Meghan Markle's kitchen countertops showcase the natural beauty of wood – but there are pros and cons you need to know before replicating the look

Kitchen countertops are possibly the hardest working element of the kitchen. A well-chosen work surface not only combines beauty and practicality, it can also be the star feature of your kitchen.

In the hit Netflix show With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle's TV kitchen, owned by Montecito-based philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla, one standout surface material has become a talking point – the wooden countertop.

A wood kitchen counter, similar to the one in Meghan Markle's TV kitchen, is a popular modern option, but also a controversial one that comes with many pros and cons, according to experts.

Wood is often overlooked as a practical and hardwearing material, but displaying its beauty in your home can be beneficial in more ways than one. With a nod to bringing the outside in, wood is a hint of nature, boasting a calming quality that can make you feel relaxed, energized, and comforted.

For rustic character, timber is hard to beat. ‘Wood is beautifully tactile and naturally warmer to the touch than stone, so it offers a more relaxed and gentle approach to kitchen countertop ideas, especially in kitchens that blend into living areas,’ says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.

But that said, there are plenty of people who are understandably wary of wooden countertops. As chic as they may be, they are often perceived as high-maintenance.

Hardwoods, such as iroko and oak, are good choices, but all timber countertops will require regular maintenance. Avoid direct exposure to heat and prolonged soaking, although it is usually possible to rub down and re-oil the surface to repair any damage. ‘Keep the wood nourished and, in return, it will give you an ever-changing patina that gets better and better over time,’ Helen notes.

If you already have a wood surface, Hope's Pure Tung Oil, available on Amazon will keep your counters looking pristine.

If you decide against wooden countertops but still like their rustic aesthetic, you may want to find other ways to use wood in a kitchen, such as through your accessories, cabinetry, or even reclaimed wooden shelves.

Shop the timber edit

If changing your countertop isn't in your immediate kitchen remodel plans, why not introduce a touch of timber into your decorating scheme to add warmth, texture, and color in a simple, more affordable way?

You don't have to go for wood on every surface either. Replicate Meghan's look by using a combination of countertop materials to zone the areas of your kitchen and create an individual and interesting look. Here, the designer has used wood on the kitchen island, and stone elsewhere to delineate the spaces.

In terms of new kitchen costs, allow about 20-30% of your kitchen design budget for the work surface, as it is a significant element both practically and visually. You'll be glad you invested the time, money, and effort into getting it right.