Worktop Express Information Guides

The humble sink is an integral part of a kitchen – it is where a lot of food preparation happens, and where the plates and pans can be transformed back to shiny and clean. With such a wide range of kitchen sinks available, the choices available to you may seem overwhelming. We have written this guide to help you select the best option for your kitchen.

If you are looking to purchase your sink alongside kitchen worktops, why not utilise our bespoke fabrication service? We can create cut-outs for sinks, hobs, drainage grooves and a number of other options – we can customise your worktop exactly to your specifications.

Belfast Sinks

Sometimes referred to as a butler sink, Belfast sinks work fantastically well with solid wood worktops, and can add a classic yet homely touch to a country kitchen. Available with either one or two sink bowls, Belfast sinks offer ample room for many bits of dirty crockery, while looking incredibly stylish. They are also very hard-wearing thanks to their chunky ceramic construction, with the added benefit of being easy to clean, making them perfect for busy kitchens. Belfast sinks have an exposed side, so we cater for that by offering a bespoke cut out so it fits perfectly – we also recommend fitting drainage grooves alongside to prevent water from pooling.

Ceramic Sinks

All of our Belfast sinks are made of ceramic, but we also sell a selection of lovely pearly-white sinks that will look great in both modern and traditional kitchens. We stock both overmounted and undermounted ceramic options, and with our bespoke fitting service we are confident we will be able to create your perfect kitchen and sink area. We also have a selection of kitchen taps available.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks have a timeless look and – with a huge range of sinks you can choose starting from just £60 – suit any kitchen style and budget. Our collection includes a number of different sizes and designs, as well as options featuring different numbers and configurations of bowls, draining boards and both under and overmounted choices. They are incredibly easy to clean and require no maintenance, making them a great option for well-used cooking areas.

Composite Sinks

Our increasingly popular composite sinks are designed to look like solid stone for a fraction of the price. They look great paired with both laminate and stone worktops, but are often available in the same colours and patterns as solid surface worktops – like our Earthstone collection – giving you the ability to create the appearance of a completely bespoke worktop and sink. Made from a blend of different materials, a composite sink combines the strength and benefits of the materials used, but at a much lower cost. Just like our other sinks, a composite sink is built to last and incredibly hygienic.

Wooden work surfaces are a fantastic choice for any kitchen, and whilst the material is hard-wearing and resistant to most minor spills, they can become stained or discoloured if not properly maintained. If your worktop becomes damaged, be sure to work carefully: do not remove more of the finish than is absolutely necessary. In this article we will take a look at simple techniques to help you remove common stains and discoloration from the surfaces of wooden worktops.

Black spots

Black spots are usually caused by water that has been left to sit on the surface and has penetrated the finish completely. These spots require the surface to be sanded and refinished in order to totally remove them.

• Firstly, sand away the top layers of the worktop to remove the finish, then continue to sand until the black stain has been removed.
• If the discolouration has penetrated deeply into the wood, you may have to treat with a light bleach solution, or remove the black spot using a chisel; when satisfied, simply fill as required with shellac or wax.
• Once you have removed the affected area, clean the worktop with a lint-free cloth to remove any sanding residue, then re-oil or finish to match the rest of the worktop.

Ink stains

Ink stains that have penetrated the finish of your worktop can be removed using a similar re-finishing technique to that used for black spots. Less serious ink stains that have not absorbed into the timber can be removed by lightly buffing the stained area with a cloth and mineral spirits. Once the stain has dissipated, wipe down the worktop with a clean, damp cloth, then dry the surface thoroughly, and then re-oil or finish as necessary. If the area is badly damaged, the entire worktop surface may have to be refinished.

• Sand down the affected area until clear
• Sand down the rest of the surface to re-create a flat, even finish
• Oil or re-finish to match the original treatment

Grease, tar, paint, crayon, and lipstick spots

Fortunately, these kind of stains only usually affect the surface of the worktop and can be more easily removed. A natural mineral solvent or a mixture of vinegar and lemon can be used for oil-based paints, whilst water should be sufficient for cleaning latex paint. For anything that has dried-on:

• Use the edge of a putty knife to carefully remove dry paint or other materials; being careful not to use sharp implements or very abrasive materials, or you may scratch the finish.
• When the deposit has been removed, buff the area very lightly along the grain of the wood with a fine grade sandpaper.
• Apply a fresh coat of oil to protect the affected area.

Wax and gum spots

Wax and gum deposits can usually be easily removed, but care must be taken to prevent damage to the finish.

• Firstly, to make the wax or gum brittle, press a packet of ice wrapped in a towel or paper towel against the affected area and let the deposit harden
• Once hard, it can be lifted off by hand, using finger or thumbnails. We advise avoiding trying to scrape the deposit off, as you could scratch the finish.
• The hardened wax or gum should pop off the surface with very little pressure. For larger affected areas you may have to repeat the ice application.

Repairing Burns

Most commonly burns on wooden kitchen worktops occur when hot pots and pans are set down directly upon the wooden surface without any protection. The charred marks left are often unsightly but can usually be easily removed, though may leave a slight indentation in the wood. Depending on the severity of the burn, you may be able to remove it by simply sanding away the top layer and re-finishing as detailed above.

For deeper burns, you will have to remove the damaged wood, which can be done as follows:

• Using the flat sharp edge of a craft knife, carefully scrape away the charred wood; for deep burns use a curved blade.
• Scrape away the burnt fibres until bare, unaffected wood is revealed, feathering out the edges to ensure the repair can be blended into the surrounding timber successfully.
• Once the charred fibres have been completely removed, lightly sand the edges of the remaining groove to level it with the surrounding surface as much as possible.
• Press lightly into the groove with fine-grit sandpaper, removing only the burnt fibres from the affected area, being careful not to damage the surrounding finish.
• If you are unsure that all the burn has been removed, dampen the sanded area. If the burned area reappears underneath a light coating of water, you haven’t removed all the char.
• Once you are happy that the area is fully cleaned, you may want to fill the resulting groove using a wax wood filler that matches the colour of the surrounding grain.

To avoid burning the worktop in future, we recommend either installing hotrods into routed grooves in the work surface, or using a pan stand to ensure hot pots and pans do not come into direct contact with the worktop.

And finally… Provided that you maintain your worktop correctly, the issues mentioned above should never trouble you – though, saying that, we do appreciate that accidents can happen! If you are concerned about your worktop, please don’t hesitate to contact us before taking any remedial action – particularly soon after installation, when your item may still be in warranty. We’re here to help!

Please note: This guide was originally posted on 15^th July 2015 and has been updated to include additional information. The most recent update was on 25^th January 2018.

Oak is a popular option for kitchen worktops due to its natural strength and attractive grain pattern. The selection of oak worktops we have available provides a variety of different styles suitable for use in a number of different settings. We work hard to ensure all of our timbers are sustainably sourced and our solid oak worktops are all manufactured on site at our Gloucestershire location giving us control over every stage of the process. Our collection also includes a number of oak effect laminate worktops, for a low maintenance, low cost alternative. With so many options to choose from, we have produced this buyer’s guide to oak worktops to help you make your decision before purchasing.

Solid Oak Worktops

Oak

Our standard oak worktops are an incredibly popular option as the familiar grain pattern and colouring lends them well for use in a selection of different styles. A naturally durable timber, these oak surfaces are constructed from 40mm finger jointed staves providing an attractive block effect.

Prime Oak

Specifically selected for the uniformity of the grain and colours, our prime oak worktops are also constructed from 40mm finger jointed staves. The lack of natural imperfections makes these worktops a striking option for any home and ensures they create an eye-catching centrepiece in any kitchen.

Black Oak

Our black oak worktops go through a special blackening process that ensures the original qualities of the timber are preserved as the colour is darkened. This luxurious option is also comprised of 40mm finger jointed staves resulting in a durable worktop that will look fantastic for years to come.

Deluxe

Available in either standard or prime oak, our deluxe worktops are created using 90mm wide finger jointed staves, showcasing more of the natural qualities of the timber. These worktops have a chunky appearance that works incredibly well on an island or breakfast bar, where the quality can be made into a feature.

Full Stave

Full stave worktops feature 40mm or 90mm wide staves that run the entire length of the surface, accentuating the natural qualities of the timber. We offer full stave prime oak worktops and full stave oak worktops for a striking centrepiece that will look fantastic in any kitchen.

Engineered Oak

Our full stave engineered oak worktops are created using a thin veneer of full stave oak, applied to a core of solid oak that has visual imperfections that render it unsuitable for a worktop alone. This is an environmentally friendly option and the full stave veneer is taken from the same piece of timber for a uniform look.

Laminate Oak Worktops

Oak Block

Our oak block laminate worktops provide a realistic imitation of solid oak block surfaces at a low cost. This worktop has a robust core created from composite wooden particle board and a scratch and water resistant decorative laminate surface.

Colmar Oak

Colmar oak laminate worktops feature a detailed grain pattern to produce an incredibly life-like replication of solid oak. A low maintenance choice, laminate worktops simply require a wipe with a soft cloth and some warm soapy water to keep clean.

Grey Oak Antique

The dark, ashy hues of our grey oak Antique laminate worktops is a great way to add contrast into your kitchen. These surfaces feature a detailed grain pattern and are comprised of a solid core of wooden particle board which is coated with a scratch and water resistant laminate top layer for an incredibly durable worktop.

Full Stave Rustic Oak

Full stave rustic oak laminate worktops create the look of rustic full stave surfaces that are perfect for a farmhouse or country kitchen. Manufactured using the same high-quality materials as the other products in our laminate range, these worktops are a durable option for even the busiest home.

If you need more assistance in making your decision, why not utilise our worktop sample service and view the beauty and quality of our kitchen surfaces from the comfort of your own home? Alternatively, visit one of our worktop showrooms to get an up-close look at these spectacular surfaces.