Oak vs Beech worktops - is Oak worth the Premium?

As a worktop beech is as good as oak hence why all butchers block used to be made out of it, and 40mm staves is towards the bottom end of any solid worktop, I prefer the look of the wider staves 80+mm but that is a personal preference just make sure you finish it properly then either will last as long as the other with no difference in quality
Beech generally has a lot lighter colour to it and looks nothing like oak

 

Beech looks just as good as oak when oiled up, I've seen both beech and oak tops that look like carp when oiled up it depends on the individual tops
Beech can be stained but why bother, if you want oak, buy oak if you want darker buy walnut if you want lighter buy beech
At the end of the day their completely different grains so trying to compare them is pointless if you worried about the cost just glue some pallets together

 

The tannins in oak actually make it lees suitable for uses in food preparation areas it's just nobody worries bout this any more

 

For me - Beech.


Take a piece of oak, and as may happen in a kitchen, spill some vinegar on it. Then use a little wire wool to clean off the stain ... OOPS! It has turned blue! Yes, blue oak.

 

As far as I know butchers blocks were made of sycamore with the end grain uppermost, beech and oak look a bit similar but are easy to tell apart.

 

I thought they were Maple - although both are from the same family.

 

Sycamore probably more common in Britian at the time but I am happy if someone want's to correct me.

 

Was always taught that were end grain beech but sycamore would make more sense as it's a lot denser grain then beech so would last a lot longer

 

It stains badly as well.

 

Which, The oak or the sycamore?

 

Oak, it reacts to water and steel.
Sorry, you can't see the post I was replying to.

 

Never used water based stain on oak, only ever used Morrells spirit based which I've never had a problem with, but it is meant to be sprayed on then the excess wiped off it does give a nice even colour though

 

I've just seen a lot of badly stained oak worktops especially around Belfast sinks. I wouldn't have either in my house.

 

I've got a customer at the moment who wants their oak tops recoated although they can't remember what type of oil has been used in the past but also don't want them stripped back, do you think I'm asking for trouble if I wiped them down with a spirit based cleaner then oiled with Osmo worktop oil.Not sure if it might react to whatever type of oil was previously used?

 

When I've fitted solid worktops I've used a 2 part laquer which dries like melamine.
I would have thought you would be alright but it might be worth dropping Osmo technical support a line.

 

Hi

Can I ask what the 2 part lacquer was? Cheers

 

No idea what Chips used, but look at Rustins PCGL1000 2 part lacquer, very good product.

 

Have you experienced osmo products?