Worktop Express Information Guides

“How often should I oil my real wood worktops?”

Our final ‘Question of the Week’ for 2016 was sent in by Katherine in Stoke-on-Trent. She fitted new worktops before Christmas and – after doing a post-party kitchen clean-up – would like to know how often she should oil her real wood worktops.

QUESTION:

“We installed some of your wood worktops before Christmas and now that I have finally got round to cleaning up all the clutter I wanted to know how often I should be oiling the worktops to keep them looking their best?”

ANSWER:

Hi Katherine,

Thanks for taking the time to send in your query about oiling wooden worktops. We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and have a great New Year planned, too.

With regular oiling, real wood worktops should last for many years and will continue to mature in colour as you apply fresh coats of oil.

It is recommended that for the first six weeks after installation, your worktops are oiled as regularly as possible, then approximately every three months thereafter. Oiling will help to build up a protective layer over time, so it should be done at least a couple of times a year to ensure that the timber withholds its hard-wearing properties.

For an efficient aftercare routine, we recommend you purchase one of our Rustins Worktop Maintenance Kits, which includes everything needed to keep your worktops looking as good as new.

The kit includes three foam brushes for even application of the Rustins Danish Oil, de-nibbing pads for sanding down rougher areas that need re-finishing, a lint-free cloth and a set of protective gloves. For ongoing maintenance we also sell Rustins Danish Oil in 1L, 2.5L and 5L sizes.

We recommend you read our Oiling Worktops Nutshell Guide, which covers everything you should need to know, but if you have any further questions about oiling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch again.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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Once our stylish laminate countertops have been installed, it’s important to ensure they stay in tip-top condition. Fortunately, laminate surfaces are very easy to maintain, only requiring careful cleaning once installed.

The International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (a collection of the world’s leading experts in virology, microbiology and infectious disease) state that the average kitchen worktop is one of the most commonly contaminated areas of the house, second only to used kitchen cloths.

Because of this, it is very important to make sure that any kitchen surfaces are regularly cleaned with a warm, soapy solution to ensure that bacteria does not get the chance to colonise in areas where you might be preparing food.

Using a quality natural disinfectant will kill all forms of bacteria that may build up around your worktops, but may not necessarily remove the dirty solids that become home for bacterial colonies within hours.

Because of this, we recommend that you clean over the surface with a micro-fibre cloth and a warm soapy solution first, before applying a more abrasive natural solution, as follows:

• 2 small cups of water.
• ¼ of a cup of white vinegar.
• A tablespoon of washing-up liquid.

Start by decanting the liquid into a clean spray bottle and cover your entire worktop with a light misting. Leave the solution to work for a few minutes, then wipe away the excess with a clean, damp cloth. If you would prefer a more pleasant-smelling solution, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for vinegar, but this solution may require additional rinsing with water after application (as the mixture is less ‘clean’).

After cleaning, ensure that the surface is dried thoroughly using paper towels or a dry microfiber cloth. We do not recommend leaving any liquid to pool on the surface for long periods of time.

If you find that there are any stains on your laminate worktops that cannot be removed using the solution listed above, we would recommend that a small amount of organic solvent – such as acetone – is used on a damp, soft cloth to rub out the stain in a circular motion.

For further information, we recommend reading our laminate worktop installation and aftercare guide, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us.

Worktop Express® offers the most comprehensive collection of wooden worktops available anywhere online, but we appreciate that real wood surfaces might not be the right choice for everyone. With this in mind we recently introduced a range of wood-effect laminate worktops, alongside some other gorgeous stone and quartz-effect surfaces.

Choosing the right laminate worktops

Wood-Effect Laminate Surfaces

We have a variety of wood-effect laminate countertops, including replicas of oak and walnut and other more unique choices such as antique grey oak and Cypress Cinnamon, which looks similar to our zebrano worktops.

Some of our wood-effect laminates have a textured finish to replicate the feel of real wooden worktops, whilst others are a smooth matt surface that is easy to clean.

Stone-Effect Laminate Worktops

Our range includes a number of stone-effect laminate surfaces. Whether you are looking to recreate the look of granite, marble, concrete or slate, there is something in our collection to suit every kitchen theme.

Some of the stone-effect countertops in our collection are made from high-tech AEON™ laminate, which creates a stronger, more refined finish that is three to five times more resistant to scuffs and scratches.

Other Laminate Choices

If you are looking for a worktop with a synthetic modern appearance, our large selection of laminates includes some exciting choices.

Our black and white sparkle worktops are especially popular in modern kitchens, whilst our white and lunar night worktops are very popular in high-contrast kitchens.

Our Selection of Wood-Effect Laminate Worktops

Oak Block Laminate Surfaces

These oak block laminate worktops replicate the look of a classic oak worktop. They are both incredibly affordable and very easy to install, maintain and clean.

Perfect for a contemporary kitchen with natural flair.

Walnut Block Laminate Worktops

Walnut is an incredibly warm and luxurious timber, a look recreated by our affordable walnut block laminate worktops.

These are one of our most affordable surfaces, and are an ideal choice for replicating the feel of a classic wooden kitchen.

Colmar Oak Laminate Countertops

Our Colmar Oak laminate countertops beautifully replicate the appearance of natural oak worktops.

These laminate surfaces feature many of the natural characteristics found on real oak worktops, making them a great choice for traditional kitchen themes.

Coco Bolo laminate Surfaces

If you are looking for a unique countertop to replicate the look of real wood timber, consider our Coco Bolo laminate worktops.

These laminate worktops replicate the look of a full stave worktop, and are perfect for use in contemporary kitchens.

Grey Oak Laminate Worktops

For farmhouse-style kitchens, our grey oak laminate worktops are a perfect choice.

These laminates replicate the appearance and feel of aged oak timber in a surface that looks just like a full stave wooden worktop.

Cypress Cinnamon Laminate Countertops

If you like the look of our zebrano worktops and are seeking an affordable alternative, consider our Cypress Cinnamon worktops.

Cypress Cinnamon has a textured feel and looks fantastic in ultra-modern kitchens, or as a statement surface on kitchen islands.

If you are thinking of purchasing any of our wood-effect worktops, but would like to see the finish before placing an order, why not order one of our laminate sample packs? Each pack includes a sample of every laminate surface in our collection, and is priced at just £5 including speedy courier delivery.

“If I order multiple wood countertops will they match?”

This week we received a query from Amy in Lancaster which was then chosen as our ‘Question of the Week’. She asked us to clarify whether her wood countertops would match if she orders more than one.

QUESTION:

“I want to order a few walnut worktops from you, but wanted to know if you will check them before they are sent out to ensure they match?”

ANSWER:

Hi Amy,

Thank you for sending in your question regarding the matching of walnut worktops. We are glad that you are thinking of ordering our solid wood worktops as they are a stunning choice for any kitchen.

We pride ourselves in ensuring that we deliver high-quality products to each and every customer, and we go to great lengths to make sure that when multiple worktops have been ordered, they have a similar overall appearance that will create a beautifully consistent surface for your kitchen.

Please understand that although the natural qualities of wooden worktops mean that your surfaces will be entirely unique, this also means that no two worktops are alike. When the worktops are picked to fulfil your order, the team in our warehouse will choose stock that is from the same delivery batch. If – for any reason – this simply isn’t possible, our team will check additional stocks of the worktop ordered to try and match the timber as closely as possible.

Almost all natural wood darkens over time as it matures, meaning that our wood worktops will often appear lighter when they are first delivered, before acquiring the final hue that is shown on our website (which is achievable with regular oiling).

For more details about our walnut worktops, we recommend reading our Walnut Worktops Nutshell Guide.

Kind regards,

Ben @ Worktop Express

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

Here at Worktop Express®, you’ll find a wide range of kitchen worktops featuring both hardwood and laminate surfaces – perfect choices for traditional kitchens. To complement our collection of worktops we now offer a stylish range of kitchen taps and sinks that are guaranteed to help give your kitchen an elegant finishing touch.

If you are planning a traditional kitchen, this information guide has details of some of our finest traditional taps to suit all tastes and budgets.

Reginox Elbe Kitchen Mixer Tap

The Reginox Elbe Kitchen Mixer Tap combines two porcelain levers with a glossy chrome finish, creating a timeless aesthetic that is perfectly suited to a traditional design.

This tap has a sturdy brass core and is the ideal choice for kitchens featuring sinks made from stainless steel or glossy white ceramic.

The smooth swivel spout accommodates both single and twin bowl sinks.

Rangemaster Chrome Bridge Tap

This Rangemaster Chrome Bridge Tap is a luxurious choice for contemporary kitchens with a traditional twist. It features stylish twin levers that allow for precise control of the water flow.

The elegant curved spout can be swivelled smoothly from left to right, suiting both single and twin bowl sink designs.

Rangemaster Belfast Mixer Tap

The Rangemaster Belfast Mixer Tap is the ideal choice for accompanying ceramic Belfast sinks in a traditional kitchen.

An attractive polished chrome finish, twin ceramic levers and versatile spout make this tap a great choice for accompanying either single or double bowl Belfast sinks.

If you are ordering kitchen taps with a bespoke worktop, a suitable tap hole can be ordered using our Online Bespoke Worktop Tool. Customisations ordered through the tool receive a minimum of 10% discount all year round.

If you have any other queries regarding our range of kitchen taps, don’t hesitate to get in touch.