The Benefits of Custom Wood Bar Tops
Choosing the right bar top materials is an investment in beauty and functionality. It’s one of the main focal points of your bar and will be looked at by guests for years to come.
Any species of wood can be used for indoor bars without moisture concerns. The finish you select will help protect your new bar and determine how well it handles cuts.
They Are Affordable
Custom wood bar tops are a great way to add flair and character to your home bar or restaurant. They can also be more affordable than traditional bar tops. For example, a butcher block top can be ordered from a solid piece of lumber instead of several smaller pieces glued together. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
You can also choose various finishes and materials to customize your butcher block bar tops. For instance, select a natural oil or durable conversion varnish to protect it from moisture and damage. You can also opt for a live edge style to highlight the unique characteristics of the wood and create a rustic look.
Another option is a premium 1.75″ thick solid hardwood top such as red maple, black walnut, or exotic mahogany. These comprehensive, sturdy options are perfect for home bars and commercial bar installations.
For example, Dumond’s Furniture is a company that provides one-of-a-kind wood countertops, tabletops, and other pieces of custom furniture. Their experts use salvaged urban lumber from trees that would otherwise end up in a landfill to create executive desks, coffee tables, dining tables, boardroom tables, and even bar tops for businesses. They are an environmentally conscious business that offers several deals on their bar tops to help companies afford these unique pieces of furniture.
They Look Great
Wood bar tops add a natural feel to any kitchen. They are available in a wide variety of species and finishes. Some are even one-of-a-kind!
Choosing the suitable wood for your countertop is essential to achieving a cohesive design. The most common options are maple, walnut, and red oak. These woods are durable, versatile, and match many color palettes. Other options include bubinga, sycamore, and elm. These woods are more exotic but equally beautiful and strong.
Aside from the type of wood, you also need to consider the finishing process. Several options are available to seal your butcher block counter, including mineral oil, waterlox, and tung oil. Mineral oil is food-safe and enhances the wood’s innate beauty. However, it requires frequent reapplications. Waterlox and tung oil balance protection and aesthetics, offering a natural look that’s food-safe. Lastly, epoxy provides a lustrous finish that’s highly resilient.
You can opt for a live-edge wood counter or bar top for a unique look. This style allows you to see all the flaws and character of the wood, making each piece one-of-a-kind. This style is trendy for dining islands but can also be used for bar tops.
They Are Eco-Friendly
Wood countertops, mainly reclaimed ones, are a natural option for bar tops. They provide a warm and cozy feel to the room and are environmentally friendly, as they use up raw materials that would otherwise be discarded. Wood countertops are also more cost-effective and durable than other materials, such as stone or quartz.
Many people install a wooden bar in their homes because it offers a classic look that complements traditional decor. The natural material is affordable and can be stained to match any design scheme. However, it is susceptible to water damage and stains if not properly sealed.
Another popular countertop material for bars is marble. This natural stone offers a luxurious appearance and is easy to clean. Its neutral color and subtle veins create a soothing atmosphere for the bar area. Marble is also a high-end option for kitchen countertops, which adds value to the home.
On the other hand, live edge bar tops offer a more rustic appearance that is great for a unique space. These are made from the edges of a tree so you can see all the natural flaws and variations in the wood. This gives the countertop character and personality, an essential aspect of any bar. However, live edge counters may not be ideal if you want your bar to have a uniform look.
They Are Durable
When your home bar is the gathering spot for friends and family, it must stand up to heavy use and frequent cleaning. A custom wood bar top is an affordable, long-lasting option that adds natural richness to the space. Unlike granite, which is attractive and durable but requires regular maintenance to protect against stains and damage, wood counters resist moisture and heat.
The wood used for your counters can be sealed to help them withstand the test of time. Our Grothouse team uses Durata, a food-safe coating that is highly protective for bar surfaces. It is thinner than epoxy, allowing the wood to breathe, and it offers superior protection against scratches and dents.
A natural finish is also an excellent choice for wood counters. A simple mineral oil application can make your bar top a beautiful surface for chopping and serving, but it will require regular reapplication. Other finishes that offer longer-lasting protection include tung oil and polyurethane. These coatings provide a formidable shield against water and heat damage but need periodic reapplication.
Some homeowners opt not to stain their wood bar tops at all. If you choose a live edge design, you can let the natural appearance of your wood shine through, which can help create a rustic look for your finished bar. This can save you time, money, and effort and avoid the risk of staining or painting your bar top.
