Can I use your worktops in a bathroom? Question of the Week 16.08.14

‘Can I use your worktops in a bathroom?’

Our latest ‘Question of the Week’ comes from Lidia in St. Albans, who is considering using our solid wood worktops in her bathroom, but wants to know whether we can provide or recommend any special treatment as an alternative to Danish oil.

QUESTION:

“Can I use your worktops in a bathroom and would I need to treat them with something different to Danish Oil?”

ANSWER:

Hi Lidia,

It’s becoming increasingly common to use our high quality hardwood worktops outside of the kitchen, and we’ve seen plenty of customers use a variety of timbers in bathrooms and other humid environments.

Wooden worktops look great as a surround for sinks, as well as chunky pipe covers, bath trim, benches and even more – whether you’re using them in a kitchen, utility room or any other ‘wet’ room in the house.

Of course, because of the natural qualities of wood, if not treated properly in a damp environment, there is the possibility that the solid wood worktops can degrade over time. For this reason, we’d suggest that any worktops used in a ‘wet’ setting are treated with our 3-coat clear lacquering process.

Lacquer is a clear finish that dries to a smooth, hard finish once solvents have evaporated from the mixture. Although it is a 30% sheen semi-satin finish, it doesn’t discolour the wood, and increases its durability as well as adding water-resistant properties to the worktop.

We can apply this special coating on request, at which time we will complete a quotation for you (we are currently unable to provide a fixed price due to the bespoke nature of the service). At present the lead time for lacquered worktops is 10-20 working days from confirmation of a fabrication diagram to receipt of the order. In the near future, we hope to expand our service by introducing an in-house lacquering facility, increasing efficiency whilst providing great value for money.

If you require a quicker option than we can currently provide, we’d recommend purchasing a worktop directly from us and taking advantage of our next-day, nationwide delivery service: you’ll receive the worktops unsanded, at which time you can apply a suitable lacquer product at your own convenience. Such products are widely available from DIY/hardware stores.

So if you’re thinking of using our worktops in your bathroom – go ahead! We’ll happily work with you to create a pre-treated worktop that can easily slot into place around an existing sink with the help of our in-house fabrication team.

To find out more about our worktops and the bespoke fabrication options we offer, we have a wealth of additional information available on the information guides section of our website. Otherwise, if you have any other queries, do get in touch again.

All the best,
Ben @ Worktop Express