Hardwood in the kitchen - not just hardwood floors!
You may be surprised to find out that having a hardwood floor in a room that traditionally has tile, like a bathroom or kitchen, is actually quite common and perfectly safe and durable against water and other spills. (See our entry about kitchen hardwood flooring concerns) Perhaps you have a hardwood floor in your own kitchen. More and more homeowners are warming up to the cozy feeling of hardwood flooring throughout the home, even in less likely places, but it's also important to recognize the role that hardwood surfaces can have even beyond the surfaces you walk on.
When people think of wood in the kitchen, they most likely think of cabinets. Granite countertops paired with luxurious wooden cabinets has been a growing trend with home and apartment renovations. It seems like when people see "granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances!" in a listing, they're sold! But let's step back for a moment and have a look at a hardwood surface you probably wouldn't think of at first - hardwood countertops.
Your first reaction is probably the same as mine was - won't that stain? Won't water get in there? Can I use it kind of like a built in cutting board? Then what happens if the slice marks trap bacteria? Ahh! Thankfully, this article has recognized that hardwood countertops are a viable option for the kitchen, and just reminds homeowners that the extra warmth requires just a little extra care to make sure it retains its luster for years to come. Sealing or oiling periodically will keep the counter in top shape, and it never hurts to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counter (even though you can do that!) if you're concerned about scratches and dents. Though depending on your home's decor, you may view those scratches as a symbol of your kitchen being lived in and a place of memories, just as you would with a hardwood floor.
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Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: May 16, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Filed under: Home Building and Contracting, Home Decor








