The world of interior design is constantly swayed by trends and fashion. This is especially true for kitchens where designers are always striving to find new materials for worktops and cupboards. As a central room in the house the design of the kitchen is essential; get the design decisions right and it is possible to create a culinary haven, get it wrong and an unhappy home life can ensue. Despite the constant shifts in fashion and trend there is one material that remains timeless and perfect for kitchens, this material is hardwood. But what are the benefits of this material; why should you choose hardwood for the worktops and cupboard in your kitchen?



The look created by the use of hardwood is often nostalgic, harking back to the days of the country kitchen. This however is changing, modern design and manufacturing processes mean that wooden kitchens do not have to be olde worlde; they can be just as contemporary as modern kitchens constructed from glass and steel. Hardwood covers an entire range of woods however, these naturally include oak and beech, but woods such as teak, iroko and cherry are also becoming extremely popular in contemporary design circles. Teak and iroko also have the benefit of natural oils meaning they are particularly water resistant and hence perfect for worktops around the sink.

In terms of storing hardwood worktops before installation it is vital that they should be stored flat and away from direct heat sources such as the sun and radiators. This is because heat tends to warp these natural materials. Before fitting however it is essential to keep the worktops within the kitchen for a week or so, this allows the wood to temper to the conditions within the room meaning they will not bow once they are fitted. In addition, if fitting this material all interior plaster and brickwork should be completely set before installation, wood expands and contracts due to temperature so ensuring that the conditions are right at the time of fitting will prevent any nasty cracks appearing in the kitchen decor.

Hardwood needs some form of treatment before it is fitted to extend the life of the material. This normally means giving worktops a quick sand and varnish or oil coating. Oil can be used to stain the wood or simply to bring out the grain, in woods such as oak this it is especially important as making the most of the grain is an attractive feature of the material. When performing this function, special care should be taken at the ends of the worktops as this end grain is particularly vulnerable to moisture and heat.

Once they have been fitted worktops should be oiled weekly for the first few months, this will prepare the kitchen for use. This task should be performed whenever the surface of the wood appears to be dull or at least once or twice a year. While it may sound like an undue effort, it is part and parcel of owning such a beautiful material and will work out cheaper in the long run as new worktops every couple of years will be expensive.

It is hoped that this information has given those considering hardwood for use in the kitchen as part of worktops and cupboards worthwhile guidance. Wood truly is a magical material that can add homeliness and warmth to a room; with antibacterial properties it is also perfectly suited for food preparation purposes. In the world of kitchen design it truly pays to follow the natural path.