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Worktop Express Information Guides

information guidesThere's no such thing as too much information - not where Worktop Express® are concerned! That's why we've decided to launch this helpful information section, designed especially for our customers and chock-full of handy hints on measuring your radius corners, why and when to choose certain products (from end caps to edge profiles) and lots more.

And if you have any suggestions for an information guide, please don't hesitate to contact us: we're going to be updating this section regularly and are always on the lookout for new ideas.

Enjoy!

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Recent Information Guides from Worktop Express®

“How do I know which are the ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides of my timber countertops?” Question of the Week 28.05.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“How do I know which are the ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides of my timber countertops?”

Our final ‘Question of the Week’ for May comes from Bradley in Banbury. Bradley has recently purchased some timber countertops from us, and would like some help in identifying which side of the wood should face upwards.

QUESTION:

“I’ve just received my new walnut worktops, and I want to check that I have the correct sides facing up before my carpenter cuts them to size. I’ve heard it’s important to make sure the worktop is the right way up, so please could you let me know how I tell which side is which?”

ANSWER:

Hello Bradley,

Many thanks for your email. You are absolutely right to get in touch regarding the ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides, which should be checked before commencing with any cutting – this will ensure that your finished worktop has the best possible appearance.

To identify the ‘A’ side

The ‘A’ side of timber countertops has a consistently smooth finish; you will be able to identify this simply by running your hand over the surface. The ‘A’ side should be free of large knots and must face upwards. You should find the label on the worktop’s packaging on the ‘A’ side.

To identify the ‘B’ side

The ‘B’ side will always feel marginally rougher than the ‘A’ side, giving it a slightly duller finish. The ‘B’ side may also contain a number of natural imperfections. These naturally-occurring features should be minor, and will not affect the structural integrity of your worktop.

For more information on worktop installation, please read our Installing Wooden Worksurfaces Nutshell Guide.

We hope this helps, Bradley! However, if you are in any doubt, please do not hesitate to telephone us on Sales: 0345 22 22 644, or email sales@worktop-express.co.uk for further assistance.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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Filed under: Customer Questions by Worktop Express Admin
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How to repair chips in solid wooden worktops

Well-maintained solid wooden worktops make a stunning feature in any kitchen. Not only does every worktop have its own beautiful and unique grain pattern, a timber surface is also easily customised, whilst providing a warmer, more affordable option to alternatives such as granite or marble.

Occasionally, however, mishaps do happen, especially when there are sharp implements around (as is common in a kitchen). Should you accidentally chip your worktop: don’t panic. Simply follow these easy instructions to restore your timber work surface to its former glory:

  1. Sand the chipped area with a fine, 600 grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges.
  2. Clean the work surface to remove any dust or dirt.
  3. Put on a pair of protective gloves (this is a recommended measure to ensure that your skin is covered whilst completing the following stages).
  4. Using a hard wax wood filler that best matches your timber worktop, carefully fill in the chip. You will need to melt the wax – a result that can be achieved in a variety of ways (although it is always best to use the instructions specifically given on the product’s packaging). For example, you could use a wax heating tool, which is provided in some wood wax kits. Alternatively, cut the required amount from the wax stick and position in a glass bowl or mug, before placing in a shallow saucepan of boiling water. You could also cut off small pieces of wax and soften them between clean hands before pressing the pieces inside the chip; once you have done this, simply melt the wax slowly with a hairdryer (set the appliance to medium heat).
  5. Once the chip has been filled, wipe away any excess with a lint-free cloth.
  6. Leave plenty of drying time as specified on the packaging of the wax.
  7. For a smooth finish, gently sand the area again and re-oil with Rustins Danish Oil. A few coats of oil may be required to ensure a consistent colour across your worktop.

To find out more about repairing other types of minor worktop damage, please read our informative guide, How to Mend Small Scratches and Marks on a Real Wood Worktop.

Filed under: General by Worktop Express Admin
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“How can I avoid a wood worktop nightmare?” Question of the Week 21.05.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“How can I avoid a wood worktop nightmare?”

Our third ‘Question of the Week’ for May was sent in by Elise in Peterborough, who is interested in solid wood worktops for kitchens, and would like some tips on maintaining them without running into any problems.

QUESTION:

“I’m about to purchase some of your lovely wooden kitchen worktops, and I know they require some maintenance to keep them in the best condition. I realise if they are not taken care of properly there can be a few issues, so please can you tell me the best steps to follow so I can avoid a wood worktop nightmare?”

ANSWER:

Hello Elise,

Thanks for contacting us! We are thrilled that you would like to purchase some of our stunning solid wood kitchen countertops. Wooden worktops make an eye-catching feature in any home and grow more beautiful with age, provided they are cared for correctly. The good news is that maintaining solid wood is easy – and we’re pleased to offer some advice to help ensure the longevity of timber worktops. Our recommendations are as follows:

  • When storing: If you are not installing your worktops immediately, please ensure that these are stored correctly. First, we recommend that the worktops are oiled as soon as they are received (this will prevent the timber from drying out). Once oiled, lay them flat within their original packaging, separated from the floor and each other with battens. We advise against unpacking worktops before kitchen cabinets have been built and fitted, and before any dust or dirt from building works has been cleared.
  • Before installation: All edges of your wood worktops should be oiled at least three times with Rustins Danish Oil prior to installation, allowing 6-8 hours drying time between coats.
  • At installation: It is important to ensure that worktops are correctly installed to avoid the timber splitting. First, worktops should be fitted with a 4-5mm expansion gap between any worktop edge and a wall, to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the timber with variations in heat and humidity. Next, when mounting worktops onto cabinetry, only slotted angle brackets should be used, fixed with a round head screw, and worktops should never be fixed directly onto cabinet units. The length of the slot used should be perpendicular to the wall.
  • Additional protective features: When a solid wood worktop is fitted alongside a freestanding oven, a gap of at least 30mm should be allowed, and the worktop should be fitted with an end cap, which protects the end grain of the timber and helps to prevent it from splitting. Please read our handy endcaps guide to learn more about the benefits of this feature. What’s more, if a timber worktop is installed alongside an appliance that may produce moisture and heat – such as washing machine, dishwasher or microwave – it is also necessary to use a moisture barrier to protect the underside of the worktop.
  • On-going maintenance: The final, vital stage of ensuring trouble-free worktop usage is the regular re-oiling of the work surface. In the first six weeks after installation, worktops should be oiled regularly – up to twice a week if possible. At this stage, it is important to avoid spillages, as the worktops have not yet built up sufficient oil protection. After this, re-oil once every three months. As a guide, worktops that are too dry look matt and dull; conversely, well-oiled worktops will have a healthy lustre, and any water droplets will simply rest of the surface of the wood.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch again. We understand accidents do happen, so remember not to panic if you have any mishaps, simply take a read of our information guide on How to Mend Small Scratches and Marks on a Real Wood Worktops.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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Filed under: Customer Questions by Worktop Express Admin
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Radius Corners: A Nutshell Guide

All our solid wood worktops come with square edges and corners as standard. This look is perfect for many a wood kitchen counter; however, in some instances, our customers may wish to add a smooth curved corner (or ‘radius corner’). Radius corners are ideal for kitchen islands and overhanging worktops as – in these instances – the corners are more exposed and can be hazardous to people walking past. They also look excellent when fitted with curved corner base units and can be designed to match the curve of the cabinet perfectly. Offering a sophisticated look, radius corners can be applied to worktops via our Online Bespoke Worktop Tool (for further information regarding our innovative online worktop customisation tool, please read our Bespoke Worktop Tool User Guide).. Don’t forget, every radius corner is made to bespoke measurements (meaning that there are no ‘standard’ radius dimensions).

Internal radius corners can also be found on sink cut-outs. Whilst overmounted sinks do not usually require curved corners, undermounted sinks will be accompanied by measurements so that you can calculate the dimensions for the cut-out.

How to Measure a Radius Corner

If you should need to measure a radius corner, or are gathering measurements for your new worktop, our easy-to-follow instructions should provide all the information you require:

  1. Identify your tangent points (see diagram). These are the points at which the straight edges of the rectangular worktop meet the curved edge, and both points are equidistant from the existing right-angular corner. The easiest way to record this is to use a Carpenter’s Square, and mark the tangents points with a pencil if necessary.
  2. The distance from the tangent point to the point where the two dotted tangent lines meet is the radius. Using a Carpenter’s Square again, identify the meeting point of the two tangent lines. If you do not have a Carpenter’s Square, place a ruler perpendicular to the worktop edge at both tangent points and identify where the two tangent lines meet (it may be necessary to do this a few times to ensure accuracy).
  3. Measure the radius line.

Kitchen Inspiration Gallery

Ordering Worktops with Radius Corners with Our Online Fabrication Tool

To order worktops with radius corners via our Online Bespoke Worktop Tool, simply select your timber and choose the dimensions required, and then click the Radius Corner tab on the toolbar at the top of your screen. At this point, please enter the radius measurement you require, and which corner(s) of the worktop you would like to apply it to.

Some splendid examples of radius corners can be seen in our Fabrication Gallery. If you would like assistance when ordering bespoke worktops with radius corners online, or would like to order over the telephone, please don’t hesitate to ring us on 0345 22 22 644. Alternatively, you can contact our fabrication department for more information on bespoke worktops, by emailing sales@worktop-express.co.uk.

Filed under: Fabrication by Worktop Express Admin
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“What is the best way to sand my solid wood kitchen countertops?” Question of the Week 14.05.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“What is the best way to sand my solid wood kitchen countertops?”

Our latest ‘Question of the Week’ was emailed in by Ross in Cheltenham, who wanted advice on sanding his solid wood kitchen countertops.

QUESTION:

“I bought my wooden worktops from you a few years ago and – whilst I oil them regularly and they are still looking excellent – over time I have managed to make a number of small scorch marks on the wood with hot saucepans. I would like to sand these areas back and re-oil to restore them to their former glory, and I was hoping you could please advise me on how best to do this?”

ANSWER:

Hi Ross, Thanks for getting in touch. We are pleased to hear that you are taking pride in your beautiful solid wood worktops and would be happy to advise on the best method for sanding!

For the highest-quality finish, we recommend sanding by hand. If you wish to begin by using an orbital sander, this should then be followed by additional sanding by hand. The use of belt sanders is not recommended as it can be difficult to achieve an even surface on wooden worktops.

It is important to remember to wear an appropriate face mask before starting to strip back your worktops: this will prevent sawdust being inhaled or irritating your eyes.

Start by using 240 grit sandpaper. This is an extra fine grit, perfect for gently removing surface marks on timber. Sand the scorched area lightly – using a circular motion – until the mark is gone. If it is a major burn that goes beyond the surface (and may even have caused an indentation in the wood) you will need to use a 120-180 fine grit first to remove the worst of the damage, before progressing to the extra fine grit.

Once the mark has disappeared, re-sand the area with even finer sandpaper (up to 400 grit) for an ultra-smooth work surface. Next, wipe over the work surface with a damp, lint-free cloth, to remove any sawdust.

Using Rustins Danish Oil, re-oil the area you have been working on and wipe down with a dry, lint-free cloth, and leave to dry. It is likely that you will need to repeat the oiling process a number of times in order for the newly oiled area to match the surrounding worktop. For more information, please read our ’Oiling Worktops Nutshell Guide’.

If the scorches are recurrent across the whole worktop, you may yield better results by sanding the entire work surface and re-oiling, to prevent patchiness and ensure a uniform overall finish.

For more help on removing other small marks or stains, take a look at our ‘How to Mend Small Scratches and Marks on a Real Wood Worktop’ information guide.

Please do get in touch if you have any more questions: feel free to call on 0345 22 22 644 or send an email to and our team will be delighted to help.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on FacebookTwitterG+, or send us a message.

Filed under: Customer Questions by Worktop Express Admin
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