Why Wood?
Wood in the Kitchen: An historical perspective
While it may seem that wood countertops are something new, wood has been used as a kitchen work surface for thousands of years. (Photo 1851 Kitchen on DVD) In the southern parts of the U.S. cooking facilities were outside the main house. However in more northern climates, the kitchen hearth and wood table came to stand for family, friends and a warm and inviting place to be.
Prior to the late 1920’s kitchen cabinets were modular and many were enameled metal. The Hoosier cabinet came into being in the 1880’s and were made in various forms through the 1950’s. During this time, there was little need for countertops. (Photo of Hoosier cabinet).
Built-in cabinets had to wait for the invention of plywood in 1908. By 1920, plywood began to be used for “built-in” cabinets. (Photo 1920 Kitchen B&W). Large sheets were used for the front of the “cabinets” with the doors and drawers made by simply cutting holes in the plywood and face mounting the doors. This method of making cabinets continued into the 1960’s when it was largely replaced by building individual cabinet boxes.
Built-in cabinets had to have a countertop. Early materials included tile and wood, and in some parts of the country slate was used. Formica, the first high pressure laminate, was not used for countertops until after WWII. (Photo 1920 kitchen)
Early wood countertops were largely limited to oak and maple “butcher block” They were made by local shops and became very popular in 1940’s and continuing through the 1970’s. When du Pont introduced Corian in the 1970’s, a concerted public effort was made to discredit wood countertops. Laws were passed prohibiting the use of wood in federal facilities and the private sector soon followed. Industry sponsored “scientific” studies about bacteria and food safety were conducted with predictable results. However, other studies showed the opposite, that wood killed bacteria or that people using wood cutting boards were less likely to get sick. See Food Safety for more details.
The Modern Wood Countertop
In the 1970’s the kitchen began to change location and function, and by the late 1980’s, designers of high-end kitchens and baths were looking for a wood countertop that could be used in the “new” kitchens where people congregated. A few years ago, we started asking our customers why they chose our wood countertops. Some of their answers were:
• Wood is warm. The natural quality of wood adds richness and warmth to a room. Wood creates a space that is inviting – that is why wood is almost always used for dining room and
conference tables.
• Wood tops are unique. People interested in style and design are concerned with creating something that is out of the ordinary. Today, the kitchen is seen by every visitor and creates the most visible statement about you and your home. Craft-Art wood countertops offer designers and homeowners the opportunity to create a truly unique look.
• The “WOW” Factor. Craft-Art wood tops go beyond being functional. We achieve this by using exotic woods, a range of thicknesses, construction style, and our unique application of a catalyzed tung-oil varnish. One of the reasons people purchase a Craft-Art top is to make a statement about their home and about themselves that can be summed up as follows:
As guests walk into the kitchen they stop at the door, look with amazement at the fabulous wood countertop, and say, “WOW!”
A Craft-Art island top is one of the very few things you can put in your kitchen that will elicit this response.
• The Wood “Connection”. Most people have an emotional connection to wood. We all naturally want to run our hands over fine wood furniture or wood sculptures. An example of this connection happened when we installed a large Iroko island top for a couple near Atlanta. As the top was set in place, the homeowner took a couple of steps back and said, “I haven't felt this way since I got my diamond!”
• Wood can be both contemporary and antique. Wood may be the only material that looks better the older it gets. Many Craft-Art customers purchase wood tops because they understand that, over time, the top will acquire that unique patina characteristic of fine antiques.