Worktop Express Information Guides

Here at Worktop Express we not only pride ourselves on our extensive range of products but also on our knowledge of said products. We understand that selecting the perfect surface for your kitchen is incredibly important to you and that choosing between worktop materials can sometimes seem like a daunting task. This information guide offers more detail on solid wood, laminate, solid laminate and Earthstone worktops to help you make the perfect choice for your home.

Solid Wood Worktops

The timbers in our huge worktop range can be purchased in three different stave types. These are:

• Standard – 40mm staves of varying lengths.
• Deluxe – 90mm staves of varying lengths.
• Full Stave – 90mm staves, the length of the entire worktop.

Our staves are finger jointed and bonded together with high pressure resulting in the highest quality possible. We supply many different types of solid wood worktops, these can be seen in the table below.

Our prime options offer a more uniform option with fewer natural imperfections, for those seeking a sleeker finish. You can learn more about solid wood worktops in The Ultimate Guide to Solid Wood Worktops.

Laminate Worktops

Available in a variety of styles and finishes including wood and stone effect, laminate worktops are an attractive and economical choice for your kitchen. Compared to solid wood or natural stone, these work surfaces are easier to maintain and clean. Laminate countertops offer seemingly endless options in terms of variety – from the realistic wood effect surfaces to our sparkle range. You can learn more about laminate worktops in The Ultimate Guide to Laminate Worktops.

Solid Laminate Worktops

Resilient to abrasion and impact, solid laminate worktops, with their compact construction, are waterproof and resistant to a high level of heat. Requiring no specialised equipment to install – making them a cost-effective choice – the ultra-thin design makes them ideal for a contemporary kitchen. They are more durable than traditional laminate worktops and due to their non-porous nature are resistant to mould, mildew, bacterial growth and stains. This makes them easy to clean and maintain.

As well as decorative sparkle designs, the decors we offer reproduce the appearance of stone and metal which, when combined with the sleek 12mm profile, delivers a sophisticated and luxurious look.

Earthstone Worktops

With a realistic appearance of natural stone, Earthstone worktops offer a low-cost alternative without sacrificing quality or style. Available in a range of colours and styles, these easy to clean and maintain countertops are durable and simple to install. They are constructed using a 6mm thick layer of acrylic and bonding it to a core of 28mm particle board. You can learn more about Earthstone worktops in The Ultimate Guide to Earthstone Worktops.

Samples

All of our worktop materials are available as samples so that you can experience their quality and aesthetics before you buy.

Find your samples here:

• Solid Wood Worktop Samples
• Laminate Worktop Samples
• Solid Laminate Worktop Samples
• Earthstone Worktop Samples

To see larger examples of our worktops, why not visit your local showroom? If you have any specific questions about our worktop materials, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Countertops are one of the most important features in a kitchen and keeping them clean and hygienic is of paramount importance. Sticky wooden kitchen worktops can occur for a number of reasons, which can make them more likely to attract dust and crumbs, becoming unsanitary. In this information guide, we take a look at two common occurrences of sticky work surfaces and how to resolve them.

Food and Drink

When preparing or cooking food spillages can cause sticky residues to develop. The best method for removing stickiness is preventative – as soon as any spills occur, wipe down all surfaces using a clean damp cloth and warm soapy water. If food or liquid have congealed into a sticky residue, avoid using spray disinfectant, especially if you have recently treated your wooden worktops with Danish oil as this can exacerbate the stickiness. Instead, make a dilute solution of warm water and lemon juice and wipe down the area with a clean, lint-free cloth. Repeat as many times as needed to remove the sticky patch.

Sticky Danish Oil

Although Danish oil is the best method for maintaining your solid wooden worktops, it can become sticky if a spray disinfectant is used, especially if the oil has been freshly applied. Danish oil can also become sticky if applied incorrectly, at the wrong rate. To avoid this, we recommend applying 1 litre of oil per 3m of worktop. You can read about the correct application of Danish oil in our Guide to Danish Oil. When applying the oil, ensure that it is fresh. If it is an old can, the oil may turn tacky so it is best to buy fresh oil if you are unsure.

To remove the sticky oil patch, wet a cloth with white spirits and, using a circular motion, wipe it over the worktop a small area at a time. This will dissolve the oil. Then simply polish the worktop with a polishing pad until the oil has been removed.

These are the best ways to clean sticky wooden kitchen worktops. If you know of any techniques to remove other sticky substances from work surfaces, feel free to share them in the comments below.

When you purchase our 3m x 1240mm worktops, the item will come as two separate pieces that will need to be joined prior to installation. Our fabrication team will do the hard work for you, so when your extra-wide worktop arrives, installation is as simple as possible. Each 3m x 620mm piece of the work surface will have bolt recesses (also known as ‘dog bones’ due to their shape) routed into the underside to accommodate the worktop connector bolts, along with apertures for biscuits in the connecting sides. This minimises the work that needs to be done to join the worktop together ready for fitting. Your worktop will be delivered including everything needed to join the two pieces together too.

To connect your extra-wide worktop, simply follow the instructions below.

Before you begin, you need to make sure you have enough room and sufficient support for joining both pieces. We recommend using woodworking trestles to support the worktop. Prepare all of the required tools in advance.

1. Apply PVA glue (D3 or D4 grade) to the edges of both pieces, including the biscuit slots.
2. Insert the supplied biscuits into the slots on one piece of the worktop.
3. Join both pieces of worktop together. You may need to use a hammer to tap the worktops into place, but remember to use a wooden block to prevent any damage to the edges of the joined worktops. Sash clamps can also be used to pull both pieces together.
4. Insert worktop bolts into each of the recesses on the underside of the worktop. Using a 10mm spanner, tighten the bolts to pull both pieces firmly together.
5. Using a cloth, clean any glue excess from the joint surfaces before it dries.
6. When the glue is dry, additional sanding with orbital sander may be required to achieve a completely flush joint. We recommend using a 150 grit sanding disc.

Your 1240mm worktop will be colour matched to ensure that it has the appearance of a single surface.