oak worktop good or bad?

[Blakey]

I like the look of Solid oak worktops for new Kitchen, but I am hearing they are really hard work and stain very easily, Kitchen is used a lot and I want a worktop that is not just for show, would I be better with a lookalike all opinions good or bad welcome.

[royaloakcarpentry]

Nothing wrong with oak.

Any worktop looks 5hite after a while if it is abused. Train the wife and there is no reason an oak worktop will not look good for years to come......with maintenance at periodic intervals, of course.

[Blakey]

.with maintenance at periodic intervals, of course.

Did you mean the wife or the worktop

[Colour Republic]

keep both well oiled and it shouldn't be a problem

[Job and Knock]

As others have pointed out keep it sealed! Problems occur with oak (and also to a lesser extent with mahogany and walnut) where the customer hasn't sealed it properly AND where they use cast iron or steel pans AND where they are in the habit of leaving said metal objects on the drainer to, well, drain. All these timbers contain tannin; tannin + water = tannic acid, and tannic acid + carbon steel (e.g. chefs knives) or mild steel (trad frying pans) or iron = indellible black stain (ferrous oxides?) which penetrates the timber. It can be got out with oxallic acid, but it's a pallaver.

[royaloakcarpentry]

http://www.idsurfaces.co.uk/c-1803-inte ... -wood.aspx

Good stockist for timber worktops.

Don't buy cheap and don't buy from DIY stores.