Which Wood is Right for Your Custom Wood Countertops? 

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When you decide to have custom wood countertops, then the species that you choose will be one of the first choices that you have to make.  There are many different options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.  These will help to determine the appearance and function of your counter.  The most popular types of custom wood countertops are pine, cherry, oak, and maple.  Have a look at several samples of each wood to give you an idea of the distinctive character of the various species. 

You should also educate yourself regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each, so that you’ll know that you’re choosing the right options for your kitchen custom wood countertops.  If you are going to be matching your custom  wood countertops to wood cabinets, don’t forget to bring one of the doors in with you as you view the samples so that you can make sure that you will be opting for the right shade.  If you’re not matching your cabinets, then you have three major considerations to keep in mind, beyond the actual look and color of the wood.  These are: durability, finishing and maintenance, and cost.

Pine custom wood countertops

When it comes to custom wood countertops, pine is one of the most commonly chosen species of wood because so many houses have pine cabinets and wish to match their counters to the existing cabinetry.  This wood has a distinctive color with a yellow tone and rich brown knots.  It is a soft wood and has pleasant grains for staining, making it easy to match the color precisely to other woods in the kitchen.  Custom wood countertops in pine are a good choice for a service area, but if the surface is used for food prep, you will need to take very special care not to damage it.  This is because it is easily dented and marked due to its softness. In terms of cost, pine is on the low end of the scale for wood counters.

Cherry custom wood countertops

Another popular choice for custom wood countertops for kitchens is cherry wood.  Home improvements that involve cherry allow for the distinctive range of red colors.  Marks tend to show easily on cherry wood, but it is a harder wood so it can take a bit more knocking around before a dent is left behind.  Cherry custom wood countertops are considered a more high-end material, but they also provide a great deal of unique value.

Maple and oak custom wood countertops

Though maple and oak are two very different woods, they have a lot in common in terms of their use for custom wood countertops as they are among the most durable options.  They are able to withstand a number of bumps and smacks without showing any flaws.  They are also easily stained so that they can match your kitchen décor.  While oak has a gold to reddish color, maple has pale colors and an even grain.  The price of these materials is in the mid-range when compared to other species.

By considering your design, function, and budget requirements, you will be able to give yourself an advantage in deciding which wood is best for your custom wood countertops.

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