Worktop Express - Frequently Asked Questions

How long does delivery take?
All worktops in stock are available for immediate despatch. We can deliver as soon as next day to the majority of UK Mainland on orders placed before 10am. If you do require urgent delivery please place the order online or call us to confirm availability.

What's the difference between Oak/Prime Oak & Beech/Prime Beech
Standard Oak/Beech worktops have a more prominent grain pattern and more natural features than their Prime variant, and in general have more character. Most worktops will have colour variation between each separate stave.

Prime worktops have a more uniform, delicate grain with fewer natural features. Prime worktops have a sophisticated look and as a result are more suited to contemporary / glamorous kitchens.

Why should I purchase worktops from Worktop Express?
Quite simply because we stock only the highest quality solid wood worktops, at the lowest prices available in the UK. Unlike alot of our competitors, we stock the actual worktops ourselves, rather than selling for a distribution company, and as a result we are able to offer immediate delivery. Our staff see and work with the worktops themselves, allowing them to better respond to any questions that you may have. We believe that our personal service sets us apart from the competition. Still not convinced? Read more here.

Are your worktops FSC certified?
Our European hardwood worktops are made from FSC certified timber.

Do you have a sample service?
Yes, we have a full sample service and we even refund the purchase price of any samples if you proceed with an order! Our worktop quality is second to none so we strongly advise you to compare one of our samples to any of our more expensive competitors - You will be surprised! Please click here to view our sample service.

I have the lengths of worktop required for my kitchen but don't know which worktop sizes to purchase?
If you wish to order fabricated worktops we will always calculate the most cost effective solution to acheive the required sizes. If you are ordering standard worktops please remember to purchase slightly oversized worktops in order to cut them to size on site, allowing for any measurement errors / alterations.

Do I need to send a full kitchen plan for the bespoke service?
No, a simple sketch will be fine, as a member of our staff will confirm all measurements and requirements before we commence manufacture. However, if you are able to provide a diagram in Microsoft word or similar this is beneficial.

Apart from the colour, what is the difference between each type of timber?
All of our worktops are constructed from hardwood and as such there is no difference in versatility. Some timbers such as Wenge are extremely dense, providing a very hardwearing surface, whereas other timbers such as Iroko have a high natural oil content and are therefore suited to Belfast sinks. However, any worktop from our entire range, once professionally installed, is suitable to use as a kitchen worktop and as such your decision should be made on colour and style.

Will my worktops match?
Unlike many competitors, our worktops are not pre-packaged. As such, all worktops are packaged to order. Therefore, we ensure that all worktops in multiple orders are checked to be a suitable match in both grain formation and colour consistency, as best as possible, before despatch.

How do I store my wood kitchen worktops before installation?
We recommend that worktops are oiled immediately upon receipt and installed shortly after. If storage is necessary, please store your worktops flat and on bearers before installation. Remember to store worktops in a damp free environment.

How do I treat the worktops before installation?
We recommend and supply Rustins danish oil. All worktops will require three coats before installation to both the top and bottom sides. Endgrains require six coats before installation. For maintenance, as a rough guide timber worktops will require oiling once every six weeks for the first few months and then a further coat every 3/6 months from then onwards. This does of course depend on the use of the kitchen.

Do I need special brackets to install the worktops?
Yes. We recommend and supply stretcher plates / slotted brackets in our worktop installation kit. These brackets secure the worktops to the cabinets but also allow the worktop to move by several mm to allow for gradual contraction / expansion of the timber during varying humidity. A full installation guide is provided with all worktops, and you can also click the following link to view this information online - Wood Worktop installation guide

How do I clean wood worktops?
To clean wood worktops, simply wipe the surface with warm (not boiling hot) soapy water. Remember to wipe off any water after a few minutes.

Why should I use an upstand?
As well as looking the part, wooden upstands are extremely handy when it comes to worktop installtion. Upstands hide the small expansion gap required when fitting solid wood worktops and they also enable worktops to be fitted to out-of-square walls without the need to cut large sections of the worktop to size first. They help to integrate the worktop material with other kitchen elements and also prevent any moisture / ingress from forming behind the worktops.

How do I join worktops?
Worktops are joined square, at 90 degrees using a standard butt-join. Worktop connector bolts are used on the underside of the worktops to securely clamp them together. Insert worktop sealant between the worktops and apply a bead of sealant to the top surface during installation to create a water resistant seal. Sand the top surface once the sealant has dried to create a lovely smooth join.