Choosing a countertop is one of the most important issues when arranging a kitchen, which must be resolved first of all. After all, this is a work area. It is noteworthy that every day she is subjected to many tests of strength. For example, hot dishes, cutting food, splashes of boiling water, fat, spilled liquids... That is, the main part of the load falls on the work surface.
And in this article we will tell you in detail how to cover a wooden tabletop so that it retains its original appearance and performance characteristics for as long as possible.
Wood is the material preferred by most. Why? Because this option is the most environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing of all available on the market.
Don't plan to spend money on a kitchen top made of natural wood, but want a high-quality and environmentally friendly product? Pay attention to the product line from the Kedr brand.
A catalog of more than 180 decors will allow you to choose the appropriate option for any interior concept. It contains products that are indistinguishable in appearance from real wood. And the E1 emission class guarantees the environmental safety of the material under any operating conditions.
Tabletop Cedar 7053/FL* Taxus
Advantages of wooden work surfaces
The countertop is something that is always visible in the kitchen. Of course, the beauty, durability and service life of the entire headset depend on its quality. It’s easy to guess that this is why customers of luxury kitchens, first of all, pay attention to wooden countertops.
Photo from source: ivd.ru
Table top Cedar 2075/FL Oak Kera
Wood is nobility, sophistication and environmental friendliness. Therefore, it has always been in great demand despite the impressive price tag.
Also, the advantages of solid surfaces include:
· safety both during operation and during disposal;
· amazing appearance of natural wood texture;
· pleasant and warm to the touch;
· the ability to give various shapes, that is, there are no restrictions in design;
· always remain in trend;
· possibility of use in any interior concept, that is, in all styles from classic to high-tech.
Features of wood
Many furniture sets, including dining table tops, are made from wood. Wood can be either natural or made from wood chips, such as fiberboard, MDF, and others. Tables made of wood can be without finishing, and can also be covered with some kind of paint and varnish material.
Wood has many advantages, for example, high thermal insulation, beautiful appearance, various shapes, and wood is quite easy to restore. Despite these advantages, wooden tables and other products made from this material have several disadvantages - they get dirty quite quickly, are flammable, scratch quite easily, and are susceptible to mechanical damage. Another disadvantage of countertops made of natural wood is the high cost.
This type of composition has a number of advantages:
- Reliably protect wood from adverse influences . The composition fills all the pores on the surface and prevents moisture and insects from penetrating into the material. Varnishing makes the surface stronger, and it resists deformation better and is less scratched.
- Varnishing makes the wood texture much more expressive . Color pigments are often added to the varnish; due to this, it can shade the surface or make it lighter. By choosing the optimal effect, you will make the table much more beautiful.
The varnish highlights the wood texture in the most favorable light and makes the surface brighter and more expressive
- Furniture with such a coating lasts much longer . The protective layer extends the service life of the table by at least twice as it is not subject to adverse influences. In addition, you can periodically update the coating and the furniture will always look fresh and neat.
- Caring for a varnished table is much easier . A smooth, glossy film is created on the surface that does not absorb dirt and odors and from which all contaminants can be easily and quickly removed.
The varnished surface is easy to care for
Types of wooden countertops
The durability of products made from solid wood directly depends on the production method and the type of wood.
The hardest, and therefore most expensive, species are beech and oak.
Photo from source: fotostrana.ru
Table top Cedar 3829/Nw Bunratti Oak
Products made from birch, ash, walnut, and pine will be cheaper.
Table top Cedar 8215/12D Pine bourbon
Larch is especially preferred by manufacturers due to its durability. It is very resistant to stress and damage, has a dense structure, and contains gum - a natural antiseptic that will prevent, for example, wood from rotting, as well as the formation of fungus and mold.
Remember that products made from solid wood may warp over time. Glued laminated wood is assembled from several plates. It is extremely elastic, flexible, and resistant to moisture and sudden temperature changes.
"Hellestad"
Hellestad worktops consist of:
- chipboard;
- laminate;
- reinforced polypropylene.
The original and stylish double-sided tabletop of the Hellestad series is made using a unique technology from simple and easy-to-maintain materials. The laminated tabletop is edged with metal edges, which serves as an additional barrier to the passage of moisture. In addition, these elements give the product a stylish and sophisticated appearance.
Tabletop requirements
When thinking about how to cover a wooden kitchen countertop, keep two things in mind.
Firstly, it's durability.
Secondly, practicality.
These are the two main requirements for a kitchen top.
ALSO GOOD WOODEN TABLETOPS SHOULD:
· do not react to aggressive household chemicals;
· do not fade in the sun, do not change its color;
· have water-repellent properties;
· blend harmoniously with the overall design style;
· be heat-resistant so that hot dishes do not leave marks or damage;
· have a coating that is easy to clean - due to the fact that bacteria and microbes accumulate in the recesses of loose surfaces.
Osmo HANDXCENTER machine
Manual electric disk machine HANDXCENTER OSMO New 2021! 2 in 1 tool. Paint the primary paint, renew the existing coating, care for the surface. Eccentric movement, large pad diameter. Osmo wood paint is now in good hands.
Oil
Photo from source: master-kraski.ru
Oil impregnation is the optimal method for protecting solid wood products.
First of all, it helps the wood begin to repel water due to the formation of a barrier film that prevents the structure from getting wet.
Please note that such coverage will require periodic updating.
The compositions are available in different colors. Therefore, your decorative possibilities are almost limitless.
The base can be mineral, vegetable, synthetic. But, of course, industrial tung, citrus and linseed oils will provide the most reliable protection.
Divided into drying:
· partially - the wood is impregnated to deep layers. To remove the top layer, use a mechanical method;
· completely – does not wash off with water, forms a solid top layer.
It is better to apply oil compositions in at least two layers. Before applying a new one, the previous one must dry well.
Alternative options
A good alternative to varnish for a kitchen countertop is to impregnate the wood with vegetable oils. Typically, mixtures of tung, linseed, and citrus oils are used.
A good alternative to varnish for a kitchen countertop is to impregnate the wood with vegetable oils.
The main advantages of oil impregnation compared to varnishing:
Environmentally friendly. Oils do not contain harmful substances that are necessary for film formation.
Oils do not contain harmful substances that are necessary for film formation.
Ease of use. Small scratches here are practically not noticeable and do not spoil the appearance. In case of serious damage to the surface, the damaged part can be sanded and then coated with oil again. Moreover, you can do this yourself. When restoring a varnish coating, it is necessary to treat the entire surface completely.
Small scratches here are practically not noticeable and do not spoil the appearance. In case of serious damage to the surface, the damaged part can be sanded and then re-coated with oil.
Oil impregnation does not change color and does not look noticeable, preserving the natural appearance of the wood. Oils can dry completely or partially. In the first case, they form a durable film; in the second, they can be erased from the surface of the wood over time.
Oil impregnation does not change color and does not look noticeable, maintaining the natural appearance of the wood.
How to oil a wooden tabletop?
To ensure that your wooden work surface lasts as long as possible, treat it properly. Everything is important here - the product, the thoroughness of surface preparation, application, drying.
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STEP 1: Primary surface treatment
The first stage is cleaning from traces of grease and various contaminants. After this, the wood is dried. To better absorb the oil, the material is sanded. Coarse abrasives are used first and then fine abrasives.
After each abrasive treatment, the wood is cleaned. If deep scratches appear on the kitchen top, they are repaired with putty. Wax-based restoration kits are best suited for this.
STEP 2: Prepare the product for application
Everything is simple here. To prepare the oil for use, stir it for five minutes immediately before applying.
Attention! Quality is the most important thing when choosing oil. Don't skimp on it. A good surface protectant will help avoid damage from moisture and mechanical stress, make the countertop shiny and refresh its appearance.
STEP 3: Apply
Apply the oil composition to the work surface with a cloth or brush.
Attention! Choose a fabric that does not leave lint.
Leave the first layer to dry for at least 12 hours. After this, it will be possible to apply the next one, and proceed similarly to the same principle.
The number of layers you will need is directly dependent on what you are using to apply the oil. For example, if you use a cloth, you will need to apply up to four layers, but if you use a brush, then only two.
Step 4: Dry
It may take from several hours to several days for complete drying, but nothing can be said for sure. However, information regarding the timing must be indicated on the packaging.
Oils with a natural base, as well as mixtures containing acrylic, take the longest to dry. After drying, it is important to wait and not use immediately.
Expert advice
When deciding on the choice of protective coating, be guided by the recommendations of professionals and your own aesthetic preferences.
For processing use:
- High-quality oils with Osmo and Saicos wax - practice has shown that material treated with this composition does not deform, does not crack, is not inferior in strength to varnish, and retains moisture for up to 30 minutes without penetrating into the pores of the wood.
- Polyurethane varnishes Akzonobel, Hesse Lignal, Sayerlack - when treated with such compositions, traces of wine, juice, and coloring products are removed by wiping with a damp cloth. They are characterized by high moisture resistance, resistance to temperature and mechanical influences.
Wax
Wax is a natural, environmentally friendly material. But in addition to the water-repellent coating, it also creates protection against scratches and abrasions. Able to withstand common kitchen cleaning products.
Photo from source: ufa-les.ru
Attention! Wax thins out quite quickly, so you will have to polish and renew the coating more often than with oil. Before each update, the old layer will have to be cleared.
"Linmon"
Materials from which the Linmon series products are made:
- top part: fiberboard, acrylic paint;
- frame: chipboard, ABS plastic;
- filler: paper;
- bottom part: fiberboard.
Ginmon countertops are very light, but quite durable. The plastic frame allows you to make a tabletop of any shape. Original ideas and customer requests are implemented to order by the company’s specialists.
Varnish
Photo from source: kitchen-eco.ru
The varnish allows you to leave a beautiful natural wood pattern and gives a more saturated color. If you apply it in several layers, the varnish will prevent the kitchen top from deteriorating over time, will make its service life longer, protect it from the negative effects of moisture, and will prevent fungus, mold, and cracking due to sudden changes in temperature.
Choosing the “right” boards
Pine has significant knotiness, but in our case this is part of its attractiveness and uniqueness. Regular, non-rotten, hard knots, which are an integral part of the structure of the board, are not a hindrance, but “dead” such elements of wood should be avoided. That is, the rotten ones, those that stagger, fall out. Also, boards with accumulations of these formations near the core or with knots around which the wood grain lines sharply change direction should be rejected.
But even boards with these disadvantages are quite suitable for use. The problem can be solved in a simple way: by securing the falling knots with epoxy glue. Do not be afraid that over time its adhesive properties will weaken and the board element will fly out or crumble. This glue is based on epoxy resin, which is extremely durable after drying.
What varnish should I use on a wooden tabletop?
Photo from source: tiu.ru
It is recommended to use acrylic or polyurethane varnish. The area treated with them will withstand cold and hot dishes without any problems. It also creates reliable protection against contamination.
To remove the varnish coating, the surface will need to be scraped.
Care instructions
In order for a wooden tabletop to retain its appearance longer, it is necessary to properly care for it:
- The wood is wiped with mineral oil. It adds shine and prevents the growth of harmful microbes.
- Every day, remove any remaining water and food, first with a damp sponge, then wipe dry. To clean the countertop and wash dishes, use different sponges and rags.
- Hot dishes, iron containers with sharp edges at the bottom, heavy kitchen appliances are placed on stands.
Varnishing process
It takes place in several stages:
REMOVAL OF OLD COATING
Clean the surface to “clean” wood. This can be done in three ways:
· chemical - a remover is used, which is applied with a roller or brush for ten minutes. The old layer of varnish is removed with a rag;
· mechanical – carried out using different-grained sandpapers or grinding machines;
· thermal cleaning - a hair dryer is used for this. After the top layer heats up and softens, it is removed with a rag.
REMOVING DUST FROM THE SURFACE
It is better to use a vacuum cleaner for this. At the same time, pay special attention to the corners of the table and other places where dirt could accumulate during the grinding process.
FILLING SCRATCHES
If there are scratches, fill them with putty. The best option is the one based on wax.
STAINING
Apply a small amount of stain. Do not allow streaks, drips, or unevenness to occur during work.
Staining is a wood processing process. It prevents mold and rotting of wood.
DRYING
Dry after application. Please note that the drying time of the varnish depends on its type, that is, it can range from 18 to 36 hours.
GRINDING
Do an intermediate sanding using sandpaper to remove any minor unevenness, if any.
Uniform tinting of pine: 4 steps for a perfect result
In retail outlets, there are often many other related species in stacks of finished pine boards, but sellers do not make much distinction between them, calling everything “pine.” Such species are very close in botanical classification, but still, they are not quite pine and they have slightly different properties. That is, they will absorb stain differently. However, this is also observed in pure pine: even the same board can have a different resin content and different absorbency in different areas. What can we say if the boards chosen are from different trees.
Unpredictability is something to consider when starting to use stain for this breed. To determine its level and boundaries, test samples are used. This is the most reliable method to check the quality and parameters of the material.
Liquid glass
Photo from source: derevoblog.ru
This is epoxy resin - a transparent polymer that contains sodium and potassium silicates.
Soda glass is the best choice for decorating a wooden tabletop.
ADVANTAGES OF COATING
· retains the original shade;
· will not peel off;
· will not crack, is resistant to wear;
· will not be damaged by spilling hot coffee;
· easy and simple care
Liquid glass is diluted with ordinary tap water. To make the coating look like real glass, the wood is cleaned and well sanded.
Liquid glass is diluted with ordinary tap water. To make the coating look like real glass, the wood is cleaned and well sanded.
The composition is applied in a spiral, leveled with a spatula towards the edges from the center. It is important to have time to give the desired shape before the liquid glass hardens.
Dye is added to create a colored coating.
Pine primer
Experience in processing pine wood shows that applying stain to its clean surface leads to uneven tone and staining.
The carpenters conducted an experiment with test samples to determine which primer composition would provide better color uniformity. The surface was treated with shellac for furniture, a factory primer-conditioner for wood with uneven absorption and a polyurethane composition. The latter showed the best result.
After applying and drying the composition, the surface is lightly sanded in the direction of the fibers with a sponge with abrasive No. 320 and a liquid stain is applied.
Self-adhesive film
Of course, this is the easiest way to cover. Allows you to renew a kitchen top that has become old.
Photo from source: mebpilot.ru
Before you begin finishing, thoroughly clean the area to be treated with sandpaper. Achieve a perfectly smooth surface.
Attention! Clean thoroughly. Do not allow air bubbles to form under the film!
In stores you can find a huge assortment of self-adhesive films with a variety of designs - imitation stones, solid wood of any species, plain, with a pattern.
The surface with such a film is easy to clean from dirt and can serve for a long time without wear or fading.
Material processing
To extend the life of the countertop, it must be properly treated. The tabletop can be protected from moisture with wax or special furniture oil. The product can be painted with colorless furniture varnishes, which will not hide the natural color and texture. To create the effect of antiquity, stain will come to the rescue. In the future, you can keep the tabletop in good condition with the help of furniture wax; when used, all small cracks are filled and all defects are erased. It is important to note that in order for the furniture panel not to deform, it must be treated with wax or varnish on all sides.
Soft glass
Photo from source: spkubani.club
You can cover it with oilcloth or a tablecloth, but they wear out very quickly.
An adequate alternative is transparent PVC film. It is also called soft glass. Withstands household chemicals, relatively high temperatures, is not saturated with water, and is not subject to deformation. No scratches left.
Excellent for surfaces made of wood, chipboard, MDF, glass, metal, artificial stone, agglomerate.
What is the best way to cover a wooden tabletop?
When choosing a covering, you need to rely on your desires, as well as the design of the room as a whole.
Photo from source: reciclaredecorar.com
Tabletop Cedar 3198/Mw Rhodes Wood
Do you work with wood yourself? Do you want to remodel an old countertop or create one yourself from scratch? Then choose formulations made from oil and wax. They will protect the array from moisture, scratches, and the negative effects of high temperatures. Varnishes are less popular at the moment.
Need a quick restoration of your work surface? An excellent option would be to use self-adhesive film, the color and design of which can be chosen so that the surface is in perfect harmony with the set and the interior as a whole.
If you want to experiment and create a masterpiece with your own hands, try liquid glass. It can be used not only to fill a tree, but also to add a herbarium, shells, sea pebbles, and branches to the composition.
Photo from source: art-build-msk.ru
"Ekbakken"
Composition of materials for the Ekbakken countertop:
- polypropylene;
- laminate (melamine).
Reviews about the Ekbakken countertop from IKEA contain only positive aspects. This is due to its strength and durability. The moisture-resistant structure of melamine from which the tabletop is made allows it to be used in close proximity to the sink. And product options in different colors allow you to use it in kitchen compositions in any interior.
Can chipboard replace natural wood?
Chipboard (chipboard) is a composite material that contains chips mixed with resin. By far, this is the most popular material for making countertops.
If you don’t see the point of spending money on a kitchen top made of natural wood, but want an aesthetic product with good performance characteristics, pay attention to the following options:
Veneered chipboards
Photo from source: zakazat-mebel.ru
The surface is covered with veneer - a thin layer made from natural wood. A protective layer of varnish is applied on top.
Visually they do not differ from solid wood countertops. Disadvantages include an average level of resistance to chemicals and scratches.
Melamine cladding
Photo from source: sdelai-lestnicu.ru
In this case, the chipboard is finished with kraft paper, which is impregnated and coated with melamine resin. Resistant to solvents and moisture.
They can have any pattern, including the texture of natural wood.
Lamination with plastic
Covered with HPL plastic. It is resistant to UV rays, mechanical stress, moisture, food acids and any household chemicals. They are durable and easy to maintain. These are beautiful, varied products.
They give the greatest scope in terms of design. On the market you can find decors with very high-quality imitation wood or stone.
If you are looking for a high-quality countertop with an affordable price tag, then pay attention to chipboard with HPL lamination.
A photorealistic imitation of an array will please the eye, reliability and ease of maintenance will eliminate additional expenses and worries, and a high level of environmental friendliness will allow you not to worry about the health of your family.
It is these advantages that we have embodied in the “Cedar” line of countertops. Our task is to provide the client with a high-quality, aesthetic and durable product at an affordable price. Get more information on the official product resource.
Table top Cedar 690/P Indian wood
"Casker"
The material of the “Kasker” series is quartz composite.
The highest priced countertop is a product made from special quartz stone. The peculiarity of this material lies in the properties of the material. Firstly, the main advantage of the composite is its strength. It was she who attracted kitchen furniture manufacturers. Secondly, the absence of pores makes this material almost 100% moisture resistant, which is its advantage among other materials used in the manufacture of kitchen countertops.
