Wooden Worktops and Surfaces
There's something special about wooden worktops. They bring warmth and natural beauty to any kitchen. I'm Michael from Kudos Kitchens, and over the years I've seen how a timber worktop can turn a good kitchen into something really special.
Whether you're looking for a full kitchen worktop, an island top, or just a small section to add character, wooden surfaces are hard to beat. They feel good to touch, look better as they age, and each piece tells its own story through the natural grain.
Our Mansfield customers often tell us how much they love the way their wooden worktops make their kitchen feel more homely. Contact us today.
Why Choose Wooden Worktops?
Natural Beauty That Improves With AgeUnlike many materials, wood gets better looking over time. It develops a patina that adds character. And if it does get scratched or damaged, it can be sanded and re-oiled to look new again. "One of our first customers in Mansfield had us install oak worktops seven years ago," Emma remembers. "We went back recently to fit some extra units, and the worktops looked amazing - so much richer in colour than when they were new." |
Warm and TactileNothing feels as nice under your hands as wood. It's naturally warm to the touch, unlike stone or composite materials. This makes it pleasant to work on, especially in winter. |
Easy to Work With and ModifyWe can cut wooden worktops to any size or shape on site. This makes them ideal for unusual spaces or if you want something like a curved breakfast bar. Last year, we had a tricky job in Warsop where the kitchen had walls that weren't square. With a wooden worktop, we were able to scribe it perfectly to the wall for a seamless fit. |
Affordable LuxuryCompared to materials like granite or quartz, wooden worktops give you a premium look at a more affordable price. A standard oak worktop is about half the price of a mid-range quartz surface. |
Wooden Worktops vs Other Materials
It's good to know how wood compares to other popular worktop materials.
Wood vs Laminate
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Wood vs Stone/Quartz
A family in Warsop had us install a mixed material kitchen with quartz around the cooking area and wood for the breakfast bar and island. This gave them the best of both worlds - heat resistance where needed and the warmth of wood where they sit and socialise. |
Types of Wood for Kitchen Worktops
Not all wood is the same when it comes to worktops. Each type has its own look and properties.
Oak WorktopsOak is our most requested timber worktop in the Mansfield area, and it's easy to see why. It's strong, has a lovely grain pattern, and works with almost any kitchen style. "We put an oak worktop in a customer's home in Sutton-in-Ashfield last month," Emma tells me. "They had a very modern blue kitchen, and the oak added just the right amount of warmth to balance things out. It's so versatile." Oak comes in different forms:
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Walnut WorktopsWalnut gives you a darker, more luxurious look. It's got beautiful grain patterns and a rich colour that darkens slightly over time. Last year we fitted a walnut worktop in a period property in Ravenshead. The deep tones worked perfectly with the traditional style of the house and the customers are still sending us photos of how it's developing a lovely patina. Walnut does need a bit more TLC than oak, but the results are worth it. |
Iroko WorktopsIroko is sometimes called "African teak" and it's a great choice if you want something different. It's naturally oily which makes it good for areas near sinks. "The golden-brown colour of iroko always surprises people," Emma says. "It starts quite yellow but ages to a lovely deep honey colour." We installed an iroko worktop for a keen cook in Clay Cross who wanted something that would stand up to heavy use. Two years on, and it's looking even better than when we first put it in. |
Beech WorktopsBeech is light, even-toned and very hard-wearing. It's also one of the more affordable options, making it popular with customers in places like Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Hucknall who want the look of wood without breaking the bank. It has a subtle grain that works well in smaller kitchens where stronger patterns might be too much. |
Exotic and Unusual WoodsWe've worked with some really special timbers too:
A doctor in Chesterfield had us install a zebrano breakfast bar in her kitchen - it became the talking point of the whole house! |
How Wooden Worktops Are Made
The way a wooden worktop is constructed affects both how it looks and how it stands up to daily use.
Full Stave Construction
This is the premium option. Full stave worktops use wide planks of timber that run the full length of the worktop. This shows off the natural beauty of the wood and means fewer joins.
"When we fitted a full stave oak island in Edwinstowe," Michael recalls, "the customer could not believe the difference between it and the standard construction they'd seen elsewhere. The wider planks show off the character of the wood so much better."
They do cost more though - about 30-40% more than standard construction.
Standard Construction (Three-Stave)
Most wooden worktops are made from strips of timber (usually 40mm wide) glued together. This is strong and stable, and is the most affordable way to get a real wood worktop.
The joined strips create an interesting pattern, and any movement in the wood is limited by this construction method.
End Grain Butcher Blocks
These are made by standing small blocks of wood on their end and gluing them together. This creates a checkerboard pattern and a very hard-wearing surface that's perfect for food preparation.
We fitted one as part of a kitchen in Ollerton for a customer who does lots of baking. It's holding up beautifully to all the rolling and chopping!
Edge Grain Options
The edge of your worktop can be finished in different ways:
- Square edge - simple and modern
- Rounded - softer and safer, good for families
- Bullnose - fully rounded for a traditional look
- Bevelled - with an angled edge for a subtle detail
Wooden Worktops in Mansfield and Beyond
Living in the Mansfield area means you probably have a mix of modern and traditional homes nearby. Wooden worktops work in both settings.
Local Styles and Preferences
In the older properties in places like Ravenshead and Berry Hill, traditional oak and walnut worktops complement the character features.
For the newer homes in Rainworth and Forest Town, mixing wooden worktops with modern units creates a contemporary look that's not too clinical.
"The mix of old and new in Mansfield makes it interesting for us," Michael says. "We've put similar oak worktops in both a Victorian terrace in Mansfield Woodhouse and a brand new build in Oak Tree, and they looked completely different in each setting."
Adapting to Local Conditions
The East Midlands has quite changeable weather, with damp winters and occasionally hot summers. Wood is a natural material and will respond to changes in humidity.
For our local customers, we always recommend a slightly more frequent oiling schedule during winter when central heating can dry out the wood. And in areas like Pleasley Hill where there are older properties that might be damper, we recommend a good quality sealant to protect from moisture.
Installing Wooden Worktops
Getting the installation right is crucial for the long-term performance of your wooden worktop.
Proper Support Requirements
Wooden worktops are heavier than laminate but lighter than stone. Still, they need proper support, especially if they include cutouts for sinks or hobs.
"We always make sure there's support every 600mm," Michael explains. "And around sink cutouts, we add extra reinforcement to prevent any warping over time."
For a customer in Huthwaite, we added extra support brackets on a peninsula breakfast bar that extended beyond the base units. Five years later, it's still perfectly level with no sagging.
Movement Allowance
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. We need to allow for this during installation.
We typically use slotted brackets to fix worktops to cabinets, which allow the wood to move slightly without causing damage.
For a recent job in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, we had to fit a wooden worktop wall-to-wall in a alcove. We left a small expansion gap at each end and covered it with a trim piece that allowed the wood to move unseen.
Sink and Hob Cutouts
Cutting holes for sinks and hobs needs special care. The exposed end grain needs proper sealing to prevent water ingress.
We use a special waterproof sealant around all sink cutouts, paying extra attention to the corners where water is most likely to sit.
A customer in Blidworth had us fit a wooden worktop with an undermounted sink. We made sure to apply three extra layers of oil to the cut edge and sealed it thoroughly. Four years on, and there's been no water damage at all.
Joining Worktops
When a kitchen needs multiple sections of worktop joined together, we use specialist worktop bolts and a router to create perfectly matching joint lines.
We always try to position joints where they'll be least noticeable and away from areas of heavy use or water exposure.
Finishing and Sealing Wooden Worktops
The right finish is essential for protecting your worktop and bringing out its natural beauty.
Food-Safe Oil Treatments
All our wooden worktops are finished with food-safe oils. These penetrate the wood to protect it from within rather than just coating the surface.
"We use Danish oil most often," Emma explains. "It's easy to apply, builds up a good protective layer with multiple coats, and is simple for customers to reapply themselves for maintenance."
For a customer in South Normanton who wanted extra protection, we used a hard wax oil which gives a slightly more water-resistant finish while still being food-safe.
Application Process
When we install a wooden worktop, the finishing process is:
- Sand the entire surface to a smooth finish
- Apply first coat of oil thinly and allow to soak in
- Lightly sand between coats with fine paper
- Apply 3-5 more coats, depending on the wood type
- Final buff to a soft sheen
This process takes time but the results are worth it. The worktop gains a depth of colour and a subtle sheen that looks natural, not artificial.
Looking After Your Wooden Worktop
Day-to-Day Care
Looking after a wooden worktop isn't difficult, but it does need some attention:
- Wipe up spills promptly, especially around sinks
- Use trivets or mats for hot pans
- Cut on a chopping board, not directly on the surface
- Clean with a damp cloth, not soaking wet
"Most problems we see are from people not wiping up water around the sink area," Michael says. "A quick wipe after using the sink prevents most issues."
Regular Maintenance
To keep your worktop looking its best:
- Re-oil every 3-6 months, depending on use
- Apply oil more often to areas that get more wear
- Start with every 3 months for the first year, then you can usually extend the time between applications
A teacher in Shirebrook has had her oak worktops for over 8 years now. She oils them just twice a year and they still look fantastic because she established a good base of protection in the first year.
Dealing with Damage
Minor damage can usually be fixed quite easily:
- Light scratches - fine sandpaper and re-oil
- Water marks - gentle sanding and re-oil
- Small burns - can be sanded out
- Deeper damage - can be filled with wood filler that matches the timber
We had a customer in Clipstone who accidentally left a hot pan on their walnut worktop. We were able to carefully sand out the mark and re-oil the area so that it was barely noticeable.
Sustainability and Wooden Worktops
Timber is one of the most eco-friendly worktop options if it comes from responsible sources.
Responsible Sourcing
All our wooden worktops come from FSC or PEFC certified sources. This means the forests are managed responsibly with new trees planted to replace those harvested.
"This is really important to us as a small family business," Emma emphasizes. "We want to make sure what we're selling isn't harming the environment."
Long Lifespan
A well-maintained wooden worktop can last decades, even generations. This makes it a very sustainable choice compared to materials that might need replacing after 10-15 years.
A customer in Farnsfield inherited a house with a 30-year-old wooden worktop that just needed a good sand and re-oil to bring it back to life. Try doing that with most other worktop materials!
End of Life
When a wooden worktop does eventually reach the end of its life, it can be repurposed or will biodegrade naturally, unlike many synthetic alternatives.
Common Questions About Wooden Worktops
How durable are wooden worktops in kitchens?
With proper care, extremely durable. We have customers whose worktops have lasted 20+ years and still look great. The key is regular oiling and prompt attention to any damage.
Hardwoods like oak and iroko are particularly tough and can stand up to busy family life. If you care for them properly, they'll outlast most other parts of your kitchen.
How much do wooden kitchen worktops cost in the UK?
Prices vary depending on the wood type and construction, but as a rough guide:
- Standard oak - from £200-300 per metre for a 600mm wide worktop
- Premium woods like walnut - from £300-450 per metre
- Full stave construction - adds about 30-40% to the price
Installation costs depend on the complexity of the job, but typical installation for a standard kitchen is £400-600.
What is the best wood for kitchen worktops?
The "best" depends on your needs:
- For durability and value - oak
- For water resistance - iroko
- For luxury appearance - walnut
- For light, bright kitchens - maple or ash
- For a unique look - exotic woods like zebrano
For most of our Mansfield customers, we recommend oak as it offers the best balance of durability, appearance and cost.
How do you maintain a wooden kitchen worktop?
Regular maintenance is simple:
- Daily cleaning with a damp cloth
- Wipe up spills quickly, especially around sinks
- Re-oil every 3-6 months
- Sand out any minor damage before it gets worse
We give all our customers a care kit and guide when we install their worktop.
Do wooden worktops need to be oiled?
Yes, oiling is essential. The oil soaks into the wood to protect it from moisture and staining. Without oil, the wood would quickly stain, warp or crack.
However, once a good base of protection is built up (usually after the first 3-4 applications), maintenance becomes very simple.
Can I repair damaged wooden worktops?
Yes! This is one of the major advantages of wood. Minor scratches, burns, or water marks can usually be sanded out and re-oiled to look like new.
More serious damage can be repaired by replacing small sections or filling with matching wood filler.
We recently helped a customer in Tibshelf who had damaged their worktop with a hot pan. A little careful sanding and re-oiling, and you'd never know the damage had happened.
Talk to Us About Your Wooden Worktop Project
We love working with wooden worktops and helping our customers choose the right option for their home and lifestyle.
Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation or just want to replace your existing worktops, we'd be happy to discuss the possibilities.
Visit our Mansfield showroom to see and feel samples of different wood types, or give us a call to arrange a home visit to discuss your specific requirements.
Remember, our showroom operates on an appointment-only basis so we can give you our full attention, so please call ahead to arrange a visit.
Kitchen Renovation Financing
We understand that kitchen renovation can be a significant investment. That's why we've partnered with Dopple to offer flexible financing options:
- Spread the cost over 12-36 months
- 0% interest options available
- Quick approval process
- No deposit required on selected offers
As Emma always says, "Good stone worktops will last 25+ years - that's less than a pound a week when you break it down!"
