Making wood worktops possible

[Babypythagorus]

I love wood worktops, and I hate the look of almost everything else. But I am not the type of person who will sand and oil every month - I just know it.

Is there a way of solving, even by throwing money at, this problem? Is there a very expensive oil that only has to be done once? A fake wood that looks and feels real? Help!!

[JasperDamerel]

Could you have wood everywhere apart from around the sink, and use something a bit more waterproof there? If I'd had a huge budget, I would have iroko wood worktops, but marble or porcelain by the sink to give a mould prevention/pastry making zone.

[Babypythagorus]

I don't have a huge budget! But willing to scrimp elsewhere to make this work. Would that look weird, do you think? Having 2 surfaces? Hmmmm off to pinterest...!!

[Hulababy]

You don't have to sand and oil every month.

Initially you need to get a decent amount of oil on in layers.

After that it's less of a hassle and better if you do it as you go rather than waiting til it needs a proper sand down etc.

Check for if water doesn't seem to be sitting on top of the wood as well as it did then wipe down to remove dust etc. and then use a soft cloth and run over with oil and leave to dry. Put a decent amount on but not too thick. Dries overnight. Takes 15 minutes or so to apply though depends on size of kitchen.

Should only need sanding occasionally and then with something like wire wool rather than a proper sander.

We intend to get a handyman in a couple of times a year to do the sanding/oil but maintain it rest of time ourself. Will see how often it really needs doing with time - only been in a few short weeks so far.

[ceres]

Osmo hardwax oil. Designed for floors, great for work tops.

I am not careful - hot pans from hob straight to worktop, not fanaticalabout wiping round sink etc. work tops are perfect since using osmo. It does need re coating but doesn't need sanding first so is very easy, I think we revolted after about two years.