What are The Advantages of Oak Worktop Surfaces in Your Kitchen? Read On to Find Out!
Renowned as one of the most British trees, oak is an all-time favourite with craftsmen, carpenters and furniture makers. Used for hundreds of years, it’s fine colouring and tight grain make it the perfect addition to any kitchen, providing a heat resistant and stain-resistant surface.
It’s design versatility also makes it suited for any kitchen type. Whether you are looking to refurbish your kitchen, to have a more contemporary theme or are looking to add a touch of the rustic to your decor, an oak worktop in the UK is one of the easiest ways to achieve this without costing a fortune!
Oak and the kitchen- when did it begin?
Historical records are a bit sketchy on this, but some sources suggest that the use of an oak worktop across the UK is not a recent phenomenon.
The earliest suggested use of oak as a kitchen work surface can be traced back to the 1300s, where it (or similar British hardwood) was suggested to have been used in castles to provide a basis for chopping and preparing food.
Fast forward to 2020, and this tradition is no longer just for those lucky few who own castles! Many people are opting for an oak worktop from the UK over stone-based ones, due to their hardiness, scorch resistance and natural beauty.
But what are some of the other advantages of oak in a kitchen?
Antibacterial
Many different types of wood offer an antibacterial feature.
As wood is prone to rotting in damp conditions, many trees have evolved a natural resilience against fungus and other bacterial accumulations which can cause damage. And when that oak is turned into a worktop, this does not diminish. Many chefs find one of the key benefits of using oak in a kitchen surface or a chopping board is that it does not allow bacteria to grow, and thus reduces the risk of food poisoning. Even in a small kitchen, that has an obvious advantage!
Low maintenance
The great thing about any wooden surface is its low maintenance.
Stone based surfaces that have cracked may require expensive repair, whereas oak simply requires a quick sanding down with a coat of varnish. If you are a bit of a DIY buff, you can do this yourself and it won’t break the bank or diminish the value of the oak surface.
Cost-effective
OK, so the cost of having an all oak kitchen fitted can seem pricey. But in the long-term, its low maintenance costs mixed with its longevity and timeless value can work out as cheaper than having a marble or granite surface installed.
Unlike marble and granite, it won’t need a specialist to repair any damage that may occur during its usage.
Valuable
Oak surfaces in your kitchen can add a significant value to your home, and in this economy that should not be overlooked!
If you are planning to sell your home in the future, it may be worth installing oak surfaces to boost your home’s resale value.