Concrete Vs Wood Kitchen Countertops
Looking for a slam-dunk home upgrade? Change out your countertops! A new set of kitchen countertopslook great, give you a better surface for meal preparation and storage, and can boost your home value.
Deciding to upgrade your countertops is the easy part; choosing the right material is a bit more complicated.
Two popular countertop materials you might wonder about are concrete vs wood kitchen countertops. But which one is better? The answer is: it depends. Both wood and concrete have excellent benefits that you need to consider. Thankfully, we did all the research for you, and here’s what you need to know.
Why Wooden Countertops?
Wood materials have been around forever, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s one of the most beautiful materials on the market today, exuding rustic charm and a sense of comfort no matter what shade you choose. So it’s not surprising that wood is atrendy kitchen material for cabinets, countertops, and other decorative elements.
Wood’s appealing aesthetic isn’t the only great thing about it. Some other great benefits include:
- Variety: There are plenty of wood types to choose from. Some of the most popular include walnut, maple, and oak.
- Durability: Wood’s been around awhile, and it lasts a long time too. With the proper sanding and refinishing, your wooden surface can last around 20 years.
- Chef-friendly: A wooden surface is better for your cutlery than other materials, making it much better for cooking and meal prep.
But just like any other material, there are some downsides you need to know about.
The Downsides to Wooden Countertops
As we mentioned above, wood can be long-lasting, but only if you put in the proper maintenance. If you don’t have the time or skillset to sand, refinish, and reseal wood surfaces, they’ll wear down relatively quickly compared to concrete and other materials.
Other drawbacks include:
- Temperature resistance: Wood looks great, but it doesn’t regulate temperatures very well. Extreme hot and cold temperatures cause wooden surfaces to expand and contract, causing cracks and warped spots you’ll need to fix.
- Water resistance: While it won’t receive the weathering that a tree in your yard will, a wooden countertop will still struggle with spills and standing water. Be on the lookout for dark spots and discoloration, the common signs of water damage with a wooden surface.
- Bacteria resistance: Water damage, dents, scratches, and unsealed areas are prime spots for mold, mildew, and bacteria. That’s especially true for kitchen countertops where raw meat is handled and water damage from the sink is common.
But does that make concrete a better option?
Why Concrete Countertops?
From wonders like the Pantheon in ancient Rome to the modern buildingsin your hometown,the science of concrete has revolutionized how we build buildings. It eventually made its way into our home, where everything from countertops and tables to sinks and vanities was made from a long-lasting and appealing concrete material.
Wondering what else makes concrete great? You’ll love its:
- All-weather toughness: One of the reasons why concrete is so popular is its ability to withstand all types of elements. Spills, rainfall, and extreme temperatures are nothing for well-maintained concrete, making it a popular countertop for interior and exterior uses.
- Beautiful color combinations: That sleek, gray concrete looks great, but it’s far from the only color choice. You can add any one of Trueform’sstandard color choices or your favorite custom color during the blending process.
- Decades-long lifespan: The average lifespan of a concrete surface, including countertops, is 50 years.
In the matchup of concrete vs wood kitchen countertops, there are clear-cut benefits that make each a reasonable choice. But there’s one more option that takes both of these classics and flips them on their heads.
Woodform Concrete Is the Best of Both Worlds
Woodform® Concrete is the next innovation that’s taking your home by storm. Simply put, it looks just like wood without wood materials. Instead, Woodform uses lightweight aggregate concrete for better craftsmanship with less waste.
Choosing Woodform concrete countertops gives you:
- Strong surfaces that resist extreme temperatures and weathering
- Protection from rotting, splitting and degradation
- Beautiful faux-wood finishes that look just like the real thing
It’s a timeless surface that’ll stand the test of time. Want to learn more about Woodform® Concrete?