Wood Worktops

Design Details & Technical Information

Truly Bespoke and Personal

Our wood worktops look sophisticated and elegant, and because they are so versatile can suit a variety of different designs whether that be traditional or a more contemporary style. The worktops are produced through a special process, which means that they can be shaped and joined into a variety of different shapes and designs, for numerous uses, creating a highly personalised appearance for your worktop.

Here are some of the most popular design choices

Edge Details

Return Ends

Cutouts & Drainer Grooves

Type A Drainer

Type B Drainer

Type C Drainer

Type D Drainer

Type F Drainer

Hob or Sink

Sink cut-outs should be a minimum of 50mm from the worktop front edge. Aluminium foil should be applied to the edges of hob cut-outs.

Hob cut-outs should be a minimum of 50mm from the worktop front edge.
There should be a minimum 200mm between any cut-outs.
Aluminium foil should be installed a hob cut-out, to avoid conducting too much heat into the wood, drying it out.

When a wood worktop is to be fitted near to a woodburning stove or other heatsource, allow a minimum gap of 4mm. Ideally a solid wood return should be fixed across the end grain to stop any splits occurring.

Repairable
Most kinds of damage can be removed by simply sanding back the surface and re-oiling
Durable
Built to strand the test of time, wooden worktops mature with age and are resilient to daily wear and tear
natural

All our wooden worktops are ethically sourced from FSC accredited forests, which guarantee replanting for future generations

Trough

Top quality timber worktops are strong and very resilient and if cared for properly they can last a lifetime

Easy to Clean

Simple to clean, requiring a small amount of soapy water and should be dried afterwards

Technical Information

Wood worktops have a natural charm and warmth that have remained fashionable for centuries in both home and commercial environments. It remains one of the most versatile, luxurious and hardwearing finishes.

Our wood work surfaces are crafted from the best quality solid timber. To obtain large surfaces that have greater strength and resilience, almost free of natural imperfections, and less prone to warping, solid hardwood timber staves and finger-jointed in length, and then butt-jointed and glued together along its width.

The boards are then oiled and finely sanded to create a naturally beautiful and water repellent surface. Wood work surface products have a treasured history in commercial and residential environments, whether contemporary or classic in style.

Stave widths of 40mm (±5) are standard. If unavailable, 27mm (±1mm) Beech and Teak, and 20mm (±1mm) on all other types of wood will be supplied.

Staves of an alternative thickness can be supplied but may have a longer lead time.

Stave Lengths are random
Staves are finger-jointed in the length and glued along the edge with tolerances of 1mm/±5mm per Length

Finished to a 220 grit for blanks.

Finished to a 500 grit for bespoke work surfaces.

Moisture content 10% ±2%
Individually shrink wrapped for delivery.

Before installation, wood worktops should be stored at room temperature away from all sources of heat and moisture to prevent warping and/or swelling. An exposed outside area, or a room without heating, such as a garage, is not suitable.

The boards must ideally be stored flat on a sound and level surface, with timber battens placed between each blank at 600mm centres maximum. If that is not possible, then they can be stored on their longest edge on a level and protected surface as instructed on the packaging.

When installed in a room with a wood burning stove or other heating, acclimatisation is needed for a few days before being fitted.

NEVER  prop up a worktop vertically against a wall.
DO NOT store in an unheated room.

Overhangs and Supports

Any overhang extending more than 300mm should be supported.

Joints

Depending on the edge detail, wood worksurfaces can be joined by either butt- joints (edges placed together) or mitre-joints (cut to 90 º) Mitre joints require additional support on site and an additional length of worksurface is required.

Thermal Expansion

Extreme temperatures or humidity: Wood worksurfaces give their best performance at normal room temperature. They require additional maintenance in kitchens or other rooms, where temperatures fluctuate greatly or where it can be either very cold or very humid. This is particularly true in the immediate days / weeks after installation until the wood has acclimatised. Extra coats of sealant will be necessary to prevent drying out and warping.

Near heat or moisture: If an under-oven, dishwasher, washing machine or tumble dryer is to be installed under the worktop, it should be protected by installing a sheet of aluminium foil to the underside, with the shiny face outwards. This will protect it from any intense heat or moisture.

Expansion gaps: Allow a 3-4mm gap between the back edge of the wood worktop and the wall, to allow for expansion and contraction.

Cladding: We don’t recommend solid timber wall cladding, due to warping.

Care and Maintenance

Bluestone offer a Care and Maintenance Kit which has been developed to offer the customer everything they need to keep their worktops looking good for years to come.

Scratches

Wood is much softer than granite or other materials and greater care must be taken to avoid scratches to the surfaces. Wood worksurfaces should be protected against scratches, by using chopping boards and / or pastry mates.

Staining

Do not leave items that can stain the wood on an unprotected wood surface. Examples are wine glasses, dishes with curry or spices, pots pans with copper bases, or similar items.

Wood is repairable

While wood worksurfaces are perhaps more prone to scratches and surface damage than some of the other types of high quality surfaces, the good news is that it can be easily and affordably repaired.

The appearance of maturing wood is enhanced by the character of wood and some forms of wear and tear actually improve the appearance of the wood. However,  in the unfortunate event of unsightly damage, a wood worksurface can be rubbed down, or sanded and refinished, leaving it as good as new.

Repairable

Solid Surfaces can be repaired if damaged or scratched. This service can be ordered from Bluestone

Hygienic

Solid Surface worktops is naturally hygienic as it is non-porous and the seamless joints do not harbour germs

Handling

For installation of worktops weighing above 120kg, you will need to supply additional labour at no cost to Bluestone. Every additional 75kg requires an extra person to assist with lifting.

Repairable

Solid surface worktops can be repaired. For minor scratches and marks, using an ordinary abrasive cleaner and a scouring pad the surface may be fully restored to its original appearance. For more extensive damage, Bluestone provides a special kit and beyond that, our specialist team can do repairs.