Tips to Protect Wood Counters From Water Damage

Acrylic Plastic

• One quick way to protect countertops from moisture is by covering them with acrylic plastic or Plexiglas, a clear, durable material that can be purchased and cut to fit at a hardware store. The sheet can then be laid across the countertop. Acrylic plastic is water resistant and can protect the counter from water spills and staining. Measure the countertop before get the sheet cut so that it fits snugly.

Prevention

• Keep a rag or roll of paper towels nearby for immediate cleanup of any water that spills. Coasters can be placed under beverage containers on the counter to prevent condensation from building up. Wood is not usually damaged by water immediately so if the water is picked up soon after spillage, there should be no damage. Never allow liquid to sit on a wooden counter for any length of time because, it can settle into the wood itself and result in a stain or warping.

Treatment

• There are various wood treatments, such as lacquer or mineral oil, that can be used to coat wooden counters in order to seal them so water cannot affect the wood. Once the wood is sealed, any spilled liquid rests on top of the sealant and not be able to get through to the wood underneath. Wood treatment does not last forever and usually needs to be reapplied once a year. If there is damage to the wood before treating it, use a sander to wear away the damage and then put a coating over the top.