitchen benchtops - how durable are they?

8 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We're rookies to the land of kitchen renovations! I love the idea of timber benchtops but hubby says timber in a kitchen will mark/stain/burn/dent. I just assumed it would be treated/coated to be hardwearing? Also, what are the cost comparisons for timber, granite, quartz and caesarstone? Just need to know which are the cheapest really. Thanks for your help!

Comments (5)

Brandi Nash Hicks
8 years ago
Here is an idea...and just remember boats have timber ...so water is not an issue ...butcher block is made for cutting,my love is for quartz but if you need an easy very affordable option here is inspiration photo
Lucinda Dawe thanked Brandi Nash Hicks
Gioenne Rapisarda
8 years ago
Hey Lucinda - they are quite popular! Check out all the photos on Houzz: http://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen/query/timber-benchtop

Also, there are some editorial pieces that you might find helpful and interesting:

https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/which-benchtop-material-will-take-you-to-kitchen-island-paradise-stsetivw-vs~47236118

https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/find-your-ideal-kitchen-benchtop-right-here-stsetivw-vs~25861804

https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/12-stylish-and-smart-cantilevered-kitchen-benches-stsetivw-vs~30981916

Hope this helps!! :)
Lucinda Dawe thanked Gioenne Rapisarda
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Ruth
8 years ago
We had a benchtop made from rimu, a NZ native, of medium hardness. We had the bench for 25 years. It became a little damaged over the years, splitting a little next to the oven, but it was always warm and homely.
Lucinda Dawe thanked Ruth
Jacey Eve
6 years ago
We went for timber benchtops from ikea for our last kitchen reno. Have had them about 18months now and really love them. Everyone who comes into our kitchen admires the benchtops first of all. They have marked: some scorch marks where i accidentally put down a hot saucepan lid, a couple of very light scuffs from where my husband dumped his tools heavily on the counter. But I like that kind of lived in feel. If you like perfect/pristine look I would suggest something other than timber. Even glulam super varnished counters don't stay pristine. But they really do give a lovely warmth and dare I say elegance to the kitchen, and I'm pretty sure we're going to go for the same option in our next kitchen (moving house soon!).
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House of Kitchens
6 years ago
Have you considered a timber look laminate - super durable and definitely the least expensive option. Unfortunately real timber does need a little care and maintenance, especially around wet areas.

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