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Real wood kitchens: Differences, care, and tips

    23/03/2026

    5 min.

    werkhaus küchen | entertheloft | Vermland/Stine Christiansen

Whether light-coloured surfaces for Scandinavian chic or dark wood with a sophisticated effect - wood is an all-rounder in kitchens, radiating warmth and cosiness. But which types of wood are suitable for use in the kitchen, how can they be combined and what should be taken into account when caring for them? 

Wood as a material - for kitchens that make you feel good

The surface is pleasantly smooth to the touch, exudes a soft, resinous fragrance depending on the type of wood and impresses with its warm, cosy colour tones: Wood is a favourite in the kitchen for good reasons. It regulates the humidity and contributes to a pleasant indoor climate. And as an added bonus, Real wood is always unique. The material is also available in numerous colour nuances and processing types - from comparatively inexpensive veneer to high-quality solid wood kitchens.

What is a real wood kitchen?

The term "real wood kitchen" covers various construction methods in which real wood is used either visibly or structurally. Depending on the structure, a distinction is made between veneer, solid wood and solid wood kitchens.

 

  • Veneers are thin layers of real wood that are applied to a carcass made of wood-based materials such as MDF or chipboard. The surface shows the natural grain of the wood, with less material used. 

 

  • Solid wood refers to components that are made from one continuous piece of wood. They come as a whole from a single log and are mainly used in particularly high-quality or handcrafted kitchens. 

 

  • Solid wood also consists entirely of real wood, the same type of wood, such as oak or beech, but is made up of several individual pieces of wood that are glued together. This construction method increases dimensional stability and is widely used in kitchen construction. 

Solid wood and solid wood kitchens are among the highest quality and most expensive designs. They offer a long service life, can be sanded and retreated. Veneered kitchens offer an authentic wood look and also have a positive effect on the indoor climate. Depending on the structure and use, their service life may be shorter, and veneered surfaces cannot usually be sanded.

    Which wood is suitable for the kitchen?

    Whether your real wood kitchen is made of beech, oak or pine influences not only the appearance, but also the care properties, durability and spatial effect. 

     

    A distinction is made between hardwood and softwood varieties. Hardwoods such as oak, beech, maple or walnut are particularly hard-wearing and less susceptible to pressure marks and scratches. This makes them ideal for kitchens with heavy-duty use and a long service life.

     

    • Oak hasanevengrain and ayellowish to light browncolourImportanttoknowThe surfacedarkenswith time. A UV absorber can prevent this. 

     

    • Beech can be recognised by awarm, reddish to honey-colouredtonewithhomogeneousstructure.

     

    • Maple takes onayellowish to nearlywhitecolour- perfect for Scandinavian-style kitchens.    

     

    • Walnutischaracterisedbyanimpressivegrain and agreyish to black-browncolour. 

     

    Softwoods score points for their lower weight and are easy to work with - a plus point for customised kitchens. Pine, spruce and Douglas fir are popular. In addition to their functional benefits, they also have visual advantages:

     

    • The colour of pine ranges from a bright yellow to a reddish-brown tone. The marked grain with knotholes and annual rings is typical. It gives the surface a lively structure. 

     

    • Spruce can look almost white or yellowish and darkens over time. Annual rings and grain are clearly recognisable. 

     

    • The appearance of Douglas fir varies with the age of the tree: Older varieties have a yellowish colour with a fine grain. Younger ones are reddish in colour, the grain is clearly visible. 

     

    Tip: Swiss stone pine originates from the Alpine region, among other places, and is used for high-quality real wood kitchens in country house style, for example. The reddish-brown colouring gives the wood a rustic look - and its marked, resinous scent promotes a sense of well-being.

      Cleverly combined - this goes well with wooden kitchens

      Which worktop harmonises with a wooden kitchen - and is there anything to consider with regard to the wall colour?

       

      As a general rule: Wood and wood like to join forces. Designing the fronts and work areas in a uniform wood look creates a puristic overall look. This can be further emphasised by a wooden back panel. And as an added bonus, Certain types of wood, such as oak or pine, have natural ingredients that can have antibacterial properties. In combination with the right care, wood can contribute to a hygienic kitchen environment. 

       

      Tip: With the BORA cooktop extractor system you emphasise the seamless look, as there is no classic extractor bonnet to interrupt the overall picture. 

       

      If you prefer an optical contrast, natural stone worktops are a good choice: 

       

      • Marble and wood form an aesthetic liaison with an exciting contrast. Tip: A solid marble worktop with a broken edge as a finish emphasises the naturalness of the wooden fronts and is also an extraordinary eye-catcher
      • With slate to dark wood fronts, you can create a sophisticated style with a wow effect. 

       

      • Granite is available in numerous colours, including very light, almost white versions. Teamed with woods such as maple, the result is a modern real wood kitchen with a purist look

       

      Tip: Depending on the structure and surface, real wood kitchens can be painted to give them a fresh look. But what colour? If the grain is to remain visible, glazes are suitable. Use acrylic lacquer or chalk paint to give the fronts a completely new look. Important: Check in advance whether it is solid wood or veneer and sand the surface carefully before painting.

        Cook however you like The customised cooktop

        The BORA Classic 2.0 can be combined with a total of seven different hobs - for individual enjoyment.

        Cleaning real wood kitchens - tips for beautiful surfaces for longer

        Wood stays beautiful for a long time with the right care. Painted surfaces can be cleaned with mild cleaners and suitable care products. Oiled or waxed wood should be regularly refreshed with an oil or wax to protect it from moisture.

         

        The cleaning applies: Less is more. Avoid aggressive agents such as scouring milk or solutions containing alcohol. Water and a splash of washing-up liquid are usually sufficient. Also make sure to remove liquids as quickly as possible. They can leave permanent marks in the wood. 

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