Worktop Express Information Guides

“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 [email protected] for further assistance.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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“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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“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

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