Timber Worktops FAQQ: Are timber worktops an appropriate material for use in a kitchen?
A: Timber worktops have gained an unfair and unjustified reputation with some people as being an inappropriate material for use in a kitchen.
Some people view them as unstable, high maintenance and liable to be damaged by water.
The reality is that a timber worktop properly constructed and correctly installed will give a lifetime of service with very little maintenance.
Q: Are timber worktops difficult to install?
A: No, timber worktops are relatively easy to install and are very forgiving in that slight damage and breakout can be sanded away.
You will need some basic knowledge of machining timber and you should follow our basic installation instructions carefully using the correct components.
If you are in any doubt about your installation then you should consult with a joiner or refer to our installation guide. http://www.inigmadirect.com/text.html?id=twig1
Q: Are timber worktops hygienic?
A: It is always surprising how frequently we are asked this.
Why do you suppose that butchers always use timber blocks for cutting up meat? It has been scientifically proven, a timber worktop will kill off salmonella and e-coli within 48 hrs whilst they can live indefinitely on a worktop manufactured from granite or laminate. The fact of the matter is that timber worktops are extremely hygienic!
Q: How long will a timber worktop last for?
A: A timber worktop which has been properly constructed, correctly installed and maintained appropriately, will last for a lifetime. Quite literally, it will outlive you!
Q: Are all timber worktops the same?
A: No, there is considerable differences in quality and finish in timber worktops. At InigmaDirect we take the time and effort to ensure the quality of our product. We also pack each order individually to ensure a match each time.
Q: Are timber worktops really so high maintenance?
A: No! This is a total fallacy. After installation, you should oil the worktops perhaps once a month for the first 3 months, maybe once more in the next 6 months and then maybe once a year after that.
There is some vagueness in this answer because it varies from species to species and according to use and personal taste. The more you oil your worktop, the more it will take on a beautiful sheen and of course it will become even more water resistant.
Some people who like the beauty of wood look upon the oiling process as a therapeutic pleasure rather than a laborious chore!
Q: Will a timber worktop change colour over time?
A: Yes, all timber will change over a period of time. How quickly it changes and in what way it changes will vary from species to species and the conditions to which it is exposed.
For example, Iroko will start to darken as soon as it is exposed to natural light. If you install a worktop and then place your ornaments on it, after a few days the unexposed surfaces will appear lighter.
You will need to rectify this by moving the ornaments around for a while until a balance has been reached. This may take a few months. Eventually, all worktops take on a beautiful matured look. Note, this does not mean weathered!
Q: Are timber worktops environmentally sound?
A: This is a big question! The answer depends on where you buy your timber worktop from and what species it is.
It is true that many companies are selling timber worktops these days.
Almost all of the companies are buying through distributors and agents and therefore they have to hope that their worktops are environmentally sound or rely upon their distributor having some sort of policy.
We can tell you factually that the larger companies put their profits way higher on their priority list than their concerns about the environment.
At InigmaDirect, not only do we buy our own worktops directly from the worktop manufacturers, we have made the effort to visit the forests in Europe and Africa to establish that the timber is sustainable. So, the answer is, if you want to be sure about the environmental background of your timber worktop then buy it from InigmaDirect or one of our appointed outlets.
Q: Are the worktops supplied finished?
A: No. Our worktops are supplied raw sanded to grit 150.
Q: Do you have all necessary accessories available?
A: Yes. We have a comprehensive range of oil and fittings to ensure that our worktops can be installed without problems. We strongly recommend the use of upstands, moisture barriers and our installation kits.
Q: How are the worktops packaged?
A: Our timber worktops are delivered with considerable protection against transit damage.