Wood Countertop in the Kitchen
FAQ from Readers About My Counters
Recently I’ve received several questions from readers about the wood countertops in my old house and whether they were difficult to care for. This kitchen was designed before I started blogging, but it continues to prompt questions I haven’t formally addressed in a post—so here are the most common reader questions and my honest answers.
As with other posts where I share personal experience—like my thoughts on white slipcovers, cleaning stainless steel appliances, or open shelving—I share what worked for me so you can decide whether it fits your lifestyle. I loved my wood counters, but they aren’t the best choice for every home.
Disclaimer: Not all wood countertops are the same in quality or maintenance needs. My experience reflects the particular materials and finish we used and the way we cared for them.
Q. Why did you choose wood instead of a stone countertop like granite?
During our kitchen remodel we were trying to prioritize what needed to be done while keeping costs reasonable. Our countertops had to be replaced, and we initially planned to use soapstone counters and install wood floors. When we realized how expensive ripping out the existing tile to install hardwood floors would be, we kept the tile floors and chose wood for the island countertop while installing soapstone only around the stove. This compromise gave us the warmth of wood without the additional expense of changing the floors.
Q. Who made the wood counter and what kind of wood is it?
The counters were custom made onsite by our remodeling contractor using lumber my husband selected from a local supplier in Portland, Oregon. The slabs were Brazilian cherry, composed of glued planks that formed a smooth, substantial surface.
Q. Were the counters stained?
No stain was applied. The wood was sealed with several coats of Aqua Spar, a marine-grade sealer. The finish brought out a richer, deeper tone than the bare wood, so the color you see is natural wood enhanced by the sealer rather than by stain.
Q. How did you prevent water stains or scratches?
First, the Aqua Spar sealer is designed to perform like a marine finish, offering strong protection against moisture. Second, we treated the countertops with care—cleaning and drying them regularly, avoiding setting wet glasses directly on the surface, and using protective mats or doilies under decor. We were mindful, but not obsessive. There were occasional spills or overflows that reached the counters, and those didn’t cause lasting damage.
Because the counters felt special to us, we avoided piling dirty dishes on them. Oddly enough, loving the counters helped keep the kitchen neater.
Q. What about kids and teenagers?
We had young children and teenagers in the house, so this was a practical family kitchen, not a showpiece. We taught kids to place dirty or wet dishes in the sink or dishwasher instead of leaving them on the counters. If damage had occurred, we knew the wood could be sanded and resealed, so we accepted a bit of risk for the beauty the counters provided. Our previous kitchen also had wood counters when our children were little, and we didn’t encounter major problems there either.
Q. How did you handle entertaining?
We didn’t impose strict rules on guests. Our home was lived in, and we didn’t want visitors to feel uncomfortable. If something happened during a gathering, we simply cleaned up afterward. We didn’t single out the counters with a list of do’s and don’ts—life happens, and we were pragmatic about it.
Q. What about heat marks, food prep and cutting?
We avoided placing hot pans directly on the wood and didn’t use the countertop as a cutting board or as a surface for raw food preparation. We used trivets for hot cookware and cutting boards for food prep to protect the finish and the wood.
Q. What was the long-term care like? Did you have to refinish them?
A few years after installation we reapplied Aqua Spar after giving the surface a light rub with steel wool. The refresh was quick and the counters looked like new afterward. Overall maintenance was simple: gentle cleaning and periodic reapplication of the marine sealer when the surface began to look dull.
Q. Do you recommend wood countertops?
Yes—if you love the look and feel of wood and are willing to give it a bit more care than a more forgiving surface. For those who appreciate beautiful things, routine care feels more like admiration than work. I preferred living with surfaces I adored and tended to them lovingly rather than choosing indestructible options I disliked just for convenience.
Have you had wood counters in a kitchen before? What are your experiences?