Worktop Express Information Guides

“Can I turn solid wood kitchen work surfaces into window sills and shelves?”

March’s final ‘Question of the Week’ was sent in to us by Andreas in Reading, who would like to make some window sills and shelving for his kitchen out of our solid wood kitchen worksurfaces, and asked if we would recommend our products for this purpose.

QUESTION:

“I would like to make shelves and window sills for my kitchen and perhaps the dining room, would I be able to use your wooden worktops if I cut them to size?”

ANSWER:

Hi Andreas,

Thanks for your query! We are excited to hear that you have considered using our solid wood worktops to make some new window sills and shelves for your kitchen.

We think that our worktops are an ideal material from which to create totally unique chunky window sills. Creating them should be relatively straight forward, as window sills are usually straight and fairly even.

If you do not have the tools to create window sills yourself, then why not take advantage of our bespoke worktop cutting service? We can cut a worktop into a number of pieces that could fit perfectly onto your window with little or no modification. We can also add a smooth profile to the top and bottom leading edges of the sills, meaning that – after installation – there would be very little to do to create a ‘finished’ appearance.

Whether you decide to create your own window sills or take advantage of our worktop cutting service, be sure to coat your window sills with Rustins Danish Oil or another suitable treatment, so as to seal and protect them from excess moisture.

If you are looking for matching shelves for your kitchen, then why not consider our solid wood floating shelves? Our shelves are available from stock in a variety of popular timbers, but can also be made to your bespoke requirements using our bespoke solid wood floating shelves calculator. You can find out more about ordering our custom shelves in our ‘How to Order Bespoke Floating Shelves’ information guide.

Each item includes a set of high-quality invisible brackets to secure the timber shelf without marring its seamless appearance.

Further information about our range of floating shelves can be read in our guide: ‘Choosing the Correct Floating Shelves to Match a Wooden Counter’.

I hope that answers your question, but if you would like to know anything else do not hesitate to contact us again.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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“What is a “1.5 bowl” sink?”

Today’s ‘Question of the Week’ comes from Ellen in Oxford, who is interested in incorporating our real wood worktop surfaces into her kitchen along with one of the sinks in our collection, but wants to know what we mean by a 1.5 bowl sink.

QUESTION:

“I’m dead set on choosing wood worktops for my kitchen, and would also like to order a sink from you. Could you tell me more about the differences between the sinks in your range, including the definition of a 1.5 bowl sink?”

ANSWER:

Hi Ellen,

Thanks for taking the time to send your query in. Whilst our opinion may be skewed, we believe that our solid wood worktops are the best choice for most kitchens, and we are glad to hear that you are set on picking them for your own home.

When it comes to sinks, choosing the right type is key to enhancing the overall design of your kitchen. For example, a ceramic Belfast sink will generally not suit an ultra-modern kitchen; equally, many of our overmounted sinks from Rangemaster are not an ideal fit for rustic country kitchens.

We offer two kitchen sink ranges: one consisting of our own variety of undermounted stainless steel sinks, and another from Rangemaster including a Belfast sink and a number of beautifully designed over-mounted sinks.

1.5 bowl sinks are available in both our own range and Rangemaster’s, and are the models of sink that feature an additional bowl to the left or right of the main bowl. This secondary bowl is often around half the size of the main bowl, which is why we refer to them as ‘1.5 bowl’ sinks.

The second, smaller bowl is ideal for allowing you to continue using your tap without obstruction, should the main bowl be in use. It’s the perfect place for washing vegetables, or simply pouring a drink whilst the main bowl is full of washing up.

If you like the idea of a 1.5 bowl sink, our WEX Zero Sink has a large capacity secondary bowl. The undermounted design of this sink is suited to a range of kitchen designs, though a ‘softer’ choice such as the WEX Atlas Sink might be better in traditional kitchens. In Rangemaster’s collection, the Arlington sink has modern design and sizeable half bowl that makes it an ideal choice for sleek, contemporary kitchens.

To find out more about our range, we recommend reading the ‘All About Worktop Express Sinks’ information guide. Further details of the Rangemaster sinks in our collection can be found in our ‘All About Rangemaster Sinks’ article.

I hope the information I have provided answers your query, but don’t hesitate to get in touch again, if needed.

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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“How can I make sure that my hardwood work surfaces last?”

March’s latest ‘Question of the Week’ was sent in to us by Angela in Bury, who has just taken delivery of her beautiful new hardwood work surfaces, but wants to know what treatments we recommend to help ensure that they last for a long time.

QUESTION:

“I’ve just had some black American walnut worktops from you that have been installed by my kitchen fitter, and I must say that I’m absolutely besotted with this beautiful timber. I just thought I would get in touch for some advice on a cleaning and maintenance regime to make sure they last for many years to come.”

ANSWER:

Hi Angela,

It’s fantastic to hear that you are so delighted with the black American walnut worktops you purchased from us. These are a firm favourite of ours, too, so we think you made an excellent choice!

Now that you have had them fitted, I am happy to help provide some information that will keep your worktops looking their best for the foreseeable future.

First, it is very important to oil the worktops regularly for the first six weeks, then every three months thereafter; we recommend using Rustins Danish Oil for the best finish. If you follow this regime whilst the worktop is still relatively new, the oil will build up a protective layer that ensures the surface is better prepared to withstand water spills, stains and light scratches. Our full instructions for oiling your worktop can be found in our ‘Oiling Worktops’ guide.

It is also crucial to clean your worktop regularly with a gentle solution. We recommend a mixture of water, white vinegar and a tablespoon of washing-up liquid. More information can be found about cleaning your worktops in our ‘How to Clean Hardwood Worktops’ information guide.

Over a longer period of time, you may find that there are scratches or small stains you want to remove, which can be remedied easily by giving the surface a light sanding, then re-oiling it. Our ‘How to Sand Real Wood Worksurfaces’ article has all the details you will need to return your worktops to their best.

If you follow the handy tips in all the information guides I have linked to, there is no doubt that your black American walnut worktops will continue to provide you with much enjoyment in your kitchen for many years to come!

If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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