Telephone 01803 813 803 / 01752 600 066 - Monday to Friday 7.30 a.m - 5.00 p.m
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Worktop care
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Worktop care 
Our solid timber worktops are made from staves of solid wood which are cut, selected, graded and kiln dried to have a moisture level suitable for domestic interior use, before they are glued up into one homogenous panel. This lamination process produces a stable, durable construction and there will obviously be some colour and grain variation through the worktop surface. When the new worktop is exposed to light the surface colour will change slightly. This is perfectly normal and the effect will soon slow down. Oiling the timber worktop enhances its appearance and helps to protect the work-surface from the rigours of the kitchen environment. This is particularly important with liquids - timber is a natural product that responds to changes in humidity and moisture in the surrounding environment. The surfaces of the worktops should be finished with a quality Danish or finishing oil, we supply Liberon formulated oils but Rustins is another well established brand. It is important to build a up a protective layer before use, the general consensus being at least 3 coats on the worktop faces and edges and at least 5 coats on the ends of the worktop where the end-grain is exposed. Different oils need different drying times, most oils use Tung Oil (made from a nut extract) as a base with other natural oils & additives to speed drying. Because of the drying time it is best to oil the worktop at the end of the day and let it dry overnight. Oiling the worktops is not onerous or difficult providing the manufacturers instructions are followed. Your reward will be a natural product with a slight sheen. Using a minimum three coats as a guide when you think the worktop is ready try a few drops of water on the surface – they should form into clearly defined droplets – if not dry the water and apply one more coat of oil and try again Worktop tips ● Do not cut food directly on the worktop surface, use cutting boards to chop, slice and prepare food. You may wish to use any off cuts of worktop to make matching cutting boards! ● Avoid placing hot cooking pans and casserole dishes onto the worktop, use mats and pan stands to protect the timber worktop from damage. Also note that iron, steel & copper pans and utensils may stain the worktop – particularly oak. ● Worktop surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a smear of washing up liquid – always use water sparingly when cleaning ● Worktop finishing oils provide a water resistant finish - not a waterproof barrier. It is important therefore to dry water and liquid splashes as soon as practical - do not allow liquids to stand on the wooden worktop for any period of time. ● Remember to re-oil the worktop when the beads of water do not bead fully when the surface is splashed. The time period between oiling will generally depend on how much it is used but as a guideline the worktops should be oiled several times a year. |
