Hoosir's Woodworking Diary

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber Creates Counter Tops, Table Tops and Bar Tops

Reclaimed Wood countertops create a natural, warm feel to any kitchen or bar. They are beautiful and have a character you will not find in other materials. Elmwood Reclaimed Timber creates counter tops, table tops and bar tops from wood that is re-milled once reclaimed from the previous use. Beams from century old barns and planks from dilapidated warehouses provide dense wood filled with character that can only be produced from years of exposure to the elements. These recycled timbers are carefully removed from the structures and delivered to Elmwood Reclaimed Timbers’ custom mill located in Kansas City, Missouri.

The creation of a custom wood counter top is a process that requires the hands of a true craftsperson. Each plank is hand selected for the top that is ordered. After the material has all of the metals removed, the wood is kiln dried to stabilize the planks and kill any potential infestations that maybe dormant in the material. Once the material is kiln dried, it is created in to a custom top in the mill. The planks are sawn to the proper thickness in a random width pattern with the amount of character specified by the customer. The finish levels range from rustic surfaces retaining saw marks and nail holes to select surfaces that are void of saw marks, yet retain some knots and character associated with antique wood. Multiple planks are biscuit and glued together to create a stable top. Once dried, the particular shape (including cutouts for sinks) specified by the client is sawn from the wood slab. A variety of edge options can be applied to each top. Once complete, the tops are delivered and ready to install.

There are many benefits to a top created from wood. Not only does wood provide beauty and warmth to a room, but it is easy to maintain and will provide a lifetime of use and abuse. It is not recommended to work directly on any countertop when preparing food. As we all know, this will occur. Unlike a scratch in a stone or laminate top, a wood surface can easily be repaired. After lightly sanding out the flaws, the top can be touched up or refinished. Your wood top can be sealed in a variety of ways. A Mineral Oil finish is typically chosen for a top that will be used as a food prep work surface or to retain a more natural finish. Upon receiving the top, multiple coats of FDA approved Mineral Oil should be applied to saturation; typically four coats of oil will be sufficient. Apply a single coat and allow it to penetrate in to the wood surface; repeat this process until the oil stands on the surface of the top. Dependent on use, the oil should be reapplied once a month. FDA approved mineral oil can be found at your local hardware store (typically sold as butcher block oil) or in the personal care section of a drug store. The wood top can also be finished with Waterlox Tung Oil Finish or a Polyurethane finish. This will provide more protection to the top than Mineral Oil but is not suggested for food preparation.

Nicks, scratches, stains, and dings can easily be removed from a top finished with Mineral Oil or Waterlox Tung Oil Finish. The damaged area should be sanded or rubbed with steel wool, wiped clean with a damp rag, and then refinished with the Mineral Oil or Waterlox Tung Oil Finish. Tops that have been finished with a Polyurethane require the entire top to be sanded and refinished. A reclaimed wood top that is properly finished and maintained will provide years of enjoyment.

A common misconception regarding wood counter tops is that they harbor bacteria and pathogens due to their porosity. If sealed and properly cleaned, as all food preparation surfaces should be, wood has been shown to be less hospitable to disease causing bacteria than many other top materials. Studies have been released which show that bacteria on wood surfaces die much quicker than those found on plastic tops. It is believed that tannins found in many wood species inhibit the growth of these pathogens. Wood tops should be cleaned with a wash clothe that has been dipped in warm soapy water or cleaned with a mild, biodegradable surface cleaner. It is suggested to wipe the top with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Reclaimed Wood counter tops are a wonderful addition to any kitchen or home. They are available in a variety of species with varying grain patterns and colors. A top created with reclaimed wood can be produced with varying degrees of character. They also provide a beautiful, unique green solution for the environmentally conscious client. Various thicknesses and sizes are custom created to fit the application and desires of the customer. Antique reclaimed wood counter tops, table tops and bar tops are a wonderful alternative to traditional stone and laminate surfaces. They will create a warmth and comfort to any room. Please visit www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com for more information.

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