Modern rustic kitchens have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Rustic styles have a lot of character and charm that is appealing to homeowners, with a warm, inviting, and “homey” feeling that makes people feel connected to the space. Many homeowners who opt for a rustic makeover do so wanting to make their home as visually enjoyable as it is physically comfortable.
Using reclaimed wood in your kitchen design can be the ideal choice for incorporating a rustic material, and there are many different ways to use reclaimed wood in your kitchen design. Cabinetry and shelves are often made of wood, which lends itself naturally to the rustic kitchen design. Countertop ideas become more of a challenge, however. Polished stone and laminate don’t always fit your kitchen decor, while many honed or flamed stone surfaces lack character.
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Rustic wood countertops, therefore, can be a great countertop idea to create your kitchen design. A solid wood countertop will instantly match other features in the room and has the durability to withstand many more years of use. Whether you choose a reclaimed wood countertop or a sustainable American hardwood option for your remodel, you’ll find plenty of beauty, warmth, charm, and personality to spare.
Types of Wood Countertops
Rustic wood countertops are unique in that no two are ever going to be exactly the same. This is true regardless of type. Solid wood is a natural material, so there will always be some degree of variation in color, tone, and grain pattern. This is part of why the material works so well in a rustic kitchen; the variation adds depth and charm to the space.
If you opt for an antiqued or reclaimed wood countertop, you get even more interest and character. Antiqued or reclaimed wood has come from a variety of old buildings, many more than 100 years old. The solid wood still has years of use left ahead of it, and it’s been cleaned, milled, and refashioned into wooden countertops.
Antiqued wood countertops are available in a variety of different wood species, including walnut, oak, elm, Douglas fir, heart pine, and hickory. The wooden countertops may be sanded smooth or given a more textured finish. They may have some of the original marks and wear still showing from their milling and use. This adds to the rustic, farmhouse style and interest to the area.
Old growth hardwood countertops are also available. They have more consistency to them, as well as a rich variety of finishes and wood species. Their grain and movement will still vary, but they won’t have potential nail holes or other marks.
Both types of wood countertops can lend charm and depth to any style of kitchen. Wood countertops often develop a living finish over time. They soften where they are touched and develop a patina from use. This only enhances their beauty in a rustic setting, ensuring years of continued good looks.
Kitchen Countertop Design Ideas
With the many colors, styles, and wood species available, you’ll be able to find the perfect wood countertop to match your decor. Take a look at these 9 countertop ideas to help get inspiration and design ideas to assist you in finding just the right fit.
1. Countertop Focus
The reclaimed elm countertop in this kitchen is the focal point of the design. The wood has been sanded smooth to let the natural color, grain, and knot holes show. This brings a lot of richness and warmth to the design, adding some contrast to the white cabinets and sink.
2. Island Accent
This kitchen features a reclaimed heart pine countertop on the island bar top. The color and grain pattern of the wood picks up the textures and colors on the floor. This is a popular method of creating a cohesive look within a space – matching tone on the horizontal surfaces. Because the island doubles as an eating area, the pine will be sure to get a lot of attention and use.
3. Textured Surface
This kitchen also features a kitchen island top made of reclaimed wood. In this case, the countertop is made of reclaimed oak, and features some saw marks and a deeper patina as well as a lot of movement and grain. The surface texture complements the antiqued cabinets, while also adding contrast to their color.
4. Rich Color
There is nothing like the richness and color of walnut. This reclaimed walnut top has been given a more formal edge, which contrasts with the rustic island cabinetry. This kind of contrast works well with very rich woods like walnut, which need to shine on their own.
5. Lines and Movement
One of the reasons that wood works so well on countertops is the ability to show off some of those long grains. This reclaimed elm top has beautiful marks and grains, which add depth and contrast to the kitchen. It makes a stunning addition between a bright white cabinet and sunny yellow backsplash.
6. Tone-on-Tone
This kitchen island is not only made from a natural wood that lets the grain show, it also features a reclaimed heart pine counter. The two together create a very subtle look for the center of the room, letting the focus be on the beauty of the natural wood and not on stains or colors.
7. Texture on Texture
This run of kitchen cabinets also features reclaimed heart pine, but with a deeper color and patina. The cabinets have been given an antiquing stain for a finish, while the countertop shows the original saw marks. Together the two textures complement one another and add richness to the room.
8. Light Accent
This room needed a little lightening with so many dark kitchen cabinets and finishes. It gets it with an old growth white oak countertop on the kitchen island. The color of the oak is the lightest tone in the room, which makes it an automatic focal point as well as a much needed accent and contrast.
9. Curved Countertop
Wood is an incredibly versatile material. This premium select walnut countertop shows that off beautifully with a subtle curve to one edge. The color of the countertop really stands out in this room filled with lighter wood, where the grain and beauty of the walnut can really shine.
Add Wood Countertops into Your Kitchen Design
Whether you only want a rustic accent, or you’re creating a completely rustic style, wood countertops are the perfect addition to the space. They’re warm, rich, and versatile, and come in many styles, finishes, and wood species. Not ready for a full-scale kitchen makeover? Our wooden tabletops can also be used to create a DIY wood dining table. No matter what type of reclaimed wood countertop you choose or how you choose to install it, rest assured knowing that our wooden countertops are also food safe. Consider a rustic wood countertop for your next home improvement project, and visit Elmwood Reclaimed Timber to find out more.
