An expert’s guide to ash worktops
Last Updated on March 16, 2024
Quality counts for everything
With such a huge choice of worktop types, colours and finishes, it can be a little daunting when trying to choose your worktop.
If you want a worktop that will stand out from the crowd, whilst also bringing a refreshing and light feel to any room they are installed within, then an ash worktop might be for you.
Ash worktops have surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to their unique appearance and adaptability to fit in almost any kitchen. With their light and vibrant appearance, they can bring life to any kitchen they are installed within.
If you are considering an ash worktop for your next kitchen project, our comprehensive guide has you covered, as we’ll explore some of the properties that make them a must-have for your kitchen or bathroom and dig deeper into what makes ash worktops so durable and long-lasting.
What makes ash wood different to other worktops?
Ash wood worktops stand out for all the right reasons, with a distinctive appearance that is capable of contrasting against darker tones in the kitchen. Not only are ash worktops great at bringing light to darker kitchen units, but they are also the perfect accompaniment to lighter kitchen cupboards as they share a lot of the same colour profiles.
Along with their ability to seamlessly breathe life into any kitchen they are installed within, ash worktops are renowned for their incredibly unique appearance, with stunning rings captured in each stave that is used to make up the countertop. These rings give the ash worktops a natural and rustic look that simply cannot be recreated, making them the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen.
It’s also worth noting that ash trees are unique in their overall sustainability too, as when these trees are felled, they will sprout and regrow once again. This is a huge consideration for anyone who is particularly conscious about the environmental impact of their new kitchen worktop, and a unique selling point for ash wood.
Why ash works well as a worktop & work surface
How durable is ash?
Ash wood is among one of the most hardwearing and long-lasting worktop materials thanks to the timber’s dense structure. Not too dissimilar to oak worktops, ash wood boasts similar strength and hardiness due to internal stress hardening the wood fibres when growing.
The internal stress that gives ash wood its notorious hardwearing properties is brought about as the tree contracts in the winter and swells up during the summer months, which makes the inner structure of the wood denser and stronger as the years go by.
If you choose to install an ash wood worktop in your home, you can be sure it will last a lifetime when maintained and cared for properly.
Are ash worktops heatproof?
If you’re looking to leave volcanic hot pans all over your worktop, then wood worktops aren’t for you. Like all wood, ash worktops should be fine with the odd light contact here and there. However, the best thing to do for any worktop when it comes to heat Is to make use of worktop protectors or trivets.
Are Ash Worktops Waterproof?
Ash worktops aren’t naturally waterproof, but water resistance can be achieved by oiling it periodically. Oiling needs to be done with a minimum of 3 coats prior to installation in the first instance to ensure proper coverage.
Worried you won’t get a perfect coat? Our team are more than happy to oil your worktop before delivery, all you need to do is choose our pre-oiling service after adding a product to your basket.
Over time, the oil will begin to dry out, so you will need to reapply it around every 3-12 months (depending on the humidity in your house and the amount of initial coats) to ensure your worktop remains protected and waterproof. Use the waterdrop test every now and then to check whether a re-coat is needed. To do this, allow a drip of water to sit on the surface. If it sinks in, it’s time for more oil. If it sits and beads on the surface, the oil level is good.
The types of home and decor that ash complements
One of the biggest benefits that ash worktops bring to any kitchen project, is their ability to seamlessly fit in with nearly any other colours you have chosen for your kitchen units and tiles.
Homes with a darker colour palette
Ash worktops are a fantastic compleiment to darker colour palettes for your kitchen cupboards, as they really do add a level of contrast and sophistication against darker tones. Their ability to ‘pop’ against darker tones makes them a great addition to any kitchen that lacks natural light, or that has been decorated in particularly dark colours.
Light pastel pink, blues and pale greens
Along with this, you’ll also find that pastel colours go particularly well with ash worktops to soften the look of your kitchen, helping to bring a breezy and light feel to your kitchen. The lighter tones brought by the ash timber tone down lighter kitchen unit and tile colours to nicely finish off the overall look. Finding the perfect colour match for your kitchen can be difficult, we’ve got a guide on matching your kitchen worktop colours if you need further inspiration.
Keeping bathrooms feeling light and airy
It’s also worth noting that ash worktops are particularly good for bathrooms, as they provide a light and airy feel to any room they are installed within, which is especially important in bathrooms. Thanks to its hardwearing properties, ash worktops are a great option for bathroom units, but you do need to ensure you have oiled the wood appropriately to ensure it maintains the waterproof layer.
There’s no doubt that ash worktops are a great choice for many homes, thanks to their neutral tone and hardwearing nature. Their ability to bring life to darker kitchen units makes ash worktops a great choice for many homeowners, whether they are looking to install a completely new kitchen or simply add a new worktop to an existing kitchen.