From which tree is it better to choose a countertop

Interior products from natural solid wood are beautiful, environmentally friendly and, with proper protective treatment, have been serving their owners for decades. The operation of countertops depends on the right coating, proper care of furniture, well-chosen wood. To extend the service life even more is quite realistic if you know how to care for a wooden countertop.
Of all the existing types of coating of wood surfaces, the most practical are varnish or oil. Both types of treatment have a protective function and at the same time create a certain aesthetic effect. The choice of coating to a certain extent depends on the operating conditions and taste preferences of the owner.

Giving preference to wood in the interior of the house, you should determine the breed and design features of the material. Basically, countertops are made of solid wood, which is sawn into slabs, boards or lamellas. Lumber can be cut in any form and glued on a press machine if necessary to achieve non-standard sizes and configurations.

The wood for the countertop must withstand the planned load, it is well subjected to carpentry, including planing, grinding, tinting, so that it makes an aesthetically attractive, strong and stylish product.

Of all the tree species available in the price segment, we recommend:

Oak – combines the perfect balance of beauty and strength. A table made of oak can serve for centuries and be inherited from generation to generation. The classics in the corresponding processing look modern and respectable.
Ash – a great solution for the interior in the style of country, eclecticism, fusion, ethno, loft, scandi, modern. The extraordinary texture and woody pattern do not leave indifferent connoisseurs of natural material. By strength, resistance to deformation is comparable to oak.
Worktops are also made from valuable tree species. These include: elm, merbau, irocco, walnut, teak. Of the budget options, larch can be used, however, it should be borne in mind that the breed has an uneven texture density of fibers.

With all the variety of species, choosing a tree is necessary taking into account the operating conditions. Based on the same conditions, choose a coating.

Oil or varnish?
Thanks to varnish or oil with hard wax, the surface of the tree becomes reliably protected from mechanical, temperature influences and moisture. Treated surfaces do not deform, do not change shape, do not swell and do not dry out.

Oil and varnish give the products a beautiful shine of varying intensity, emphasize the texture, can change the natural color of the array, up to bright color compositions.

The protective treatment of wooden worktops to a certain extent depends on the operating conditions. We recommend wooden surfaces to be varnished if:

The product is designed for heavy use, for example, a desk.
Attracts a beautiful glossy, semi-gloss or matte sheen – appropriate for a coffee table.
There is a desire to change color, to make an extraordinary color accent.
The product is operated in public places, for example, as a bar counter. There are no traces of vodka and wine on the lacquer surface, provided that high-quality polyurethane varnish is used.
We recommend using hard wax oil to treat surfaces intended for:

For use in private rooms where children live, as any scratches, abrasions on a tree with oil impregnation are less noticeable and must be restored at home.
For use in the kitchen where food is being cooked, since oil is a natural product that is environmentally friendly when in contact with food.
For lovers of natural beauty, as oil preserves the natural texture as much as possible.

Care Features
Caring for a wooden worktop is easy. Natural material treated with varnish or oil serves for many years, subject to the simple rules for caring for it:

When cleaning and washing surfaces, alkalis and other products with a similar composition must not be used.
Do not apply mechanical stress with hard brushes and sharp objects.
For cutting products using a cutting board.
Hot containers must be placed exclusively on special stands.
Do not leave spilled liquid for a long time.
Always keep the countertop dry.
After wet cleaning, wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Maintain a normal temperature in the room (18-20-22 degrees) and a reasonable level of humidity (50-60%).
How to restore the surface
If you decide to impregnate a wooden surface in the kitchen with hard wax oil, the product is easy to repair in case of scuffs and scratches. For prevention, it is recommended to cover the surface.