The kitchen is the heart of the home, where culinary delights are created and memories are made. A wooden countertop brings warmth and natural beauty to the kitchen, making the space cozy and distinctive. At Riverbank OÜ, we produce high-quality birch and oak countertops that, with proper care, will last for decades.
Why Choose a Wooden Countertop?
A wooden countertop isn’t just a practical surface – it’s an investment that brings lifelong value to your kitchen. Solid wood surfaces have been valued in home interiors for centuries, carrying warmth and character that no other material can offer.
A wooden countertop brings natural warmth and character to your home, where each wood grain pattern is unique. It’s durable and restorable – even if damaged, the surface can be sanded and renovated. Wood ages gracefully, acquiring character and depth over time. Additionally, it complements various interior styles, enhancing modern, Scandinavian, and rustic kitchens alike.
What Are the Most Popular Wood Types for Countertops?
Riverbank OÜ primarily offers birch and oak countertops, each with different properties and appearances.
Birch wood stands out with its lighter tone and gentle pattern. Studies show that birch wood has an average density of 657.71 kg/m³, ensuring good durability. Birch wood has particularly good compressive strength along the grain – in our tests, it’s stronger compared to oak and ash. Light birch wood is an ideal choice for brighter kitchens where an airy and spacious impression is desired.
Oak wood offers a warm golden-brown tone with a beautiful and distinct texture. Oak’s average density is 631.37 kg/m³, slightly lower than birch, but oak wood has excellent cross-grain compressive strength. Oak has traditionally been one of the most valued kitchen countertop materials due to its durability and timeless beauty.
How to Order a Countertop with the Right Dimensions?
Riverbank OÜ manufactures countertops exactly according to your kitchen measurements. Our production capabilities allow us to create solutions perfect for your kitchen.
We can produce countertops in the following dimensions:
- Length: maximum up to 4000 mm
- Width: maximum up to 1300 mm
- Thickness: 15-50 mm (for kitchen countertops, we recommend at least 27-40 mm)
When taking measurements, it’s worth following some principles. Start measuring from wall to wall, adding 2-3 cm for overhang. Be sure to account for cuts and cutouts for the sink and stove. Precisely determine the shapes of corners, whether they’re square or rounded.
Steps for Installing a Countertop
1. Preparation
Before installation, ensure that the base cabinets are level and securely fixed. Clean the base cabinets and work surface of dust and dirt to ensure a clean workspace. Check that the countertop is the correct size, properly cut, and edges are properly finished.
It’s important to let the countertop acclimate in the kitchen for at least 48 hours. Wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in room temperature and humidity levels, so acclimation helps prevent later deformation.
2. Installation
The installation process begins by placing the countertop on the base cabinet, carefully checking that it’s level. If sink and stove cutouts haven’t been made at the factory, mark them precisely on the countertop. We recommend calling a specialist for making cutouts, as imprecise cutting can damage the countertop.
When fixing the countertop to the base cabinet, use special mounting brackets. It’s important to leave enough room for the wood to expand – at least 3-5 mm at the wall. Avoid screwing too tightly to prevent the wood from cracking later.
3. Finishing
The finish of the countertop largely determines its durability and appearance in the long term. Start by sanding the surface using fine sandpaper (such as P220). Then thoroughly clean the surface of dust.
The most important part of finishing is applying quality wood oil:
- The first coat should be a deeply penetrating oil that protects the wood from within
- Apply a second coat after 12-24 hours
- Add a third coat after another 24 hours
- Let the final coat dry for at least 48 hours before using the countertop
Maintenance and Long-term Durability
A wooden countertop needs regular maintenance to maintain its beauty and durability. Daily, the surface should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth, avoiding standing water. Weekly, it’s recommended to use a special wood cleaner.
Once a month, check if oiling is needed – if a drop of water doesn’t stay on the surface but absorbs into the wood, it’s time to re-oil. We recommend complete surface oiling once every 6-12 months, depending on intensity of use.
To ensure longevity, follow these principles:
- Always use a cutting board, never cut directly on the surface
- Place hot pots and pans on mats
- Avoid strong chemicals and abrasive cleaners
- Wipe up water splashes immediately
Pricing
The price of a wooden countertop is determined by several factors. Wood type is one of the most important factors – oak is generally more expensive than birch. Dimensions, especially width and thickness, directly affect the amount of material and therefore the price.
Finishing – whether oiling, waxing, or lacquering – also affects the final price. Additional work such as sink or stove cutouts and edge profiling add value and correspondingly price.
Riverbank OÜ countertops are affordably priced, considering their high quality and longevity. For an exact price quote, we recommend contacting us directly.
Sample Works from Our Portfolio
Riverbank OÜ has produced dozens of beautiful wooden countertops for Estonian homes. Among our recent works is a 40 mm thick oak countertop with a rustic appearance in a North Tallinn apartment. We’ve created a light birch countertop for an island center, combined with a black stone surface. We’ve also manufactured an oak countertop with an integrated cutting board for a small Kalamaja kitchen.
Contact Us
Want a quality and durable wooden countertop for your kitchen? Riverbank OÜ helps you choose the right material, dimensions, and finish that exactly meets your needs and wishes.
For exact measurements and price inquiries, call us at +372 509 9151 or visit our countertops page. Our over 10 years of experience in woodworking ensures that you get the perfect wooden countertop that will delight you for decades.