If you’re considering a worktop for your kitchen, a solid wood Iroko worktop is an excellent option. Iroko is a tropical hardwood known for its durability, strength, and beautiful natural colouring. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss what to look for when purchasing an Iroko worktop and the benefits of adding one to your kitchen.
Iroko worktops have several advantages that make them a popular choice for a kitchen space:
- Iroko is a dense, highly resistant hardwood, sometimes referred to as African Teak. Its density makes it durable and the perfect material for a busy kitchen.
- The Iroko timber’s beautiful colour, varying dark hues, and golden tones add warmth and character to any area.
- This hardwood is resistant to moisture and stains due to its high oil content, making it perfect for a kitchen work surface.
- Iroko worktops are easy to maintain and require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for a busy home.
What To Look for When Choosing an Iroko Worktop
- When choosing an Iroko worktop, it’s essential to consider the type of wood used. Solid wood is the best option, offering superior durability and strength.
- The quality of the wood used in the worktop is crucial. Look for a worktop made from high-quality, carefully selected timber with minimal knots and defects from managed forests.
- This dense wood has a distinctive grain pattern, with long grain lines varying from dark chocolate browns to golden honey tones. This colouring makes it an excellent option for pairing with light or dark cabinets to create a striking centrepiece.
- The finish of the worktop is essential for protecting the wood and enhancing its appearance. The Iroko wood can darken quite significantly when oiled, which is something to remember when choosing your worktop.
- Iroko worktops can vary in price, depending on the wood’s quality and the worktop’s thickness. Consider your budget when choosing your worktop but remember that a better-quality worktop will likely be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Maintaining Your Iroko Worktop
Once you have chosen your Iroko worktop, it’s important to have it professionally fitted to give you a secure and safe workspace. Here are some simple ways to protect your Iroko worktop:
- Avoid stains by cleaning up spills immediately before they can soak into the wood.
- Use a soft damp to keep the surface of the worktop clean.
- Protect the worktop from hot pans using a trivet, hot rods or heat-proof mats when dealing with hot pans, plates and trays from the oven.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials, as they can damage the finish of the worktop. Instead, use natural cleaning products as they are gentler.
- Regularly apply a protective finish of oil or wax.
- If your worktop becomes damaged, do not despair, as solid wood can often be sanded to restore its former beauty.
An Iroko worktop is an excellent modern or traditional kitchen design choice. Once installed, proper maintenance will help ensure the longevity and beauty of your worktop, providing you with a stylish and functional addition to your home.