Anyone with solid worktops - do you love or hate them??

[MadameGazelle]

That's it really am in the process of installing a new kitchen and can't make a decision on worktops. Have decided (finally ) on white high gloss units and a wooden or wood effect worktop, was going to go for laminate as more hardwearing but am being swayed towards real wood as I know it will look far nicer; I don't mind the sanding down but don't want it to look manky in 6 months. We have no room for a dishwasher so will be doing a lot of washing up. TIA

sorry title should read solid wood worktops

MG I can't believe you didn't get any replies? What did you decide to do in the end?

whenever I've lived with laminate, it's always looked really beaten up, with the sides always threatening to start peeling away, or with cuts in the surface. Granted, this was always in rentals where people hadn't taken care of it, but I've always preffered the look of used and beaten up solid wood to used and beaten up laminate.

i think with wood it's important when it is fresh to oil it, espcially around the sink, and that should keep it from going manky. I don't think you should have to sand it that often, but maybe someone with more experience will answer to that. We currently have granite which is lovely looking and takes no maintenance (though does show water marks which is v annoying). In the next kitchen, I'm pushing for wood because it just seems warmer and softer to me...

i've got solid wood. i love it - and i'm not that great at looking after it but i don't have any water damage, even round the sink.

although i love my wood worktops i might go for slate next time round (will probably move in next few years)for a change.

does anybody have slate worktops? i think it looks great but wonder if it is easy to care for and keep looking good.

solid walnut worktops here. love them, don't need to do too much just occasionally re-seal and oil. also mop up water as it splashes etc and it can prevent nasty effects

Wood is getting rave reviews then!!

Sparky . I liked the granite we had too, it was black and matt, not shiney thankfully!! The only thing I found was it was hard to wipe, it was very absorbant and grabbed. at the cloth - but it always looked lovely. I don't think I can run to that expense on the flat though - but I suppose it would stop it getting beaten up?!

Ceres do you know what sort of wood you have?

Ouch - sounds lovely but ££. May have tennants at some stage so not sure something so high maintenance would be a good idea?!

chipping - my worktops are oak. they are nearly 4 years old and wearing really well despite my neglect!

ceres - ahhh - that sounds promising...

Although - when you say 'despite my neglect' - just how 'neglectful' are you ?? Sort of 'I only dry them 10 times a day and oil them once a month' or 'I leave them wet all the time' kind of careless?

If I was going to be living there I'd be fine with the wood, but not sure if we had tennants in there?? What do you think??