Kitchen Countertop Materials For A Rustic Look
If you are designing a rustic kitchen, then you probably don't want to put sleek granite counters in there. While granite counters are wonderful, they have a very polished and posh look, which would look entirely out of place in a rustic design. Luckily, there are some wonderful countertop materials that will look right at home in a rustic kitchen.
Slate
You may know of slate as a roofing material, but its strength and durability make it an excellent countertop material too. Slate has a less dramatic appearance than granite and has a sort of chalky finish, which makes it look decidedly rustic. It comes in an array of colors, all with a grayish undertone, including blue, green, purple, and even pink. Slate is virtually non-porous, which means it won't stain easily and doesn't require sealing. It is also quite affordable as it is widely available and easy for countertop makers to work with. The only downfall of slate is that the edges can be a bit rough. You will want to have them rounded off and polished so you do not scrape yourself on them.
Butcher Block
Butcher block is basically wood that has been arranged with the end grain exposed. This makes the countertop tougher than it would be with the wood in any other arrangement. Butcher block counters can often be made from maple or cherry. They do need to be cleaned carefully, and they will develop knife marks over time if you cut on them directly. However, a woodworker or countertop maker can always come back, sand down the surface, and refinish the butcher block. You may not want butcher block counters through your entire kitchen, but they can be nice on an island or as part of a counter.
Concrete
Concrete may seem like an odd material for a countertop. However, it can be sanded down until it is very smooth and then sealed with a food-safe sealer. The counter can be stained a more neutral tone like deep brown or a warm gray, which will give it a more rustic look. Concrete counters are usually poured in place, so this work will need to be done before a lot of the other work in your kitchen. They are very affordable, however.
If you want your kitchen to have a nice, rustic look, then slate, concrete, or butcher block wood counters are a really good choice. For help choosing and installing a kitchen countertop, contact a contractor in your area.
Share