Oak kitchen worktops continue to be a popular option for homeowners. Oak’s classic charm and gradual deepening with maturity mean that this wood worktop is a great option for those who want wooden worktops in their kitchen that will last a long while and maintain a classic appearance throughout.
Oak worktops have a huge number of styles and grains available to choose from which means you’re likely to find a design that will slot in with the rest of the kitchen.
Our guide takes a close look at wood worktops, including how much these types of worktops cost, what affects the cost of installing a wood worktop, how you can save money, and the best way to find a fitter for your own wood worktop.
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How Much Do Oak Worktops Cost?
Oak is quite an affordable worktop material, particularly in comparison to some of the more exotic types of wood. This, paired with its natural warmth, makes it a popular choice for kitchen owners.
The table below breaks down the estimated costs of oak worktops.
| Timber | Estimated Supply Cost (1 metre x 620 mm) | Estimated Supply Cost (2 metres x 620 mm) | Estimated Supply Cost (3 metres x 620 mm) | Estimated Labour Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Oak | £95 | £140 | £195 | £120-£200 | Three to five hours |
| Laminate Oak Effect | £40 | £70 | £150 | £120-£200 | Three to five hours |
| Prime Oak | £100 | £195 | £290 | £120-£200 | Three to five hours |
A one-metre x 620mm oak worktop is estimated to cost between £215-£295 for both the supply and labour cost of installation.
A two-metre x 620mm oak worktop is estimated to cost between £260-£340 for both the supply and labour cost of installation.
A three-metre x 620mm oak worktop is estimated to cost between £315-£395 for both the supply and labour cost of installation.
Labour costs to install any type of oak worktop are estimated to cost £120-£200 per day, or if your installer is quoting you for work by the hour, it’s likely to cost between £15-£25 per hour.
When it comes to the time required for installation of a wood worktop, it tends to take between three to five hours, but this can be increased or decreased depending on the complexity of the job. If you have a larger kitchen, you can expect it to take between six to eight hours to fit a kitchen worktop.
If you’re hoping to have an oak worktop installed in your home, then use HouseholdQuotes’ easy to use search function to fit the best fitter for the project for you! All tradespeople on our site are vetted and reputable, so you won’t run into any rogue traders!
Click To Get QuotesWhat Affects the Cost of Installing an Oak Worktop?
There are a few factors that should be taken into account when it comes to the final cost of installing an oak worktop.
We take a look at the most common factors affecting the cost of installation for an oak worktop below. Keep all of these factors in mind when it comes to setting up a budget for your oak worktop installation.
Size of Worktop
The main factor that will impact the cost of installing a kitchen worktop is going to be the size of it. The larger the worktop, the more expensive the final cost of installation will be regarding both supply and labour costs.
You will also need to think about what kind of thickness you want your oak worktop to be. Thicker worktops are more durable but they will come at a larger cost as there is more wood involved in the make.
To keep your supply costs down, measure the length, width and depth of your kitchen space before you make any purchases so that you know exactly what size you’ll be looking for and won’t need to purchase any extra material during the project.
Quality of Wood
Different wood types will have different costs associated with their installation. Some woods like Zebrano and Wenge are more expensive to purchase because they’re deemed to be quite rare and high-quality.
Oak is known to be a reliable and efficient wood type. When it comes to the quality of the oak purchased, you’ll likely be looking at the difference between oak and prime oak.
Oak is a natural material with lots of colour variation and distinctive patterns and knots, as well as an unusual grain pattern. Prime oak on the other hand has a more uniform look and consistent colouring.
Both types of oaks are high-performing, but prime oak is a better choice if you’re looking for a sleek and modern option, though this will come at a more expensive cost.
Choice of Finish
There are a variety of finishes you can apply to an oak surface, though some oak worktops have the advantage of arriving pre-oiled, meaning you won’t need to ask for an additional finish.
These are likely to cost from £10-£30 depending on the type of finish you want applied to the wooden worktop and the service provider you use for this.
You should consider adding a finish to your oak worktop if your budget allows, as finishes and sealants can help enhance performance and leave it less vulnerable to damage.
For example, wood can be damaged by lots of moisture, so consider adding a water-resistant finish to the worktop you might want to be installed by the sink to give it an extra layer of protection.
Cutouts
If you’re hoping to order in a more bespoke worktop unit that will need to account for any hobs or under-mounted sinks, then this will be more expensive than if you purchased a prefabricated worktop with no bespoke cutouts needed.
The benefits of cutouts are the seamless and classy look they give to a worktop.
These types of cutouts can cost anywhere from £20-£60 depending on the type of cutout you want made.
Location
Where you’re located in the UK could also have a big impact on the final amount that installation could cost.
If you’re located in central London and the southeast, you can expect the prices for a worktop installation project to be pricier than for a property located in the Midlands, northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How Can I Save Money on an Oak Worktop for My Kitchen?
There’s a few different ways you can potentially save money on an oak worktop.
Make sure you choose a solid oak worktop with a smaller thickness. The thicker the wood, particularly if it is solid prime oak, the more expensive it will be to instal.
You should also opt-out of any additional touches – such as edging treatments – which will increase the supply cost of installation.
We don’t recommend trying to install an oak worktop yourself unless you have previous experience installing wooden surfaces. If you’re not familiar with such installation work, it may be best to leave the installation to the professional.
However, you could consider removing any old worktops or cabinets by yourself, for example, as this will make the installation process smoother and save you money on labour costs for removing the original worktops.
You should also aim to receive between three to four quotes from different installers if you’re hoping to hire a professional to fit the worktop for you. By comparing quotes you can see which offer is the best for your money.
HouseholdQuotes’ quick and easy search function allows you to compare quotes from reputable fitters and find the best person for the job for you!
Click To Get QuotesAre Oak Worktops the Best Choice for My Kitchen?
Oak is often a favourite worktop choice due to the beauty it can add to any kitchen.
This doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t downsides to installing an oak worktop.
The table below takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of oak as a material choice for the kitchen to help you decide whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
| Advantages of Oak | Disadvantages of Oak |
|---|---|
| -Low carbon footprint -Relatively affordable material -Scratches can be sanded away -Easy to maintain -Good longevity | -Susception to burns and scrapes -Soft material that can be easily scratched -Can be damaged by moisture -Can be stained -Flammable |
What’s Involved in Fitting an Oak Worktop?
Oak is a natural material that is capable of gaining and losing moisture before, during and after the installation process. Wood, such as oak, will expand when it is warm or if there is high humidity and will contract during colder periods.
Due to these reactions, the oak can warp or bow if it isn’t kept at a stable temperature or humidity before installation.
If the oak worktops need to be kept in your property before they’re installed, keep them at a stable temperature and humidity.
When it comes to installation, firstly, the old worktops should be removed from the counter or cabinets.
Any electricity and water in the home should be shut off at this point, particularly if the worktop is to be placed near the sink or hobs.
If new cabinets or counters are being installed, they should be installed first.
If not, the original worktop should be removed by detaching it with a hammer. It should easily pull away from the counter or cabinet.
The oak worktops should then be positioned correctly on top of the counters or cabinets, leaving all the necessary edges and gaps left for precautionary measures.
This allows any expansion of the oak due to the humidity in the kitchen.
The worktops will then be fixed to the cabinets or counters with the correct brackets and screws. Once the worktops have been fitted any upstands or splashbacks should also be fixed to the wall.
The final job of installation will be adding any specific finish to the worktop and clearing away any mess that may have been made during the installation process.
How Do I Find and Hire a Kitchen Worktop Fitter?
It’s always a good idea to seek recommendations from friends, family or neighbours. This way you may be able to see first-hand the quality of the work the fitter has done.
Speaking with neighbours may also mean you can find a fitter who works locally. This could potentially save you some money on labour costs as you won’t need to pay for any travel charges.
You should also consider using HouseholdQuotes’ easy to use search function! This search function allows you to source quotes from three to four different fitters to find the best deal for your budget.
Click To Get QuotesEnsuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
It’s a good idea to make sure you have a list of questions ready to verify that the fitter you want to hire is the right fit for you. Use the questions below to make sure your fitter is up to the job:
- Ask them for a written quote. This way you will get to see exactly what is included in the price.
- Ask for their experience. You’ll want to choose a fitter who has plenty of experience in installing kitchen worktops.
- For their references. If they can provide you with references you can be sure of their ability and may even be able to see some of their previous work.
- For any photos of their previous jobs, particularly if you’re opting for a bespoke design. This will offer you the opportunity to see the quality of their work and could also provide you with some good references for your own project design.
- If they and their tools are insured. This can protect you from lawsuits if they or your property is damaged when they come to your home.
- Make sure you find out whether or not there is a manufacturer’s guarantee with your product to give yourself even more protection.
Final Checklist
Use the below checklist to make sure you’ve got everything in order to hire the best fitter for your oak worktop installation:
- Measure up your kitchen so you know the exact size of worktop you’ll be looking for before you make any purchases.
- Browse the range of oak worktops available and decide which one suits your checklist the most.
- Use HouseholdQuotes to find a reputable and vetted installer and potentially save yourself 40% off your project quote!
Click To Get QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Is Oak Porous or Non-Porous?
For this reason, you should make sure to clean up any spillages or stains as quickly as possible to prevent absorption into the oak.
Can You Fix a Burnt Oak Worktop?
You should sand the burn mark ideally with 240 grit sandpaper until the mark is completely removed. It may take some time to remove the mark so you may need a little patience when getting down to work!
Once the mark has disappeared use Danish oil on the affected area and make sure each coat of oil has dried before you apply the next coat.
Can You Put Hot Pans on Oak Worktops?
How Do I Maintain My Oak Worktop?
Regularly wipe the worktop down with a damp – not wet – cloth and a small amount of soap. Antibacterial wipes or multi-purpose cleaning products should be avoided as these contain chemicals that could damage the appearance of the wood.
Avoid cutting directly on the worktop to protect it and make sure that any spillages are immediately cleaned up with a dry cloth. Liquids shouldn’t be left on the oak surface for a long time.