Up until a few years ago, wood slabs were not something you saw in modern interior design. You expected to see them in rustic country cottages, not high-rise New York City apartments. How the tables have turned, literally! Wood slabs are being used for everything--doors, tables, headboards, counter tops, seating, and even office furniture. There are several reasons why you should consider wood slabs for your next design project and several ways to customize your new favorite conversation piece.
Most people don’t consider wood as a viable option for something like a kitchen counter top for a few reasons. The number one reason is usually price. The more commonly pushed materials like marble, granite, and quartz tend to range from $100-$250 per square foot. These materials also require extra bracing because of their extreme weight. Wood slabs, on the other hand, can range between $35-$200 per square foot depending on the type and finish of the wood. People may also think that wood requires more elbow grease in order to keep up appearances, but an application of sealer will ensure a perfect finish and long-lasting color. For the high traffic homes, an unfinished table or countertop can result in less worry from bangs and scratches. Stone alternatives can chip or crack, are costly to repair, and usually never look quite the same afterward. Wood can certainly handle a few bumps without taking away from its natural look and feel.
Wood offers a plethora of rich, warm, and inviting color combinations to fit your decor style. The perfect slab can be stained to match current cabinetry and flooring. I personally love the look of a dark Claro Walnut with a clear coating of sealer and paired with white cabinets. Wood species like walnut or cherry also boast very distinct patterns of grain and knots that bring character to a custom piece. Other types of wood slab can appear flawless and smooth and may only require a hint of stain to get the color you want in your home. You can have it trimmed to fit perfectly in a door frame or leave the beautiful live edges uncut for a one-of-a-kind dining room table. Leaving the edges of a natural piece uncut will really add that spark of nature into the monotony of modern decor and give your guests something to fawn over.
