Bring Your Wooden Worktops Back To Life

Is your wooden kitchen worktop looking tired, scratched or stained? The warmth and natural beauty of timber deserve to shine — so here’s how you can restore your worktop and make it the hero of your kitchen again.

1. Assess the condition and prepare the surface

Start by clearing everything from the worktop and giving it a thorough wipe-down to remove dust, grease and grime. Next, inspect the surface for scratches, stains, water damage, burn marks or gaps in joints. These tell you how much restoration is needed. (Mr Sander®)

2. Clean and treat any stubborn marks

For water stains, discoloration or dark marks, consider using a mild wood-safe bleach (such as oxalic acid) or a gentle cleaning product designed for wood. This helps fade deep-set stains before you move to sanding. (The Carpenter's Daughter)

3. Sand gently, working with the grain

Once the surface is ready, lightly sand it starting with a medium grit and finishing with a fine grit (for example, start at ~120 and finish at ~180-240). Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid unwanted swirl marks or dips. This will level out the surface and prepare it for finishing. (worktop-express.co.uk)

4. Fill chips, gaps or joint separations

If there are chips or gaps in the worktop (for example where two pieces meet), you can fill these using a matching wood-filler or sawdust mixed with waterproof glue. After drying, sand flush so the repair blends seamlessly. (The Carpenter's Daughter)

5. Choose and apply the right finish

For a restored wooden worktop, you have two popular finishing choices:

• Oil (food-safe worktop oil) gives a natural, warm finish. It may need re-application over time. (The Carpenter's Daughter)

• Hard-wax oil or lacquer provides a tougher protective layer, which is beneficial around sinks or high-use zones. (Wood Made Good)

Ensure the surface is clean and dry, then apply the finish according to manufacturer instructions. Let each coat dry fully, lightly sand between coats if recommended, and ensure good ventilation.

6. Maintain for long-lasting beauty

Once restored, keep the worktop looking its best by:

• Wiping up spills promptly

• Using cutting boards and trivets to protect from knives and hot pans

• Avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners

• Re-oiling or polishing when water no longer beads on the surface. (worktop-express.co.uk)

Why Choose Wood Inspiration for Your Worktop Needs?

At Wood Inspiration, we specialise in high-quality wooden surfaces and finishing solutions. Whether you're dealing with wear and tear, or simply want to refresh your space, we can help you restore the character of your timber worktop and make it a statement feature once more.

Ready to revitalise your worktop? Contact us for expert advice, the right finishing products, or professional restoration support.

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