When Do Wood Countertops Make Sense?

In a kitchen full of stone countertops, we love the warmth and variety that wood countertops can introduce to just about any space. But because they're much softer than the typical stone countertop and can dent or scratch easily, we don’t advise the placement of wood countertops just anywhere. 

Below, we have 3 placement ideas from Randy, as well as some advice on the type of wood countertop to choose for your home. 

Finished vs. Unfinished Countertops 

Before purchasing a wood countertop, it’s important to know the difference between the two varieties available: finished and unfinished. 

Just as you might think, finished wood countertops have been treated with a sealant that protects the wood from moisture, stains, and wear. Finished wood countertops are more durable, easier to maintain over time, and less susceptible to damage. 

Unfinished wood countertops, on the other hand, aren’t protected by sealants. While this may better show off the wood's natural texture, it makes them more susceptible to damage from water, stains, and scratches. Unfinished countertops might be chosen for areas where style is prioritized over functionality, or where the countertop won't be exposed to heavy use.

Recommendations For Placement 

1. In the kitchen, as an accent piece 

Wood countertops help break up the monotony of stone on all of your kitchen’s surfaces. We’ve seen wood countertops used as a focal point in a specific area of your kitchen– particularly in lower-touch zones. Finished wood is recommended here to ensure longevity and resistance to typical kitchen activities.

2. In eating areas, not cooking areas 

Wood countertops are perfect for eating areas, such as breakfast nooks or bar seating, because they’re still able to serve as a focal point without the risk of exposure to heat or sharp knives. Again, opting for a finished surface will help protect against spills and wear.

3. Outside of the kitchen 

Beyond the kitchen, wood countertops can be great additions to other areas of your home, too. We’ve seen beautiful entryways or mudrooms featuring wood countertops, as well as surfaces in living or dining spaces that connect to the kitchen. Bathroom countertops are a common option as well! 

We love the style and variety that wood countertops bring to the home so much that when it came time to replace the island countertop in our showroom, we opted for a finished wood countertop from Grothouse. 

If you’re interested in incorporating a wood countertop into your kitchen design, we’d love to chat! Be sure to stop by our showroom or contact us directly to talk more.

Before & Afters: How the Power of Design Influences the Kitchen

There’s nothing better than finishing up a kitchen remodel after months of design consults, planning, and construction. But the best part of the remodeling process? The reveal. The following Northern Vermont kitchens were remodeled in the latter half of 2023, and we’re particularly thrilled with the results! From the team at Dovetail Designs, we wanted to share a few before & after photos from each project— you can see what a difference updated design can make to transform a space!

Style meets efficiency in this Charlotte Kitchen

With its mid-tone painted cabinetry, this Charlotte kitchen is the perfect blend of style and functionality. We added Quartz countertops and commercial appliances to elevate the style of the space while ensuring top-notch performance for years to come.

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South Burlington Kitchen Transformation

This traditional South Burlington kitchen was upgraded to include soft gray painted cabinets and Quartz countertops that breathe new life into the space. We also included a Shaker style door to enhance its timeless charm.

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