If you’re looking to replace your wood kitchen countertop but you have limited funds, don’t despair. Woodworking projects are often the most practical and cost-effective ways to upgrade a house, especially in a tight economy. With some basic tools and practice, you can easily attach a new wood countertop to your kitchen island or even your main eating area. DIY wood kitchen countertops allow you to save money while making your kitchen more attractive and functional. Here’s how:
The key to successfully procuring a wood kitchen countertop is to select high-quality wood that has ample durability. There’s no point in spending a lot of money on a wood countertop if it cracks or splits before a year ends. Popular wood choices for DIY wood countertops include oak, pine, cherry, birch, elm, mahogany, maple, beech, plum and many others. Each of these wood types has its own distinct look and feel.
The size of your kitchen is also an important factor in determining which wood countertop to go for. Do you have a small dining space? Then go for big, solid wood countertop. If your room is quite spacious, then consider small, decorative wood kitchen countertops. You can get wood kitchen countertops that are rectangular in shape or have partitions along the top of the counter.
The color and grain texture of the wood material is also important when choosing wood kitchen countertops for your home. This is where your creativity can really take off. Try designing your own wood countertop by incorporating different materials along the surface or creating a custom design that fits the rest of your kitchen. For example, you can get wood countertops with warm colors and grain or opt for neutral wood countertops to give your home a unique character.
In choosing wood kitchen countertop materials, it is important that you know how each material will respond to heat and light. For example, if you want a wood countertop that is resistant to staining and won’t yellow quickly, you should purchase a wood material with a high natural polish finish. When choosing the right finish for your wood kitchen countertop, you should pay attention to the finish’s ability to resist stains and discoloration. Different types of wood may have different levels of resistance to discoloration. For example, maple wood is a good wood for people who don’t mind its natural yellowish tone.
Once you’ve decided on the wood type for your wood kitchen countertop, you need to consider the finishing process. Different wood materials have different ways in which they are finished. Some wood materials such as oak and beech require that the wood is pre-finished before it can be painted. Other wood kitchen countertop finishes just require that a coat of stain is applied onto the wood. Before applying any stain onto your wood kitchen countertop, it’s important that you test a small area of the wood with a soapy cloth. A small amount of water will naturally lubricate the wood and remove any excess stain.
When you’re ready to install your wood kitchen countertop, you’ll need to measure the space where you want it to go. Then, use a spirit level to ensure that the wood is straight and level. If your wood kitchen countertop doesn’t come with a built-in spirit level, you may need to purchase one from a hardware store or home improvement store. Leveling the wood is important because it will prevent the wood from swelling or sinking into other wood parts of your counter.
Once the wood kitchen countertop has been level, using a hammer, anchor and screwdriver, gently anchor it to your plywood subfloor. Make sure the wood is completely secure. Use wood shims between the wood and the subfloor to ensure there’s no slipping.