Look, I’ve been around the block when it comes to kitchens. And let me tell you, timber benchtops are one of those things that people either absolutely love or… well, they learn to love them differently after a few years.
So let’s get into it.
## The Good Stuff First
**That warm, natural look** – nothing beats it. Seriously. You walk into a kitchen with a solid timber benchtop and it just feels… right. Like home should feel. Not cold and clinical like some materials I could mention.
Timber ages beautifully too. Those little marks and scratches that develop over time? They’re not damage – they’re character. Your benchtop tells the story of your family. That stain from where your kid made their first pancakes. The slight indent from years of chopping veggies in the same spot.
And here’s something people don’t always realize – **timber is actually pretty forgiving**. Drop a plate on stone and you’ve got shattered ceramic everywhere. Drop it on timber? The plate might survive. Your nerves definitely will.
## The Not-So-Great Parts
Okay, cards on the table time.
Timber needs love. And by love I mean:
– Regular oiling (every few months, not every few years)
– Immediate cleanup of spills
– Actually using those cutting boards you bought
– Being careful with hot pots and pans
Water is not timber’s friend. Leave a wet glass sitting overnight and you’ll have a ring to remind you. Spill red wine and don’t clean it up quick? That’s gonna be there for a while.
And let’s talk cost. Good timber benchtops aren’t cheap. Sure, you can go budget, but then you’re dealing with thinner pieces, joins that might separate, and wood that won’t last the distance.
## The Reality Check
Here’s what I tell people who are on the fence:
If you want something you can abuse, never maintain, and expect to look perfect in 10 years… timber isn’t for you. Get stone. Get laminate. Both great options.
But if you want something that feels alive, that changes and grows with your family, that you can actually repair yourself with some sandpaper and oil when needed… timber might be your thing.
## My Two Cents
I’ve seen beautiful 30-year-old timber benchtops that look better than the day they were installed. I’ve also seen 3-year-old ones that look like they’ve been through a war.
The difference? The people who owned them.
Timber benchtops are like cast iron pans or leather boots. Look after them and they’ll outlast you. Neglect them and they’ll remind you every single day.
So before you decide, ask yourself: **Am I a timber person?**
You know the answer already.
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*Need help figuring out if timber’s right for your Melbourne kitchen? The team at FixNow has seen it all – the good, the bad, and the “how did that even happen?” Give them a call. They’ll tell you straight.*