Nothing quite compares to the rich tones and textures that reclaimed wood can bring to kitchen designs. Naturally beautiful and warm, reclaimed wood countertops can enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen while reducing your impact on the environment. Since no two pieces of wood are alike, you know you are getting a one-of-a-kind countertop with its own unique story. Not to mention, reclaimed and repurposed wood countertops can be just as beautiful as they are durable, functional, and environmentally-friendly.

Repurposed wood countertops add character and personality. If the wood is salvaged from a boat, iconic deconstructed building, or if it served another interesting purpose in its previous life, it can bring history and charm unlike any other material. Knives love the surface, and wear and tear over time can give it a gorgeous aged look. If you want to perk it up, you can simply sand the wood and refinish it with a natural oil.

Since wood can be more vulnerable to heat and water, it’s best to use this green countertop material for kitchen islands or butcher blocks. Reclaimed wood islands are fantastic focal points for kitchens as they add to the inviting and welcoming feeling of this space, emphasizing it as the heart of the home.

Going green in the kitchen with eco-friendly countertops is getting easier thanks to the many products that are salvaged and that are available on the market. With so many options to choose from though, it can be difficult to determine which green countertop is best. One strategy for making sure you get the best reclaimed wood countertop product on the market is to count on certifications by independent organizations such as GreenGuard, Cradle to Cradle, and the Forest Stewardship Council.

For more reclaimed wood design ideas for the home, see our previous post on The Utility of Salvaged Wood.

We’d love to help you find the right environmentally-responsible products and materials to make your home not only sustainable and energy-efficient but beautiful and full of style and interest. As a full a full-service architecture and design firm that is passionate and experienced in sustainable home design from traditional to more modern styles, we can work with you to create a custom sustainable home design that expresses your individual aesthetic. Contact us online or by calling to set up a consultation to discuss a potential home remodeling project or new home design.