I have oak worktops and they do need re oiling every few months. It doesn’t take long and I do mine in the evening so the worktop is dry by morning. I was going to have mine changed to quartz but the cost was huge and I had a bit of a wobble! So I decided to keep the oak and just oil it more often. I did have black marks around the sink which I removed with oxalic acid. You have to wear a proper mask and gloves but it really does work. Then I used Osmo top oil to finish it. That is the only real drawback as wood and water just don’t mix.

So basically don’t have wood around a sink if possible, but other areas are okay. I do have glass worktop savers to protect the wood. I do love quartz though so worth considering if the budget allows.

We always say to our customers to think carefully before having them. We’ve seen laminate worktops absolutely flooded with water. Some people just don’t wipe up after themselves.

Personally I wouldn’t give them the time of day. Don’t like them even though I sell them. I just think they’re boring and I am so sorry to everyone who has them because it’s a case of each to their own.

There‘s so much choice out there but at the end of the day it is your kitchen and if it’s something you genuinely love then have them, but be prepared for maintenance.

Thank you for both of your replies. Sonia - that’s very helpful to know about the black masks and yes, reoiling is something I’ll be prepared to do. Daisy, thank you for your input - each to their own, I think paired with the right cabinets, wood worktops can look beautiful.

There certainly is a warmth about wooden worktops that many other materials just cannot replicate 😊

Hello, I think solid wood worktops look stunning. I had them in my old house and for the 2 years I was there I did not have to re-oil them at all because I looked after them well. I did not put anything hot straight on to them and I made sure all water and splash marks were wiped down straight away. One good thing about wooden tops is that if you do mark them you know it will come out by sanding and re-oiling them. You already know that wooden worktops are not as practical as quartz but they do bring warmth to an interior and look really striking when paired with the right colours. If this is what you have your heart set on then go for it but I would advise taking extra care with having children. You may decide that you want to have a quartz top in the areas where you have got your sink and hob and then keep the wooden tops to an area you do not use so much. I use wooden overhangs a lot in my designs where I have got casual seating such as on an island or breakfast bar. This works really well and does look really effective especially if you have got other bits of oak or walnut within your kitchen.

I've had wood worktops (maple) for over 20 years and they are still going strong and look lovely. I've re-oiled them about half a dozen times. I had them sanded back about 4 years ago, after I'd neglected them for a few years, to get rid of some tea/coffee stains. They came up beautifully. The sink is set on the wood and it's been fine but we're pretty good about wiping up around it. The stove, however, has eucalyptus granite either side of it (galley kitchen with hob one side and sink the other). I think my wooden work surface will outlast me!

Thank you for your replies...all much appreciated. Sonia & Hannah - that’s exactly it about the warmth; it will make a big difference to the feel of our kitchen. Hannah...interesting idea about the different worktops, hadn’t thought of that.
JC, thank you - that’s very reassuring and helpful.

Think I’m being swayed! :) I’ll try to remember to post a picture once we’ve decided and it’s done!

I love wood worktops, and as a natural product they bring lovely warmth to a kitchen. I have had them myself and didn't find them a problem. The main issue I would have is the actual colour or warmth that they give. Any oil will react with UV light and yellow to a degree, so the colour of the wood to start with is really important. Oak whilst lovely is already quite golden and will really deepen with time. The easiest oils are those that can be reapplied over the odd scratch so whitened oils are not a good idea. Oak with clear oil may go a colour you might not like so much. I would look at different woods and get lots of samples.Another alternative is to add earthiness in tiles such as slate or stone. If you look at Rustic Kitchens on Pinterest there are some lively examples.

Thanks, Colourhappy.....out of interest, have you much experience with walnut worktops, and, if so, oil recommendations?

Good tip re other natural materials - due to various reasons the worktop is probably the place that makes most sense in which to go ‘natural’

Thanks

RustIns or Liberon tung oil is what you need to apply. Liberon tends to look slightly lighter in colour as opposed to Rustins.

I've always used Rustins Danish Oil on mine.

And apply it with soft cloths - I keep a stash of worn-out white t-shirts for this purpose.