Worktop Express Information Guides

If you are looking for a work surface that perfectly combines the beauty of solid oak with the great value of oak effect laminate worktops, we have the perfect solution. In this Worktop Express information guide, we explain all about engineered oak worktops – from the aesthetics to the price.

AESTHETICS

Oak is remarkably resilient and hardwearing, but one of the most important reasons for introducing it into your kitchen is how it looks. The delicate, golden colour and natural features make this an eye-catching, innately attractive worktop material.

Though these surfaces look just like our solid oak worktops, these engineered worktops are made by applying a layer veneer of European oak to a core of robust composite wooden particle board. Find out more about this in the construction section below.

SOURCING AND MANUFACTURE

European oak is widely believed to have a richer grain pattern than its American counterpart and also has the distinct advantage of lesser quantities of sap. Our oak worktops are manufactured solely in Europe and therefore promote sustainability through saving airmiles and reducing carbon footprint.

Our expertise in sourcing and manufacture also allows us to keep our prices at a highly affordable level. We are extremely experienced in this field – having sold hundreds of thousands of worktops since inception – and deal directly with manufacturers so that there is no middleman. Furthermore, we only purchase the highest quality timber and have devised an efficient, accurate process to reduce wastage to ensure minimal loss.

For more detailed information regarding our sourcing expertise and manufacturing processes, please visit our Sourcing and Manufacture of Solid Wood Worktops: A Worktop Express® Nutshell Guide. For more information on our environmental policies, please visit our environmental policy page.

CONSTRUCTION

These engineered oak surfaces are made by laminating a veneer of European oak to a core of robust composite wooden particle board. The veneer is applied to the top and edges to create a worktop that looks very similar to our solid oak worktops.

Whilst our solid oak surfaces are a luxurious and highly desirable option for kitchen worktops, the compromise of an engineered oak worktop allows us to create a surface with the comparable appearance at an even better price. Available in 2m or 3m lengths with a thickness of 38mm, these 635mm deep worktops are compatible with Ikea kitchen cabinets.

AFTERCARE

Our engineered oak worktops are a low maintenance choice for even the busiest of households. To keep these surfaces looking their best, we recommend:

• Cleaning any spillages immediately; though the oak veneer is water resistant, care should be taken to keep as dry as possible.
• Do not place hot cookware directly onto the worktops; we suggest using a pan stand instead to ensure the surface is not compromised.
• For general cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft cloth will suffice. It is best to avoid abrasive chemicals and scourers.

PRICE

The prices of all wood, laminate, solid laminate and Earthstone worktops from Worktop Express are reduced through high-volume purchasing and efficient processes. We hold tens of thousands of worktops in stock at any one time and deliver directly to the public across England, Wales and Scotland via our own 2Man service. Our advanced online stock systems minimise the amount of dead stock and eco-friendly policies also eliminate wastage (and cost in the long term). Efficient processes and our ‘direct-to-the-public’ e-commerce model drastically reduce overheads, allowing us to market up-to-date products at lower rates than any other online worktop retailer.

We are proud to be specialists in many types of kitchen worktops. Cutting out the middleman and building an expert network of internal support at every level of the business enables us to deliver high-quality worktops to our customers at an extremely competitive price. There are no agents; we visit all suppliers at least every three months to ensure standards are maintained. Worktop Express are currently the largest importers of solid wood worktops to the UK and are fast becoming the leading online supplier of laminate worktops, too.

Our engineered oak worktops are available from £135 for a 2m x 635mm x 38mm worktop and £155 for a 3m x 635mm x 38mm worktop.

PERFECT FOR…

As one of the most versatile surfaces around, oak worktops make ideal centrepieces for country kitchens. Pair oak with pale green or off-white frontals for a homely yet refined look. For a more modern take on the traditional kitchen, consider stainless steel and bright red accents.

Now you know all about engineered oak worktops, but if you have any questions regarding our services or other products please do not hesitate to contact us. If engineered oak worktops are not quite what you’re looking for, you might also like these alternatives.

Oak Worktops

Prime Oak Worktops

Deluxe Oak Worktops

Deluxe Prime Oak Worktops

Full Stave Oak Worktops

Full Stave Prime Oak Worktops

A perfect option for creating sleek and stylish features in your kitchen, splashbacks are also functional and protect your walls from splashes, spills and stains. Fitting splashbacks is simple regardless of whether yours is solid laminate or laminate. In this guide, we explain how to install yours by following these easy steps.

1. Measure and Mark Out the Area

1. Start by measuring the height and width of the area of the kitchen wall you are going to fit your splashback to.

2. Cut the Splashback to Size

To avoid damaging the surface of the splashback whilst you work, lay some cardboard on the workbench. Although robust, we recommend applying masking tape along the edge that you intend to cut to avoid chipping.

1. Lay the splashback face down and draw out the measurements onto the masking tape using a pencil.
2. Secure the splashback to the workbench using clamps, placing cardboard under the clamp to avoid scratches.
3. Using a clamp guide to guarantee a straight edge, and whilst wearing the correct personal protective equipment, cut along the line with a circular saw fitted with a clean, sharp blade.
4. Remove the tape, and dust to remove any debris.
5. To achieve a smooth finish, sand the cut edges with 240 grit sandpaper.

3. Attach the Splashback to the Wall

Before you attach the splashback to the wall, use a damp cloth to ensure that the area is clean and free of dust before drying well.

1. To help the adhesive stick, sand the back of the splashback with 120 grit sandpaper.
2. Apply three strips of 25mm x 1.5mm thick double-sided coated polyethylene foam tape to the sides and centre of the back of the splashback.
3. In between each strip of foam tape, apply some translucent silicone.
4. Press the splashback firmly against the wall, ensuring it is flush. Wipe away any silicone that squirts from the edge before it dries.
5. Wait for at least 24 hours for the silicone to dry and clean in necessary.

This is all the information you need about fitting kitchen splashbacks. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Looking to buy a splashback? Take a look at our ranges.

Stainless Steel Splashbacks

Glass Kitchen Splashbacks

Laminate Kitchen Splashbacks

Patterned Kitchen Splashbacks