Wood is one of the most versatile natural materials, as it can be combined with various other components or transformed into curious shapes. In the kitchen, it can be used for flooring, cabinets, units, furniture and more. And since there are multiple types of wood, the possibilities of using something durable and beautiful are endless. The West African Hardwood, also called Zebrano, has unique gold and brown grain patterns, while the Western Red Cedar can go from salmon pink to dark red shades, depending on the age of the tree.
However, qualitative wood also tends to be pretty expensive, so using it for a kitchen project may not be feasible for the moment. That’s why pine, MDF and plywood are popular options. Still, pine can be easily damaged, MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat, and plywood is relatively weak.
So, if you want to build a long-term kitchen or improve it for increased value, here’s why choosing solid wood materials is the best idea.
Solid wood is a sustainable option
Generally, wood is eco-friendly because it absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, is recyclable, and its versatility makes it easily adaptable to every project. Planting multiple trees helps refresh the environment and also creates an endless material source, which would be ideal in a perfect world.
Still, once it’s manufactured or made into a furniture piece, a wood piece has infinite uses and can be decorated in many ways. For example, in the kitchen, you can paint solid wood kitchen doors from Kitchen Warehouse if you want a new look, but you can also return them to their original state with a little bit of paint stripper, a scraper and some mineral spirits.
While they might be more expensive, the Australian Buloke or the Brazilian Olivewood are sure to live for generations, which is the most sustainable feature of these woods.
Solid wood is the most visually aesthetic
As trends for kitchen design have changed considerably in the past years, wood has been present in most of them, whether as a centerpiece or a decoration motif. That’s because adding wood into any room offers a special kind of warmth, while the multitude of textures can definitely innovate the kitchen.
Kitchens with wood islands and cabinetry, flooring, or beams in different colours and shapes are highly appreciated when paired with steel, concrete, or granite materials because they balance each other. The wood’s naturalness can be used as both traditional and modern aesthetics if accompanied by a suitable material and manufactured in curved or straight shapes.
Wood details and elements are perfect for anybody’s kitchen, as they introduce some nature indoors and make the kitchen a more enjoyable space.
Solid wood can enhance the value of the kitchen
Solid wood is highly durable and more expensive than other options on the market, which is why introducing it into your kitchen, whether it’s through cabinets, flooring, or other instalments, will surely add value to your home.
Of course, depending on your location, the installation method or the material’s blending with the general design is vital in determining the solid wood’s actual value. That’s why it’s best to invest in solid wood that goes well with the kitchen layout. For instance, red oak requires modern finishes not to look outdated, while hard maple needs a clean finish for that contemporary aesthetic.
Still, depending on your goal of having a minimalistic, vintage, modern or maximalist kitchen, it’s best to take your time to research the proper type of wood.
Solid wood is preferred in interior design
Regular interior design requirements for a kitchen include elements of simple hardware, sleek cabinet construction or adding accent pieces. However, only interior designers know that different types of solid wood can create specific atmospheres in the kitchen without additional effort.
For instance, the golden hues of the classic oak go well in smaller kitchens since it makes the space larger, while the rich cherry has reddish-brown tones that are exceptional in the dining area. On the other hand, walnut wood has some hints of grey and must be accompanied by sophisticated decorations to give off a minimalistic vibe.
Solid wood materials and units require adequate lighting that makes them shine and better interior elements that enhance a person’s preferences and personality.
Solid wood is easy to maintain
There are some fears when introducing wood pieces into a kitchen, considering the high humidity and mould risks. While it may not be waterproof, solid wood is considerably waterproof, so a few splashes of water here and there will not harm the material.
For instance, solid wood flooring needs sweeping and vacuuming. However, mopping requires a special wood cleaner with no water or steam involved. At the same time, even if you can’t take a stain out of it, solid wood can be sanded multiple times to look new without affecting the core material. That’s why old houses still have functional flooring because they use materials such as maple or walnut.
Compared to engineered wood, solid wood is still preferred even if you live with a big family and animals because it’s safe and easy to fix in case of an issue. Less qualitative wood would need to be replaced entirely, and the likeliness of it getting mouldy fast is almost guaranteed.
Still, switching from engineered wood to solid materials is still an improvement if you have other budgeting plans for the moment. The upfront cost may indeed be challenging to face, especially since all other materials are expensive, along with appliances and unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Opting for solid wood materials in the kitchen shouldn’t be less considered than other elements because hardwood is durable, good-looking, and versatile. Solid wood is also one of the most sustainable options on the market because it can last for up to 100 years or more with proper care. At the same time, it offers the kitchen a unique look, especially when approaching unique wood or leveraging excellent interior design pairings for the wood to blend beautifully with the kitchen’s operability.