Beech vs oak worktops – which one to buy?

Last Updated on September 16, 2024

There is an ever-ongoing debate as to which wooden worktops are better. And it’s definitely not the easiest question to answer.

Despite the fact that the British people have a deep cultural connection and strong links with the oak tree, beech is not that far behind. In fact, it’s the second most popular wood worktop type in the UK.

Whether modern or traditional, both wood types offer the versatility to fit well with any kitchen style and design. Oak worktops are usually light yellowish in colour and have a bold character, while beech worktops are often pinkish in colour and offer a more uniform grain pattern.

In the end, personal preference and the final style of the kitchen may well be the deciding factor when picking the kitchen worktop, but let’s take a look at some of the other pros and cons of each wood type.

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Check out our Oak worktops

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Affordability

Solid beech worktop is the most affordable hardwood worktop material and is a very popular choice for kitchen designers or renovators working on a tight budget. The high abundance of beech trees across European hardwood forests is perhaps one of the reasons for its affordable nature.

On the other hand, an oak worktop may come at a more premium price point thanks to its extremely attractive aesthetic appeal and the variety of finishes available. Full stave oak worktops – where the wood runs full length without additional joins – are highly popular among mid to higher-end kitchens seeking that minimalist, deluxe finish.

While standard oak worktops (a slightly less pricy alternative to a beech worktop), are again more popular among kitchen designs on a smaller budget.

Stain resistance

In their natural state, a beech worktop can offer more stain resistance than oak. However, both oak and beech worktops should be properly sealed with oil for best long-term performance. If sealed both of the worktops are offering very good stain resistance.

If untreated, oak in particular contains a high amount of tannin, which, when it comes into contact with acid can leave black marks on the surface of the worktop.

As they say, prevention is better than cure – always oil your worktop to keep it protected!

Wearability & durability

Although both are very durable hardwood types, oak is more hardwearing than beech when it comes to wood worktops.

Oak has a density of 800 kg per cubic meter, while beech has a density of 700 kg per cubic meter. Hence, oak is associated with strength and it’s not a coincidence that “strong as an oak” is an enduring phrase in the British lexicon. Moreover, oak is well-known for its ageing look as its grain colour gradually gets deeper, becoming more and more vibrant. Just like red wine, its look tends to get better and better with time.  

So, while oak might take a slight lead in general durability properties, if well looked after, both of these wood worktop types will last for many years.

Ease of maintenance

Maintenance of hardwood products is considered their main – and perhaps only – negative aspect, as they may require regular oiling. However, in reality, it is very quick and easy to oil wooden worktops and oiling does not require any particular skills.

You can find in-depth information and a step-by-step guide on how to oil your worktop. At House of Worktops, we use Osmo oil for the perfect finish.

However, if you’d like more information generally about which oil to use or how to apply it, do get in touch with our sales team on 01727 260688 or [email protected].

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve taken a look at the main benefits and drawbacks of oak & beech wood worktops.

There’s no doubt both are excellent choices for almost any style of kitchen or home design. But which one should you buy?

If you’re on a very strict budget, then beech may well be the obvious choice.

And if you’ve got a little more freedom to spend?

We don’t like to pick sides. But at a push, based on our many years of experience, we’d have to say that oak is the number one worktop choice of the two.

And while it may be a little pricier, the natural benefits of oak’s properties – especially its longevity – more than justifies the premium.

If you’re still struggling to decide, why not order our next-day samples and take a look at the 2 woods in person – it might be just the inspiration you need!

The House of Worktops experience

If you need any advice or help choosing or purchasing your perfect wood worktop, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Before purchase:

If you are unsure which wood material to choose and/or which services to opt for, give our sales team a call at 01727 260688 or drop us a line at [email protected]. We will be very happy to guide you through our various wood & other products and the range of prices as well as provide more info on any of the extras mentioned below.

On our website, you can explore our wide range of available lengths from 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m. There is also a range of thicknesses available.

If you need something a little more bespoke, you can also use our Custom Worktop Builder. With this easy-to-use configurator, you can choose your exact cut-to-size worktops as well as various different additions such as edge profiling, square edging and service to get your product oiled and ready for installation.

After purchase:

It’s time for delivery! We use our own two-man delivery team which ensures that your order gets delivered when promised. Once our delivery team is out for delivery you will also receive a message to your mobile device with a trackable link so you can see exactly when they’re due to arrive! If you prefer, you can also choose to collect your worktop from our warehouse in London Colney, Hertfordshire.

Once you receive your beautiful product, we would really appreciate it if you leave a review on our website of your experience. Should you be unhappy with your product for any reason, we would be more than happy to try to solve the problem with you or offer a replacement.

If you have any questions about anything worktop related, please do not hesitate to
get in touch with us!

You can find us at 01727260688 or [email protected] 
https://houseofworktops.co.uk/

Enjoy your kitchen and wood worktops!