What timbers are best for wooden benchtops?

Last Updated Jul 14, 2016 · Written by Rob Schneider

Kitchen Benchtops

There are pros and cons to wooden benchtops, but in many kitchens, the pros outweigh the cons. If you've decided you want a wooden benchtop in your kitchen, your next decision is what type of timber to use. What timbers are best for wooden benchtops? We take a look at some common timbers to help you decide.

Choosing a Timber for Your Benchtop

We are lucky in Australia to have a number of native species to choose from. Some of the most popular native benchtop timbers include:

• Tasmanian oak
• Victorian ash
• Blackbutt
• Spotted gum
• Brushbox
• Blackwood
• Jarrah
• Ironbark

All of these are dense hardwoods that stand up well in the kitchen. The species you choose will probably depend on the colour you want. Tasmanian oak and Victorian ash are light coloured timbers. Blackbutt ranges from a pale cream colour to pale brown and sometimes has touches of pink. Spotted gum has a warm, brown colour and is a durable timber. Jarrah's rich red colouring has made it a favourite benchtop material. Ironbark has a colour range from pale brown to dark chocolate. It is one of the densest timbers available.

Price will also be a factor. Depending on the species you choose, timber benchtops can cost from $700 a linear metre (for a 600mm deep benchtop) to up to $2000 a linear metre or more for a custom benchtop made from a more expensive timber like Jarrah or Ironbark.

Alternative Timber Benchtops

One of the "cons" to timber benchtops is that all timbers can become scratched and stained. In a busy family kitchen, your benchtop may need refinishing or replacing before you need a new kitchen. This is one reason why recycled timbers are a popular alternative to new timber. Recycled timbers have several advantages:

• They have a natural patina
• The "distressed" look of recycled timber is appealing
• Recycled timber is an environmentally friendly alternative

You can find recycled timbers in almost any species. Some kitchen benchtop manufacturers specialise in recycled timbers or you can have your benchtop custom made for you by a good cabinetmaker. While a custom made benchtop will cost more, recycled timber is less expensive than new timber and will help offset the price.

Another alternative to timber is a bamboo benchtop. Bamboo is a fast growing grass and has very tough fibres. New technologies bind the fibres together and use stains to create benchtops that look like timber, but can be tougher and longer lasting than most timbers.

A two-pack polyurethane finish is recommended for bamboo, but you can also buy a bamboo benchtop without a finish and oil it or get an oiled finish by request. An oiled finish will require more ongoing maintenance, but you may prefer the oiled look.

Choosing a wooden benchtop is just the first step. Look at all your alternatives and get quotes for your favourites and you can find a durable, affordable and beautiful benchtop for your kitchen, bathroom or wherever else you need a wooden benchtop in your home.