INSTALLATION & CARE FAQ's

Table of Contents

Installation & Care FAQ's

1.  How do I know what lengths of wood I need?

You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

2.  Should I fit 600mm or 620mm deep kitchen worktops?

IMPORTANT - Hardwood Worktops react to constant daily changes in atmospheric moisture levels, the same as a jammed front door in winter. This is compensated for by installing 620mm deep worktops to allow for expansion and retraction. Although 600mm deep is sufficient for non-breathing worktop materials like laminate or granite, it is strictly not recommended if you are choosing hardwood worktops. The 600mm deep option may initially appear the less expensive option, but could prove far dearer in the long run should the worktop retract back above the doors leaving no overhang. Simply stated, hardwood worktops will expand and retract to a greater or lesser degree - 620mm deep worktops accommodate this, 600mm economy worktops don't.

3.  Should I have the wood pre-cut?

This service is available, but not from our stock wood and will carry a special order premium. A detailed template or architectural drawing is required with full details of your requirements including worktop sizes, sink & hob cut outs, drainer grooves and preferred edge detail. You can find further details of purchase options on our Installation Services page.

In our experience, as most walls are out of true and corners are not always the correct angle, it has often proved better and more cost effective to buy our wood in uncut lengths to be cut and shaped on-site. You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

4.  Should the wood be cut on-site?

In our experience, as most walls are out of true and corners are not always the correct angle, it has often proved better and more cost effective to have the wood delivered in uncut lengths to be cut and shaped on-site. You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

5.  How should the wood be cut on-site?

You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

6.  How should the wood be joined?

You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

7.  Can you visit us to make templates?

Our stock hardwood worktops are supplied as blanks in the sizes detailed on our website. For more details on purchase options please see our Installation Services page.

8.  How do I store wooden worktops after delivery?

You are advised to keep the wood stored flat in the project area for approximately 48 hours prior to installation. Stack worktops on battens (every 3ft) if you have more than one length. This allows a humidity level adjustment. If the wood has to be stored for more than 4 days we recommend that you rotate it i.e. revolve each length and move the top worktop to the bottom. Do not remove wrapping until ready to oil! DO NOT PLACE HARDWOOD WORKTOPS ON THEIR EDGE OR END!

9.  How do I treat my hardwood kitchen worktops?

Your inital oiling of the worktops should consist of one coat on the underside, 3-5 coats on the flat surface and 5 coats on the edges and cut outs (particularly the sink area) to protect these more exposed areas. Apply a high quality Danish Oil using a lint free rag in circles, one square foot at a time. Allow approx. 2 hours between coats. This will make most hardwood worktops thoroughly water repellent and provide a tough durable preparation work surface.

Oiling may not darken your wood immediately, but will accelerate darkening under normal lighting conditions. Allow 6-8 months for the wood to darken. Iroko, African Walnut, European Walnut and Oak will darken significantly over time. Teak Oil may darken hardwood worktops immediately prior to applying Danish Oil. However, varnishes and stains are NOT recommended.

You can find full details regarding the planning, installation and care of our hardwood worktops in our Hardwood Worktops Planning, Installation and Care guide.

10.  How often should I oil my hardwood kitchen worktops?

Your inital oiling of the worktops should consist of 3 coats on the flat surface using a high grade Danish wood oil. This will make most hardwood worktops thoroughly water repellent and provide a tough durable preparation work surface. You will require 5 coats on the edges and cut outs (particularly the sink area) to fully protect these more exposed areas. Further coats on the flat surface will only serve to increase protection and enhance the character and grain of the wood. The benefit of this is most evident on character woods such as Rustic Beech, Iroko, European & African Walnut and solid Oak.

To maintain your worktops ongoing, you can set yourself a 3-monthly regime or, you can just use your eye as the judge if areas of your worktops lose their sheen and become matt in appearance indicating the need for re-oiling. These areas are usually sun spots and hot spots i.e. where the sun is more focused on a particular area or around a cooking appliance, at the back above fridges/freezers, at the front above dishwashers, below kettles/toasters etc. For more detailed information please read our online care and maintenance guide for timber work surfaces.