Kitchen worktop conundrum :(

8 years ago

Hi all
Ok, I know this is a ridiculously general question, but:
We've got a wooden countertop in the kitchens of our new house.
I HATE IT.
It feels dirty all the time, it rots around the sink (see photo- I got the house like that, nothing major but if not treated....), I can't put anything wet or hot on it (in a kitchen of all places!!) and feel so scared of scratching it accidentally. It has tons of stains from previous owners- these won't sand out, and we've used elbow grease plus a sanding machine. Today, I cleaned next to the splash back- and ALL of the silicone sealing came off (see photo)

I have treated it (sanded down and used specialised oil), but the silicone joint between the worktop and the backsplash is coming off. I read said that because these are two different materials, silicone won't hold and it should have acrylic Grout instead.

Clearly it wasn't attended to by previous owners, but hey ho.
Anyway, enough of me ranting- anyone know of a way to convert the current worktop without actually taking it out? Maybe put tiles over it, or spray/paint it with a material which will make it possible for me to work on it?
If not, how much will changing the worktop cost me? I simply can't afford to redo the kitchen (as we've just spent a fortune on refurbishing the rest of the house which was in a terrible state).

Any advice welcomed! Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

hortonhearsawho2013
8 years ago
Get some quotes to change the worktop and don't waste your money trying to keep/maintain/update something that bugs you so much. Shop around and get the best deal, take exact measurements and possibly photos with you.
Lauren
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It sounds like wood worktops just aren't for you and in the long run I'd probably suggest replacing them.

If it's just not on the cards financially at the moment then here's my method for keeping them in good nick:

Clean the worktops with warm soapy water, dry, then apply mineral oil (also known as liquid paraffin which is used to treat dry skin and can be taken as a laxative so entirely food safe) on them every day till the wood stops absorbing it - usually 3-4 days depending how dry it is. Then place a clean empty glass jar in a pan of hot (not boiling) water, melt pure organic bees wax with mineral oil, leave to set then apply to the counters with a soft cloth. Instructions here:

http://www.woodworkersguide.com/2010/01/30/a-beautiful-beeswax-finish-for-cheap/

The benefit of this is every time it starts feeling a little dry or you get patches on it from water/food etc you can clean with warm soapy water, dry, then touch up with more of the wax and it blends it in beautifully (plus as mentioned its fully food safe). You'll also notice after going through this process that drops of water will now 'pool' on the surface of the wax rather than soak in. Keeping the worktops topped up with wax every 6 weeks or so really helps keep them looking great. I do also use a combination of glass surface savers and trivets for hot items.

The maintinence of wood worktops is always going to be higher than melamine or quartz type surfaces but personally I love the character of wood tops.

This method is only suitable if the surface hasn't previously been treated with poly or varnish but given the description of the stains etc on yours it doesn't sound like it has.

My understanding is that once water has turned wood black there's not a lot you can do except sand it (depending how deep the stains go this might not be practical). Or as in your case since its just around the sink you could maybe buy a larger under-mounted sink, cut out the blackened part and install so you are less likely to end up with water sitting on the wood for long periods of time.

Hope this helps!
Related Discussions
POLL: What's your kitchen worktop material?
Q
Comments (127)
Another vote for Dekton and Sileston Quartz worktops, use them all the time in our projects as so much more forgiving and low maintenance than granite or marble. Agree that Corian is a good option if you have a large island to prevent visible joins, whilst it has other benefits you do need to be very careful when it comes to heat. Vast range of colours and textures in all types nowadays so the type of material shouldn't limit the effect you want to achieve - be that traditional or contemporary. I am always a big advocate that a worktop is an investment, there is no point spending a large sum on a beautiful quality kitchen and then finishing it off with a worktop that won't stand up to time as well as the rest of the room or cheapen the look - I always recommend to go for the best you can afford.
...See More
A design conundrum: should the kitchen and utility room units be the s
Q
Comments (8)
If they're separate rooms I think they can differ the same as any other room in the house as long as it's a cohesive look. You could always go for the same cabinets but different complementary colours. You may also want a different flooring for the utility if it's likely to get very dirty and wet. You might also consider a different and cheaper worktop for the utility if you don't need to consider stains or heat resistance for example. i think either or Is fine though :)
...See More
POLL: Pick a kitchen worktop material!
Q
Comments (30)
Generally it has to be Quartz, though we do love others, as sometimes they can give the right feel for the design you want. Different metals can look amazing and Quartz can't replicate these. We are just starting a project that has mainly Quartz but one side of the island will be copper . . . Can't wait to see the finished look
...See More
Kitchen Layout Conundrum
Q
Comments (5)
I've recently designed a kitchen very similar to your room and they wanted a feature island too, I've attached the images for you to get some ideas for your new space. By going for the L shape with island, rather than U with island, you gain that extra width and everything is to hand so no getting your 10k steps cooking supper. If you remove the back wall, you'll get a very long kitchen which may feel a bit odd and you'd have to plan the layout very carefully to make sure you're not always looking for something on the other side of the island! I like where the Wren design is going, the hob needs a rethink though! What didn't you like about it? If you'd like some help, I offer affordable design packages for all budgets so you can have as much or as little support as you need. We can work through the design together and I can help with sourcing too so you can use really good value and great customer services online places like DIY kitchens and Units Online. Have a look and feel free to get in touch www.thekitchenladyuk.co.uk Good luck Emily
...See More
Jonathan
8 years ago
I think you will find that a great looking laminate worktop will be affordable. Get a quote for installation .
PRO
P & P Maintenance Services
8 years ago
I fit kitchens but hate wooden tops. They are very labour intensive to fit and most people are naive about the long term commitment. I don't think your tops are salvageable. I much prefer good old laminate or quartz. Quartz is an expensive option and I would only recommend if you are having a refit. Laminate is cost effective and quick. Duropal and Axiom make good quality laminate tops. There are many suppliers that will precut them, edge them and even cut masons mitres, which reduces the on-site costs. A 9 metre run including removal and resetting if hob and sink should be under £1000
PRO
Caldicot Kitchen & Bathroom Centre
8 years ago
Unfortunately, when the wood is not properly maintained and gets to this state, not much you can do. As others have said, I would consider replacing altogether - many options then available. I suppose you could line with zinc/stainless steel or copper even, but a replacement will probably give a better final effect and may be less expensive.

Kitchen worktop conundrum :(

Comments (5)

hortonhearsawho2013

Lauren

Related Discussions

Jonathan

P & P Maintenance Services

Caldicot Kitchen & Bathroom Centre

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US