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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 should I connect my hardwood worksurfaces?” Question of the Week 25.06.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“How should I connect my hardwood worksurfaces?”

Clive from Cirencester emailed us this week to ask how we would recommend connecting two hardwood worksurfaces.

QUESTION:

“I would like to buy two of your European walnut worktops to make an L-shaped kitchen bench. I’ve seen worktops connected with both mitre joints and butt joints – would you recommend one method over another?”

ANSWER:

Hi Clive,

Thanks for contacting us. We are really pleased that you are interested in purchasing two of our walnut worktops – especially as they are our pick for June’s ‘Worktop of the Month’! Gorgeous European walnut is full of character and makes for a wonderfully lustrous and hard-wearing work surface, so we certainly agree that this is an excellent choice for your kitchen.

You are also right to question which joining method is the best, as we strongly advise using a butt joint when attaching two wooden worksurfaces at a right-angle. If this is not a customisation you intend on making yourself, our skilled worktop fabrication team would be happy to help.

What do we do?

First, we create three bolt apertures on the underside of each worktop, on the two edges that are to be joined together. Then, we add in the three bolts to fasten the two worktops together securely, and add a sealant to protect the timber inside the joint and give extra reinforcement.

Why do we do this?

As you may know, wood naturally expands and contracts with the varying levels of heat and moisture in its environment. Where the two diagonal edges meet at a mitre joint, it is at this point that natural expansion can create pressure on the two work surfaces, which may result in the worktop splitting, bowing or warping. Conversely, butt joints do not interfere with the natural qualities of the wood, and therefore reduce the likelihood of damage to the worktop.

Furthermore – as the apertures are carefully concealed on the underside of the worktop – the bolts cannot be seen once the worktop is installed, creating a seamless appearance for your finished L-shaped worktop.

Please read our Butt Joints Nutshell Guide for further information.

How to order a butt joint

To order a butt joint to connect your two worktops, you simply need to send us the worktop dimensions and specify where you would like the joint to be situated. You can provide this information by telephoning us on 0345 22 22 644, or by emailing sales@worktop-express.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can order worktops with a butt joint via our innovative Online Bespoke Worktop Tool. If you require any guidance with using this tool, please take a look at our Online Bespoke Worktop Tool guide. Don’t forget to click onto the ‘Arrange/Join your Worktops’ screen to ensure the joint is where you would like.

Once your order has been submitted (whether online or with a member of our team), it will be reviewed by our fabrication department, who will email you a diagram for approval before proceeding, in order to ensure all the measurements are absolutely correct.

Please do contact us if there is anything else we can help you with.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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Buying Ovens to Accompany Your Solid Wood Worktop

A variety of ovens would look excellent alongside a solid wood worktop.

Whilst we are certain that a stunning solid wood worktop will be the crowning feature of any room, there are other components you would undoubtedly wish to consider when it comes to updating your kitchen. In an area primarily dedicated to cookery, ovens are likely to be near the top of your list.

Whether you prefer the appearance of a free-standing range, or would like an oven built into your kitchen counters or island unit, this handy information guide will help you to weigh up the pros and cons.

Standalone Ovens

AGA ovens are a popular choice for traditional country kitchens.

Standalone – or free-standing – ovens come in many shapes and sizes, and there are none so iconic as those provided by Aga.

Standalone units do not require the support of a cabinet, unlike a built-in option, making them easy to install.

Whilst being easy to manoeuvre, free-standing oven units are less seamlessly integrated into overall kitchen design, so it is worth spending some time choosing a style that will complement your cabinets, other appliances and accessories.

Built-In and Built-Under Ovens

Built-in and built-under ovens free up valuable space on your solid wood worktop.

In kitchens where space is at a premium, built-in and built-under ovens are perfect options.

Integrated, wall-mounted ovens are especially convenient, as they can be positioned within a cabinet column so as to remove the need to bend down to check the timer or retrieve dishes. Built-under ovens sit beneath a countertop to produce a similarly seamless aesthetic.

Integrated into your existing cabinetry design, this style frees up additional worktop space, allowing you to make the most of every inch of the room available.

Single or Double?

There are a number of aspects to consider when choosing between a single or double cooker.

If you frequently find yourself cooking for large numbers of people, or like to create complex dishes with lots of different elements, it may be sensible to opt for a double oven. However if you live alone or cook infrequently, a single oven is likely to be a wiser choice.

It is also worth considering the number of shelves included in the oven, as a single oven may be sufficient for regular cooking if it has plenty of shelf space.

Gas or Electric?

There is a range of benefits for using both gas and electric ovens - the choice is yours!

There are several considerations to take into account when choosing between gas and electric ovens.

As far as running costs are concerned, gas has always been the cheaper option, and is also useful in the event of a power-cut (as you will still be able to light the hob with matches).

If cooking power is a consideration, bear in mind that it is common to find fan assistance in electric ovens but not in gas ovens. Fans increase the speed and efficiency of cooking by circulating the hot air, ensuring that heat is evenly distributed throughout the oven. Electric ovens usually have an electric thermostat, too, which makes it easier to control the oven temperature.

Finally, electric ovens are typically easier to install as – in the case of freestanding ovens – they simply need to be connected to a mains socket. Installing built-in ovens can be a little more complex, though, and we recommend hiring a professional for this.

Added Features

Ovens come in all shapes and sizes, and are available with a variety of additional useful functions.

As well as differing in style, capacity and type, ovens are often accompanied by a number of handy features – and these vary from model to model.

For example, some ovens come with a steam-fuelled function that allows you to steam-cook food inside the oven, helping the food to retain moisture and avoid burning.

Ovens commonly come with a grill, a handy feature for varying your cooking style, and providing a healthier way to cook meat (allowing the fat to drain off into the pan underneath).

You can even purchase ovens with a self-cleaning facility. These come in two types: one with a ‘catalytic liner’ (with a grey speckled interior that absorbs grease and fat splashes), and one that is ‘pyrolytic’ (which burns away stray fragments of food). Both of these options require far less elbow grease when it comes to cleaning your oven.

Each of our beautiful kitchen showrooms display a range of high quality appliances, incorporating models from well-established brands such as Rangemaster, Perrin & Rowe, Falcon, Neff, Franke, Mercury and Fisher & Paykel. What’s more, as an AGA authorised showroom, our flagship showroom in Gloucestershire also has the envied AGA Total Control 3 on display. For more kitchen inspiration, please do pay us a visit at any of our locations across the country!

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“I would like to order a sink with my solid wood worktops, what options do you have available?” Question of the Week 18.06.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“I would like to order a sink with my solid wood worktops, what options do you have available?”

Belinda from Bishop’s Stortford messaged us this week to find out more about the sinks we sell. She is planning to place as order for solid wood worktops, and would like to know what types of sink are available as an accompaniment.

QUESTION:

“I’m planning a new kitchen makeover and would like to order some wooden worktops from your company. I also need to purchase a new sink (as my old one really is on its way out!) and I wondered if you could tell me about the styles you sell.”

ANSWER:

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for contacting us! It’s great to hear that you would like to purchase some of our solid wood worktops. We know these will make a stunning and high-quality addition to your new kitchen.

We stock an ever-expanding range of attractive and hard-wearing sinks, all of which are sure to serve you well for many years to come – the only decision is which style to go for!

On our Kitchen Sinks page, you will discover a wide variety of sinks perfect for wooden worktops:

Belfast Sinks

If you have a traditional kitchen, Belfast sinks – or butler sinks as they are also known – make an excellent choice, providing a deep basin to accommodate large pots and pans. Our Belfast sinks are produced from high-quality fire clay ceramic and come with an attractive, glossy finish. We stock the following styles in this range:

  • Reginox Belfast Sink – A high-gloss, simple single bowl design
  • Rangemaster Belfast Sinks – Choose from a single and twin-bowl design, with ample room for all your washing up

Undermounted Sinks

Our undermounted sinks are made from high grade stainless steel and sit discreetly beneath your worktop. This range comprises a variety of options, including single and 1.5 bowl designs, and an assortment of styles:

  • WEX Calypso – The Calypso sink comes with large radius corners and angular external corner. This design has a single (compact), single (large) and 1.5 bowl option.
  • WEX Atlas – Our Atlas design comprises a contemporary square bowl with small radius corners. This sink style comes with a wide range of single and 1.5 bowl options.
  • WEX Zero – The Zero style comes with square, zero-radius corners to maximise the space available. Choose between a compact bowl, large bowl or 1.5 bowl design.

Overmounted Sinks

Overmounted kitchen sinks have been a popular and well-loved option for many years. This timeless and versatile design allows the edge of the sink to rest upon your countertop, making it very easy to install. Our collection of overmounted sinks consists of many styles, with stainless steel and ceramic options and the choice of left and right-hand draining boards:

  • Rangemaster Glendale Sink – A clean, modern design with a shiny Microsheen™ finish and reversible configuration. The Glendale sink has a single and 1.5 bowl option.
  • Rangemaster Michigan Sink – The contemporary Michigan sink has a reversible design, and shiny Microsheen™ finish. This style comes with the choice of a single or 1.5 bowl.
  • Rangemaster Arlington Sink – Rangemaster’s luxurious Arlington sink has been treated with a Microsheen™ finish for a contemporary aesthetic.
  • Reginox Overmounted Ceramic Sink with Drainer – Our glossy ceramic sinks from Reginox are available with a single or 1.5 bowl, and have a reversible configuration.

Ordering

All our sinks can be purchased online, or by placing an order with a member of our knowledgeable sales team by telephone or email. Each of our stainless steel undermounted and overmounted sinks are available to purchase as individual items. However, due to their weight and value, our ceramic sinks – both Belfast and overmounted – can only be purchased in conjunction with an order for worktops. Therefore, if you would like to place your order online, please note that you will need to add worktops to the shopping cart before you are able to add a ceramic sink.

A waste kit is required to connect your sink to your kitchen plumbing. In some cases, a waste kit will be included with the sink. For other sinks, the waste kit must be purchased separately and will be available on our website.

If you would like to see a selection of our high-quality sinks on display, why not visit one of our beautiful kitchen showrooms? Bishop’s Stortford is only a short distance from our stunning Harlow showroom, in which we have six kitchen sets for you to view, and a showroom assistant on hand to answer any questions you may have!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries – we’ll be happy to help.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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Ordering Bespoke Cuts for Your Wooden Worktop Online: A Nutshell Guide

Our handy Online Bespoke Worktop Tool provides a quick, easy way to order a wooden worktop with customisation. Not only does it allow you to visualise your bespoke worktop and detail the cost break-down, but it is also more affordable: customisations ordered via the tool are offered at a discount. By placing an order for your tailor-made worktop using our innovative online tool, you can design your worktop at any hour that is convenient and take as much time as you need.

The Worktop Express® Online Bespoke Worktop Tool offers a whole host of choices when it comes to tailoring your solid wood worktop. Read on to learn more about each option:

Cut-to-Size

Cut-to-Size
These black American walnut worktops have been cut-to-size to accommodate our customer's exacting requirements.
  • A cut-to-size cuts down worktops from our standard sizes.
  • Select whether you would like to cut lengthways or widthways, then the amount you would like to remove (in mm).
  • You may also wish to opt to use the offcut as another worktop (if so, you can switch between worktops using the tabs in the top-left corner of your screen).

Radius Corner

Radius Corner
Radius corners look magnificent on this striking walnut worktop.
  • A radius corner cuts our default right-angled corners into a smooth, curved corner.
  • Enter the radius required (in mm) and switch the corner(s) you would like to apply the cut to.
  • Please read our Radius Corners Nutshell Guide for further information.

Square or Circle Cut-Out

Square or Circle Cut-Out
This intricate oak worktop has had a square cut-out to perfectly accommodate a drop-in appliance.
  • To accommodate certain worktop equipment, appliances or accessories, you might like to add a square or circle cut-out.
  • Simply specify the distance from the left side and distance from the top of the worktop, and the width and length – or diameter – of the cut-out itself.

Tapered Edge

Tapered Edge
A tapered edge can be used for wood worktops in kitchens with irregular walls.
  • A taper cut allows you to make one end of your worktop narrower than the other (accommodating irregularly-shaped kitchens, for example).
  • Choose the side that you would like the cut applied to, then the corner that you would like to remain as is. The other corner on your selected side will be cut back by the amount you specify, with a diagonal cut between the two corners.

Sink Cut-Out

Sink Cut-Out
Make a hole to perfectly suit your kitchen sink, with a sink cut-out with radius corners.
  • The sink cut-out adds a hole to accommodate a sink.
  • Choose which type of sink you would like: Belfast, undermounted or overmounted.
  • Specify the position, length and width of your cut-out.

Tap Hole

Tap Hole
Sometimes taps aren't built into the sink, and your worktop will require custom-cut tap holes.
  • Add a tap hole by specifying the distance from the left edge of the worktop and the distance from the top edge (in mm). Indicate what the diameter of your tap hole will be.

Hob Cut-Out

Hob Cut-Out
Add a rectagular or circular hob cut-out to you solid wood worktop.
  • To add a rectangular or circular hob cut-out, specify the shape that you require, its position from the left edge and top edge of the worktop, and what length and width – or diameter – is needed.

Hotrods and Cut-Out

Hotrods and Cut-Out
Hotrods are a beautiful and practical design feature for solid wooden worktops.
  • To add stainless steel hotrods to your worktop, grooves will need to be added to the work surface.
  • These are available in a straight or diamond formation.
  • Select the hotrod formation that you would like, and confirm your choice.
  • You can then drag the hotrods to the position you would like on your worktop, using the navigation markers to rotate if you wish.
  • To find out more, read our Stainless Steel Hotrods information guide.

Wireless Charger Hole

Wireless Charger Hole
Our fabrication team can add a recess to your wooden worktop to accommodate our wireless charger.
  • Our wireless charging unit can be installed on the underside of the worktop, allowing you to charge your phone simply by placing it above the charger on the work surface.
  • Indicate where you would like the charger to be positioned, and drag it to adjust its location, if required.

Ellipse End

Ellipse End
Ellipse ends are a splendid feature on overhanging worktops, kitchen islands and breakfast bars.
  • For a curved end to your worktop, select the end that you would like the ellipse cut applied to, and how far back into the worktop you would like the curve to finish.
  • Why not read our Ellipse End Nutshell Guide to find out more?

Edge Profile

Edge Profile
Edge profiling gives an extra sense of sophisticated to hardwood worktops.
  • We offer a wide variety of edge profiles as alternatives to our standard square edges.
  • Choose between a pencil, rounded, chamfered or ogee profile, and pick whether it is applied to the top edge, bottom edge, or both.
  • Then, simply select the edges that you would like this profile applied to.
  • For more information, please read our Edge Profiles Nutshell Guide.

End Cap

End Cap
Protect your worktop's end grain with a stylish end cap.
  • End caps protect the wood grain from sources of heat or moisture, such as ovens or dishwashers.
  • An end cap adds an additional length of 40mm to your worktop, so you may need to cut the worktop down first in order to accommodate this.
  • Select the side that requires an end cap, then confirm.
  • To find out more about the benefits of end caps, take a look at our useful End Caps information guide.

Butt Join

Butt Join
We always recommend using a butt join to attached two worktops together.
  • Butt joins connect two worktops together at a 90° angle, and require three bolt apertures.
  • To add a butt join, select its location from the choices on the right-hand menu, and confirm.
  • Please note: a butt join cut should be added to both of the worktops you intend to join.

Delete a customisation

Bespoke cuts are easily deleted when using our Online Bespoke Worktop Tool.

If you wish to remove customisations, simply select the bespoke cut you would like to remove from the right-hand menu, then press the ‘Delete’ button at the bottom of the menu. Your order total will be updated automatically.

Before our skilled fabrication team set to work on your tailor-made top, we will send you through a CAD drawing, which will show all the customisations you have requested. Please read this carefully, to ensure all measurements are correct. Once you have approved this drawing, we will begin the production process.

If you have any queries regarding our tool, do consult our full Online Bespoke Worktop Tool guide, which has plenty of tips and advice; alternatively, please feel free to contact us.

Filed under: Fabrication by Worktop Express Admin
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“I would like to purchase some solid wood tops for my flat, do you deliver upstairs?” Question of the Week 11.06.16

Worktop Question of the Week

“I would like to purchase some solid wood tops for my flat, do you deliver upstairs?”

This week Joe in Portsmouth emailed us regarding delivery for an order he is about to place: he’d like to know if we could deliver his solid wood tops to an upstairs flat.

QUESTION:

I want to order some wooden worktops from your company and I can see on your website that I am eligible for your 2Man delivery service. I live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building in Portsmouth, and I wanted to check whether it would be possible for you to deliver to the flat itself?

ANSWER:

Hi Joe,

Thanks for getting in touch; we are delighted to hear that you would like to place an order for solid wood tops, and we guarantee you will be impressed with the look and finish of our high-quality wooden work surfaces.

Whether delivery is made via our efficient 2Man service or any of the other couriers that we work with, deliveries can only be made to a ground floor location of your choice (provided that the access route is clear). For the delivery of heavier items such as our wooden worktops, the manual transportation of items either upstairs or downstairs is prohibited: this is largely due to health and safety regulations and the restrictions of our own insurance policy. Therefore, if you would like to place an order for several items, you may wish to seek assistance from a few family members (or perhaps friends or neighbours) to help with receipt of the goods. Once delivery has been made to a ground floor location of your choosing, our 2Man team will remove any external worktop packaging and take it away to be recycled.

If your apartment building has a lift available, we may be able to assist you with transporting the worktops upstairs by this method. However, this arrangement will need to be agreed prior to the day of delivery, and it is important that you check the maximum weight allowance for the lift before contacting us to discuss further.

Full details of our range of delivery options can be found on our Delivery Details page.

Please feel free to get in touch with any further queries, or if you would like to discuss the delivery options available to you. To do so, please telephone 0345 22 22644, or email us at .

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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