Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Apr 21, 2010 4:15 pm Hi, I will be installing a 'large'ish kitchen island 1.5 in width and about 2.5 to 3 meters. I know the standard advice is to go for a stone benchtop. It is a sensible to go that way seeing that the sink will be installed in the island. However, seeing that being insensible is all part and parcel of a home renovation - I'd love to install a timber benchtop The kitchen guy I'm dealing with suggested polyutherene timber and a website for me to look at. However nothing beats experience and word of mouth - I'm interested to know if there's anyone out there with a wood benchtop and if you have any recommendations on any types of wood to avoid. We will have dark timber floors and off white cupboard doors. Appreciate your comments and thanks in advance. Newbie Re: Irrational on timber benchtop 2Apr 21, 2010 5:46 pm Hi snibby, I've got a big timber top on my kitchen island - It's only a couple of months old so i cant tell you how it wears over time but it is an big peice of solid oiled oak from ikea (http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/60173347) So far I've loved it, and when i re-oil it, any water marks etc just disapear and i love the warm natural look & feel. Personally i would go for it, although if you are wanting ALL your benchtops in timber, probably go for a very durable surface like your kitchen guy recommended. In the end though, how happy you are with the finish depends a bit on how you treat your benchtops - do you chop things on them and let them get used & abused a lot?... Then you might find they show some wear & tear. Are you a bit of a neat freak?... Then they should look immaculate for years to come. Hope that helps!! Re: Irrational on timber benchtop 3May 05, 2010 8:45 pm Thanks for the response - I've had a think, another think and more rethinks - and I think (read been advised) I have to keep things simple. I'll be going for stone. Easier to clean etc etc. On another note though I have been trying to get quotes for the kitchen. One company wouldn't give me an interview unless I am prepared to spend a minimum of 20K (excluding appliances) and with recent interest rate hikes I know my budget is only going to go lower and lower. *sigh* Re: Irrational on timber benchtop 4May 06, 2010 2:18 pm i had a massive high gloss timber bench top in my last place from distinctive timber tops in bayswater. It looks stunning, really a big feature of the room but it did scratch so i was be hesitant putting another in with a dark colour and high gloss. Re: Irrational on timber benchtop 6May 11, 2010 12:38 am sirgoat i had a massive high gloss timber bench top in my last place from distinctive timber tops in bayswater. It looks stunning, really a big feature of the room but it did scratch so i was be hesitant putting another in with a dark colour and high gloss. Are you suggesting that the high gloss laminate kitchen benchtop (which gives quite a look of Granite) is not the right choice to go with? How about on the ensuite/bath vanities? Re: Irrational on timber benchtop 7May 11, 2010 7:50 am JazzyPerth sirgoat i had a massive high gloss timber bench top in my last place from distinctive timber tops in bayswater. It looks stunning, really a big feature of the room but it did scratch so i was be hesitant putting another in with a dark colour and high gloss. Are you suggesting that the high gloss laminate kitchen benchtop (which gives quite a look of Granite) is not the right choice to go with? How about on the ensuite/bath vanities? I had black high gloss granite look laminate in the kitchen and bathrooms in our last house-it was fine in the bathrooms but scratched badly in the kitchen-and I only ever use chopping boards...I wouldn't recommend it. Deemaree Kyndylan Capers: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=46852 My blog: http://www.sufficientlysufficient.blogspot.com/ Engineering timber is certainly a less fuss option, times cheaper to supply and install and better withstands humidity. 1 16181 Hi Courtney The mitred edges are glued up with epoxy so those little holes and gaps are areas that weren't filled correctly. Silicone is the wrong product to fill them… 2 12980 Thanks Simon, I guess I'm no concerned with the volume of the noise rather that dead and hollow sound and feel that is associated with floating floors. But I'm not sure… 3 6289 |