2019-05-28
Author: Belfan
Issues discussed in the material:
- What are the advantages of a solid wood kitchen?
- What types of wood are used to make solid wood kitchens and what are their features?
- In what style can you decorate a solid wood kitchen?
- Which solid wood furniture to choose for the kitchen
- How to properly care for a solid wood kitchen
Despite the huge number of various materials, kitchens made of solid wood continue to be especially popular. And this is not surprising, because it is difficult to compete with their beauty - they always look noble, solid, speak of the good taste of the owner of the home, and are also an indicator of luxury and create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Read on to find out what features a solid wood kitchen has, as well as the rules for its design.
What you need to know about solid wood
Solid wood is a natural material that is used to make luxury furniture.
The array comes in the following types:
- Solid wood, which is a board obtained by sawing a log lengthwise. The disadvantage of this material is its limited width, which is usually 40–50 cm.
- Furniture panel, that is, an assembly of lamellas. This option is the most common and consists of gluing wooden boards into a shield so that the seams are as invisible and durable as possible.
If we talk about solid wood, which is produced at domestic enterprises, then it is usually made from spruce or pine. Not so often, but alder, birch, ash, beech and oak are also used for gluing panels. Their cost is slightly higher than products made from coniferous trees, but such furniture is more durable and durable.
Furniture made from solid wood is often confused with the veneered version, that is, when the product is covered with thin wooden plates, and inside there is a budget material, like chipboard. This allows you to create the look of natural wood. If we talk about solid wood, then these are thick beams that are connected to form a facade, countertop or other similar elements.
Today there are the following material options:
- Combination of solid wood and veneer.
- Wood production.
- Manufacturing from type-setting solids.
As an example, we can take a frame, the main part of which is made of natural wood, and the inner part is made of veneer. Due to the similarity of their texture and color, it may seem that the product is made from the same material. In some cases, if it is necessary to hide differences, it is necessary to resort to painting.
In some cases, the façade is made entirely of wood.
It is worth noting that finding such an option is quite difficult. The facade in this case is made of wooden planks glued together. Typically, this method is used in the production of countertops.
Oak wood panel for countertops
Externally, furniture made from wooden panels is almost no different from objects made from solid wood.
The advantages of shields include:
- made from solid wood;
- increasing strength by cutting in different directions;
- multilayer combined with solidity and resistance to deformation.
An oak shield can be:
- solid lamella (extra class) – lamellas without defects of the same length, solid, fused longitudinally;
- class A - lamellas without defects vary in length, are fused longitudinally and transversely, the shade is the same over the entire surface;
- class B - lamellas with a small number of knots are fused longitudinally and transversely, the surface shade is uniform.
Kitchen made of solid lamella panels.
Tabletops made from extra-class panels look the most expensive. A Class A shield product is considered exquisite. Elements from class B shields look the most natural.
Textures of oak countertops
Manufacturing to order also means protecting the finished product with varnish, oil or wax. During operation, the surface is renewed with wax, which erases defects and fills small cracks.
The protective layer of oil or wax must be renewed regularly.
Approximate price calculation for oak countertops
Tabletop made of solid oak for painting | 5,000 rub. — 30,000 rub. |
Tabletop made of solid oak with OSMO coating | 6,000 rub. — 40,000 rub. |
Tabletop made of finger-jointed oak for painting | 600 rub. — 15,000 rub. |
Tabletop made of finger-jointed oak with OSMO coating | 9,000 rub. — 20,000 rub. |
Solid oak table top | from 5,000 rub. |
Pros of a solid wood kitchen
Solid wood kitchens have the following advantages that you should pay attention to:
- Natural wood is an absolutely environmentally friendly material, since it does not emit harmful substances into the environment. In addition, it creates a favorable microclimate in the room.
- Furniture made from natural wood is strong and durable. It can last for decades, but only if it is properly and constantly looked after.
- Wooden furniture is universal, so it can fit into the interior of any style (classic, empire, baroque, country, loft, hi-tech, Provence, modern).
- You can buy a solid wood kitchen of any style, since designers treat this material with special care and offer a fairly wide range.
- Even if chips or cracks appear during use of wooden furniture, they can be easily eliminated, which is not always possible with other materials.
- Aging beautifully. Kitchen facades made with natural patina look more noble and are valued much higher.
If we talk about the disadvantages, they most likely relate to the peculiarities of using kitchens made of solid wood:
- Difficult care.
In order for natural wood to retain its original qualities and appearance for as long as possible, and also to serve for decades, it should be regularly treated with special means, in particular, wax, impregnations with protective properties and varnishes. If this is not done, then over time the furniture may become deformed and lose its beauty under the influence of ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, humidity and other external factors. However, this cannot be called a minus if the solid wood kitchens are from a professional manufacturer who handled the processing of raw materials responsibly. In this case, no negative influences of wooden furniture are scary, and it will serve its owner for a very long time, delighting him with its beautiful appearance. - Considerable weight of solid wood. This requires special attention to the fixation of wall cabinets and shelves.
- Small choice in terms of colors. Even if we take into account that there are quite a lot of wood species that differ in pattern and shade, all of them are not as diverse as materials of artificial origin. However, even in this case, they resort to tricks, namely painting and tinting, which can significantly expand the designer’s capabilities.
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Wood species for making kitchens
To make kitchens from solid wood, cherry, linden, chestnut, beech, oak, pine, ash, birch and some other species are used. It is worth noting that each of them has its own structure. For the manufacture of some elements, rare wood species such as Anergy, Tulipie (tulip wood) and Tiglio can be used.
- Kitchens made of solid ash.
This type of wood has a special structure and energy. If you properly care for furniture made from ash, it will last a very long time. As for the distinctive features of such kitchens, they are usually simplicity of execution, high quality, smooth lines of facades with the absence of decorative elements. They fit almost any interior style. - Oak kitchens.
Kitchens made from solid oak are distinguished by reliability, comfort and stability. Furniture made from this wood is especially durable and comes in a variety of colors. Another undoubted advantage is that oak kitchens are not subject to deformation, so they are not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, they look great in absolutely any interior. - Kitchens made of beech.
Beech is one of the most popular types of wood used for the production of kitchen sets. Such furniture is particularly durable and reliable. In addition, at the customer’s request, solid beech kitchens can be tinted in any color. The sophistication of the shade of this wood, as well as its fine structure, make the interior more cozy. - Kitchens made of solid alder.
For connoisseurs of classics and comfort, kitchens made from this type of wood are ideal. Such furniture is distinguished by restraint in terms of fittings, as well as the absence of decorative elements and pretentious details. Its main advantages are resistance to moisture and mechanical influences, durability, ease of processing and the ability to create facades of different sizes and shapes. - Pine kitchens.
Kitchens made from solid pine are especially popular due to the positive qualities of the material and its price. In addition, pine secretes substances that kill bacteria - phytoncides and help a person cope with certain diseases, increasing immunity. Furniture made from such wood is very durable, since only trunks that are at least 100 years old are used for its production, and it is also aesthetic and hypoallergenic. - Birch kitchens.
For Russians, furniture made from birch is native. In addition, it is strong, durable and at the same time unpretentious in terms of maintenance. Kitchens made from solid birch go well with built-in appliances, and glazed facades and high-quality fittings make it more sophisticated. The only disadvantage of birch furniture is its susceptibility to rotting, although this can be easily eliminated by treating the wood with special means. - Solid cherry furniture.
The attractive brownish-pink color of a set made from this type of wood can decorate any interior. In this case, you don’t even need additional decorative elements. The main thing you should pay attention to in the case of cherry wood is the processing of the boards, which must be of high quality.
Red kitchen in the interior
Red kitchen - how to choose colors?
Red is quite a bold color, but by combining it appropriately with other colors, you'll get a slightly different effect every time. The easiest way is to paint the walls in different colors. One of the bright walls can be decorated with an original sticker with images of poppies or a decorative template .
All you need is a special shape in a cut out pattern and a can of red spray paint. It is also worth experimenting with furniture fronts and accessories . If the lower cabinets are red, you can try, for example, snow-white facades of wall cabinets. What colors go best with red?
- Red and white
One of the most fashionable solutions is a red kitchen with the addition of white.
Red furniture looks great against bright walls. The interior is full of light and at the same time expressive and effective. You can play with colors as you wish. Red kitchen goes well with snow-white porcelain. Exquisite accessories will be beautifully displayed on ruby shelves.
- Red and wood
Wood is a material that gives the interior a warm and cozy character .
In a red kitchen it will be an excellent counterbalance to shining fiery colored facades. Light pine will give the kitchen a more modern look. On the other hand, dark oak pairs perfectly with deep burgundy.
- Red and gray
Calm gray is an excellent counterbalance to energetic red.
Although until recently gray was considered a rather serious color, today it is very popular. The key to success is to skillfully combine it with another, characteristic color.
- Red and beige
Beige color calms a gray interior and allows you to visually enlarge a small room.
A red kitchen with beige inserts is also an excellent offer for lovers of retro style. In this design, it is worth complementing the kitchen decor with accessories in turquoise and green colors.
Solid Wood Kitchen Styles
Furniture made from natural wood can be made in different styles:
- The most common option is classic kitchens made of solid wood, when the furniture is complemented by glass doors, bronze fittings and carved elements.
- Country involves artificially aging furniture, covering it with enamel or treating it with patina.
It is worth noting that there may be several options for this direction: French, Russian, American, English and others. If you pay attention to the American and Italian country styles, they are characterized by dark-colored furniture, while English and French furniture is made of light wood, which is perfect for small rooms, making them visually more spacious. Country-style solid wood kitchens are characterized by framed fronts, often complemented by grilles or vintage glass. Since this direction is often called the “rural” direction, a cabinet with open shelves, an antique display cabinet with a tea set and a tabletop made of artificial stone or wood will look good in the interior. - A modern solid wood kitchen tends to eliminate unnecessary details.
In this case, transparent varnish is used as a finish. One of the modern trends in interior design is high-tech. Solid wood kitchens made in this style have a laconic design with straight, streamlined lines. The facades have no decorative elements. The main feature of such a kitchen set is its fittings. In this case, for a smoother and quieter closing, the cabinet doors are equipped with hinges with closers. Push mechanisms are provided to open drawers and cabinets. The doors also have hinges that allow you to raise and lower them without much effort. As for color, cool shades are suitable for high-tech: black, white, beige, silver, brown. - Provence style. When decorating a room in this direction, two rules are often followed: the first is to have a white solid wood kitchen, and the second is to give it an aged look. In addition, forged decorative parts must be present in the interior. As for the countertop, it may be shabby, with cracks and chips.
- It is impossible not to note the loft style, in which it is possible to combine modern objects of various shapes, and ancient, and sometimes even antique furniture.
- Solid wood kitchens are especially popular among eco-style connoisseurs who adhere to the principle of using only natural materials. Furniture made in this direction is distinguished by its laconicism, that is, there are no frills in it. The main decoration of a solid wood kitchen is its texture and natural color.
Types of solid wood kitchens
As you know, solid wood kitchens can be purchased ready-made or ordered according to an individual project. The first option is, of course, simpler. However, headsets developed to special order are made taking into account all the features of a particular room, that is, the buyer receives a completely ready-made set. In this case, designers take into account everything, from where the household appliances will be located to switches and sockets.
- Corner kitchens made of solid wood.
- U-shaped kitchens.
- Island kitchen shape.
- Direct placement.
Most often, this type of furniture is used in rooms with a small area, which allows for the most efficient use of space. However, a compact arrangement will require correct calculation of areas for storing food, preparing it, etc.
A corner kitchen made of solid wood will allow you to divide a small room into a dining area and a work area, which will ensure practicality and versatility.
For owners of apartments with large and medium-sized areas, the option of placing the headset along three walls is ideal.
In this case, the work area is located in the center of the room. However, this option is not suitable for small kitchens, since there should be free space on all sides.
The classic option for placing a kitchen unit is when it is located along one wall. This is the best option for narrow spaces.
Features of kitchen facades made of solid wood
Today, the market offers a huge range of facades for kitchens of various configurations. It is worth noting that how harmoniously the set will fit into the interior depends on its shape.
In some cases, it is enough to replace the façade of old furniture in order to give it a new look. If you have the skills, you can even make them yourself, using any type of wood.
The façade is usually selected based on the style of the room itself.
Depending on how the wooden facade was made, it can be given a different look and shape:
- clear and even contours;
- milled surfaces;
- trim or carved edges;
- romantic style of doors with curved silhouettes;
- deliberately rough processing in a rustic style.
Durable pine, oak or other wooden panels will fit perfectly into an interior designed in eco and classic styles. In both cases, the wood retains its natural color. Only slight tinting with furniture varnishes or dyes is allowed.
Cladding panels made from veneer, solid wood, multiplex, are an excellent option for kitchens decorated in any style, from elaborate baroque to modern, loft and minimalism.
There are two types of wooden facades:
- paneled;
- whole.
Solid wood is used to produce solid-type facades. The main significant disadvantage of solid wood is its susceptibility to mechanical damage, as well as deformation. In order for the products to last longer, as mentioned above, special products are used to coat the material.
As for paneled facades, their cost is lower, but despite this, their manufacturing technology guarantees a service life that is not at all inferior to their solid wood counterparts, and often even exceeds them.
Therefore, if you focus when choosing a facade not on prestige, but on the ratio of quality and price, then you should give preference to paneled options, which are made of multiplex or veneer.
Red walls in the kitchen
Red on the walls is definitely an element to be careful with. This rule applies not only to the kitchen, but in principle to any interior.
Painting all the walls red is definitely too much. Fortunately, the kitchen is an interior where we can partially cover the walls with tiles and partially paint them. Then you can safely choose red tiles, but be sure to choose the right shade.
A warmer shade of red, falling slightly into orange, works best here. These tiles will go well with brown furniture. The remaining walls should not remain white at all. For an interesting combination, you can dye them apricot or even light orange.
You can add other bright accents. Red curtains may seem too banal, so it's worth replacing them with something more original. Red tulle can be gorgeous.
Multi-colored curtains are a rare solution, which is a pity, because they can completely change even the most boring interior. We can also place more subtle red accents in the interior, such as a red artificial flower on the curtains.
Basic solid wood furniture for the kitchen
- The kitchen table is made of solid wood, the supports of which are made of solid bars, and the tabletops are made of a solid board or several connected boards.
When using furniture board instead of a tabletop, veneer made of oak, cherry and other similar types of wood is used for cladding. - Solid wood kitchen chairs for dining area are traditional furniture.
Finished furniture is varnished, painted or polished. Low-back bar chairs and stools will decorate any kitchen interior, both classic and modern. - Wall-mounted cabinets, the facade of which is made of solid wood, and the body is made of more budget materials.
Attention should also be paid to the fact that, since wall cabinets made of solid wood are quite heavy, both the walls on which the furniture is mounted and the fastening elements must be strong. - Wooden kitchen cabinets.
- Corner or separately located chairs. The traditional furniture used in the kitchen is the corner. If you buy a corner sofa not from particle board, but from solid wood, it will last for decades.
- Prefabricated shelving or individual shelves. They can be used instead of wall cabinets.
Kitchen in red - a combination of colors and accents
According to psychologists, the color red can increase concentration and efficiency, and can be a source of inspiration for creative people. Different shades of red used in interior design will enhance your appetite or creativity in various activities including cooking. Red furniture in the kitchen will help you become more creative, both in terms of choosing ingredients and combining them, to create delicious dishes and desserts for the whole family.
Such an attractive color scheme will attract all guests and add modernity.
Red is more popular than you think, considered bold and can be grand and elegant at the same time. While it's not for everyone, it can certainly be an interesting interior design color scheme.
It offers a way to make a room more inviting with the warmth it brings to a space. A room with a northern exposure can have the same cozy atmosphere as a sunny one. You can use it as an overall color or as a trim color.
Add a modern touch to your kitchen with dynamic red cabinets that will make your kitchen look elegant.
This is a very versatile color that can set a traditional, romantic or modern look for your kitchen.
Below we have selected some stunning photo design ideas that are stylish, bold and modern.
Tips for choosing solid wood furniture for the kitchen
1. Choose a type of wood.
Before purchasing a solid wood kitchen, you need to decide on the type, since each has its own characteristics. The most noble and durable is oak. If you choose an analogue in terms of quality, then beech is almost the same, with the exception of a lighter shade.
Ash is also a good species for making kitchen furniture, which is durable. In addition, it lends itself well to artistic carving. Cherry is a little worse in quality, but tinting works well on it. Coniferous species, in particular pine, have the lowest price tag, and they are less durable compared to the above.
2. You should purchase quality furniture.
When purchasing kitchen furniture, there are a few selection tips to consider. If you purchase products made from coniferous trees, there should be no resin discharge on the surface, otherwise it is better to refuse such a purchase. In addition, the following phenomena indicate low quality furniture:
- The presence of putty covering defects and cracks located along the fibers.
- A large number of wormholes and scorch marks.
- The presence of dried or falling out knots.
You should not purchase solid wood kitchens that have been left outdoors for a long time and exposed to ultraviolet radiation, high humidity and temperature fluctuations. It is better not to look for furniture on the market; preference should be given to furniture shops and hypermarkets. In the first case, a kitchen made of solid wood can be custom-made in accordance with the buyer’s requirements regarding the design, texture and color of the future set.
If coniferous materials are chosen, it is worth considering that pine trees of northern species, for example, Angara or Karelian, have the best performance qualities. They are characterized by increased weight and high density, which makes furniture made from it more durable and resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture.
3. Finishing and finishing of furniture are of great importance.
The design of the kitchen depends on the finishing coating and processing. Most often, translucent, transparent and opaque, that is, opaque coatings are used for this. In the second case, the natural wood pattern, texture, and in some cases, color are preserved, because they are only covered with stain, and only then with the following means:
- Varnish treatment. This method is the most practical, since it provides reliable protection of the fronts from household pollution, moisture, and the absorption of odors. Although it is worth considering that the varnish can be different: matte, glossy, polyurethane-based (preferable) and water-based (worse). As a rule, the service life of the coating is 5–7 years, after which the facade requires restoration.
- Wax or oil. This is the most common and traditional method of wood processing. The surface becomes beautiful and pleasant. This is exactly how Italian furniture is made, but its performance characteristics are not the best, since the fronts very quickly absorb moisture, odors and are afraid of grease.
What color the kitchen will ultimately be depends not only on the type of wood that was used for manufacturing, but also on the tinting. Light-colored ash can be given the appearance of dark walnut, and oak can be given the appearance of cherry.
If we talk about the colors of the facades, when the natural pattern of the wood is visible, then they are divided into the following groups: dark brown, red-brown, light (and bleached).
As for the opaque coating, it is usually enamel of some color. After painting, the natural color of the wood becomes invisible, but the relief is partially preserved, depending on how pronounced it was initially.
Furniture painted with enamel can be of different colors, but the most popular are beige, gray, and white solid wood kitchens. When decorating a room in country or Provence style, green or blue can be used.
4. Look for a reliable manufacturer.
When buying a kitchen made of solid wood, you should choose only trusted manufacturers who provide a guarantee, since wood is a fairly demanding material in relation to each stage of processing, and is also sensitive to external influences. Even the most famous and respected factories admit manufacturing defects, not to mention ordinary manufacturers.
The buyer may only find out that the furniture is defective some time after purchase, so it is better to buy a kitchen with a guarantee. If some time after installation, for example, a month, it is discovered that it is beginning to “lead” or the varnish is peeling off, we can conclude that raw wood was used for manufacturing.
5. Pay attention to the subtleties of design.
Facades, which are most often made in a classical style, are decorated in various ways, for example, with the help of pilasters, cornices, decorative carvings, balustrades, milling, curly details, and are also covered with gilding. However, it should be taken into account that the fewer decorations on the doors, the easier it is to care for them. In addition, this can lead to the kitchen interior being overloaded.
- The smaller the kitchen itself, the lighter in color the facades should be and the more laconic.
- Dark brown, black and dark blue surfaces require constant care, since even a small amount of dirt and dust on it becomes immediately visible.
- Much also depends on the texture of the tree: the more it is expressed, the less decoration is required, since it does not need unnecessary decorations, its beauty is already self-sufficient.
- If solid panels are used for kitchen doors in a modern style, then you can safely choose facades made from exotic wood or with original processing, for example, brushed.
Recommendations for caring for a solid wood kitchen
As we have already found out, kitchens made of natural wood require regular and proper care. To avoid problems during operation, you should use the following recommendations:
- Under no circumstances should you use products containing abrasives and solvents to care for furniture. A soft sponge and soap solution are enough.
- In order to give the kitchen surface a shine, you can use a special mastic.
- The air humidity in the room should be 50–75%, only in this case the wood will retain its properties longer.
- Heating elements should be located at least 50 cm from the kitchen unit.
- In order to remove dust from the kitchen surface, it is best to use a dry soft cloth, such as plush or flannel.
- Do not place hot objects on solid wood furniture as this may cause deformation. In this case, it is necessary to use linings with thermal insulation properties.
- To eliminate small cracks or scratches, you must first rub them with sandpaper and then treat them with polish.
- It is necessary to periodically inspect the fastening elements, and if necessary, tighten the bolts and screws more tightly. By following the tips listed above, you can avoid many mistakes that are often made during the operation of a solid wood kitchen.
Facade materials
Not only the color plays a role, but also the service life of the set, its ability to withstand moisture and temperature changes, which depends on the material of the frame and the facade of the kitchen furniture.
MDF facade set
It consists of a wood-fiber panel and is homogeneous; relief and coating can be made on it. Kitchen facades are covered with enamel, film, and plastic. MDF has high strength, resistance to moisture and temperature.
Solid wood
Not suitable for a small kitchen set, since the set is not only heavy, but also bulky. The wood is treated with antifungal agents and varnish, and can be sanded to remove chips. The kitchen set is decorated with pilasters, cornices and carvings. May lose color, requires careful handling, is not produced in a round shape.
The photo shows solid wood furniture in a spacious kitchen of a country house with a country house interior.
Plastic
Applied to MDF or chipboard panels. This is a durable set that will not lose its shape or scarlet color. The red facade with aluminum inserts and glass increases the service life of the headset.
Laminated chipboard
The kitchen set can be glossy or matte. The choice of design allows you to make the red facade of the set look like mother-of-pearl, chameleon. Easy to clean, does not absorb moisture, you can make bent shapes. Susceptible to fading in the sun, does not tolerate impacts and cuts.
The photo shows a laminated facade in a crimson shade, reflecting light. The mirror reflects the window, which makes the kitchen brighter.