Surrey Advertiser - Ask the Expert
Q & A'S featured in the House and Garden supplement.
Question 1
I would like to find an alternative to tiling above my kitchen worktops.
Do you have any recommendations?
Up until recently there were little effective alternatives to tiling above the worktop and although tiling is an effective barrier against the moisture and grease generated in a kitchen, in time the grouting becomes discoloured and grease, accumulated from cooking, proves difficult to remove.
For those who prefer the industrial look of stainless steel, certain fabricators specialise in the fabrication of the material for splash backs, doors and worktops.
Question 2
I'm finding it difficult to choose a kitchen and appliances because they all look
the same.
What should I look for and who offers the best value?
Although on the face of it kitchens may look very similar, there is a wealth of difference
in specifications and this is reflected by the vast difference in costs you discover when
looking for a kitchen. The main factor relating to cost is the door and looks can be deceiving.
Many consumers who perceive their doors are manufactured in solid wood may actually be looking
at a foil wrapped MDF door or a veneered impersonation of the real thing. It pays to educate
yourself on the materials used before making a final decision.
Another consideration is the cabinet construction. The criteria to aim for here is a colour
co-ordinated carcass of 18 or 19mm construction with solid 18mm backs in the base units and
at least 8mm in the wall units. Certain manufacturers offer cabinet protection in the form
of PVC edged carcasses but as yet no fully effective form of sink base protection is available
in case of the inevitable leak.
Drawer construction is important and the standard bearer in this category is Blum whose range
includes the Blumotion shock absorbing drawer system. Tandem drawers allow full extension
and are available with steel back and sides.
Appliances are the engines on which a kitchen operates and the correct choice will ensure efficiency and longevity. It pays to buy from an established manufacturer with a proven track record, as this will offer cost effectiveness in the long term.
Question 3
What is meant by bespoke and why are they more expensive?
A bespoke kitchen is a kitchen specifically tailored to suit your requirements, hence the extra cost. Although the word conjures up an image of a more traditional design, bespoke kitchens can also apply to contemporary configurations and a range of specialists can fulfil all your design requirements.
Many manufacturers now offer a greater size variety in cabinet and door width so offering greater design scope when planning your kitchen.
Question 4
Can you tell me the choices I have regarding worktops? I've been told that some worktops can be repaired if damaged. Is this true?
Yes, it appears you are referring to what is known as Solid surface material.
Of these, the most recognisable brand is Corian.
Solid surfaces are an acrylic or polyester based sheet material that is solid and 'homogeneous', is machinable to any profile, is very hard and durable, is non porous, stain & chemical resistant, fire resistant, can easily be repaired and repolished. These surfaces also offer an inconspicuous joint that remains protected once machined.
Alternatives include granite and it's newly introduced man made relative, Quartz which both offer the consumer a reflective hard wearing surface of great durability.
As solid surfaces are becoming increasingly popular so the more affordable options from
manufacturers such as Formica, Axiom and Orama are now offering more innovation in their laminated
ranges.
Orama offer the consumer the ability to install their own worktops with their Pro- Joint system,
which provides the more capable diy enthusiast with pre formed joints at each end of the supplied
worktop. Contrasting PVC edge profiles are available to contrast your worktop colours and
high gloss ranges are continually improving to remove the problem of "telegraphing",
the term given to the surface ripples that have affected sales of this surface in the past.
From the more traditional minded there remains solid wood worktops and these are available in beech, iroko, maple walnut, oak among others. Wood worktops require greater care and maintenance than their counterparts but still remain a firm favourite.
Stainless Steel is a popular option, no doubt made more so by it's preference with professional chefs. Integrated sinks and upstands are offered by worktop specialists and combined with an ability to fabricate various designs, the timeless trend to utilise the material still exists.