We recently sat down with Amy Heidenreich from Amy Lou Productions to talk about her company, and products.
AmyLou Productions is at heart a manufacturer of beautiful handcrafted wood products. One of their specialties is Wood Countertops. Amy and her husband Lou have been in business for over 20 years, and they operate out of a 5000 SqFt. wood working shop right here in High Ridge, MO.
We were so impressed with her presentation, and the quality of their workmanship that we decided to replace the countertop in our Log Cabin Display Home (available for tours during business hours) with a gorgeous Flat Grain, Black walnut countertop with a Tung Oil Distressed Finish.
HOW DO WOOD COUNTERTOPS COMPARE TO OTHERS?
1. NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL
Wood instantly warms up any room with it’s rich tones and interesting grains adding simplistic beauty to your home.
2. EASY CARE
Wood is low maintenance because the countertops are finished with a penetrating waterproof oil which repels moisture and adds a beautiful finish. You will simply need to re-oil throughout the life of your countertop, depending on level of use. Any finish you choose is also stain resistant. However, it’s easy to clean with mild, ammonia-free detergent and disinfect with a vinegar/water solution.
3. FOOD SAFE
Wood is finished with oil or lacquer (your choice) and has been certified as food safe by the manufacturer, once the finish is dry.
WOOD COUNTERTOP CONSTRUCTION STYLES
1. PLANK/FLAT GRAIN
Plank/flat grain wood countertops are made with the face of the wood facing up and down. This is the customary view of the wood that we are used to seeing in furniture. Individual board widths are 3″-10″. These tops can be built from 1 1/4″ to 2″ thick.
2. EDGE GRAIN
Edge grain wood countertops are made with the edge of the board facing up/down. These long strips offer a grain pattern different than the face, or flat grain, of the board. This method of construction offers more stability against seasonal wood movement than flat grain construction. These tops can be built from 1 1/4″ to 6″ thick.
3. END GRAIN
End grain wood countertops are made with the ends of the board facing up/down. This type of construction is often referred to as “butcher block” construction. Since the end grain is much harder than flat or edge grain, it’s the best option when the surface is going to be used as a cutting surface. it will not dull knives as fast as the other surfaces and will not show knife marks as easily. End grain tops have a minimum thickness of 2.25″ (up to 6″ thick). This is the highest end form of wood countertop construction.
FINISH SELECTIONS
- Mineral oil – light protection, food safe, re-oil every other week, easy to repair surface.
- Tung Oil – good protection, food safe, re-oil every 12-18 months, (based on use) easy to repair surface.
- Stain and Lacquer – very good protection, cannot be used as a cutting surface, difficult to repair surface. (perfect for bathroom vanity tops)
- Distressed – this is a cosmetic feature that can be added to any finish.
SPECIAL TOUCHES
BACKSPLASH
A wood backsplash is a great way to put the finishing touch on your new countertop. Simply select the width and edge style and your backsplash will be a beautiful addition.
DRAIN BOARD
The perfect kitchen companion with sloping channels toward the sink to avoid standing water on your countertop.
HEAT RODS
These stainless steel rods are a brilliant addition to your countertop. The cook in your home will love the extra space to place hot pots and pans. Heat rods can be place on one or both sides of your cook-top/range.
COUNTERTOP CARE
CLEANING
Your wood countertop is the most durable-forgiving counter surface around today. taking care of your countertop is easy:
- To clean and disinfect your top us a 205 vinegar and 80% water solution. Do NOT use an ammonia-based cleaner because it will soften and cloud the finish.
- The countertop can also be cleaned with a mild detergent that does NOT contain ammonia. After it’s dry, spritz the vinegar and water solution over the countertop and let dry to disinfect.
- NEVER let water stand on your countertop
RE-OILING
Wood oxidizes and changes color as it ages. It can also gain and lose moisture depending on the environment. to enhance the natural beauty of the countertop and to keep it from frying out, regular re-oiling is recommended. The re-oiling requirements are different with the individual finish you select.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
joe Courtney
ceo
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