CJSalway
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Hi,
First off, congratulations on a great website.
We bought a Wickes Kitchen about 6 weeks ago and I’m now starting to install it and have just hit a real showstopper.
Its a 4.8m x 2.7m galley kitchen and down one side we designed in a new built-in dishwasher and washer/dryer, with the assumption that the existing pipework would be accomodated within the ‘service gap of 66mm on base units for all plumbing requirements’ that Wickes quote in their brochure.
Unfortunately this gap does not apply to the appliances we have bought which have precious little service gap, and having now installed both appliances, the worktop depth of 600mm is short by approx 65mm. (The other side of the kitchen has no problem with pipework). We have come up with 2 ideas:
1. Buy a deeper worktop for this section. Problem here is that the Wilsonart International Blackstone 90 we selected from Wickes seems to be only available in 600mm depth.
2. Buy a similar quality laminate worktop from somewhere else which is available in both 600mm and 665mm depths, as if we go all out for the deeper worktop, the opposite side we think will look strange with a deeper worktop-unit overhang. Does anyone know where to get hold of approx 10 metres of worktop in a blackstone or similar finish available in these 2 different depths?
3. Retain the worktops and upstands we have bought and fabricate a kind of cross between a narow shelf and a dado rail down the offending wall to bring it out by 65mm. This would probably have to be tiled at the top, so would consist of 600mm worktop, then the 70mm vertical upstand, then a 65mm horizontal tiled shelf, and then the wall. Any thoughts on the practicalities of this as a workaround?
Any help would be much appreciated. I don’t want to knock Wickes too much because the units themselves I think are pretty good quality and value for the price. The design service does let them down a bit though. We spent several hours in the showroom and the guy produced a very impressive 3D autocad mock-up, but he seemed to miss some important details. Apart from the gap issue, we also had to replace the chinney hood as the one he recommended would have gone through the ceiling when I checked the dimensions.
Thanks in advance,
Colin
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timfoley
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Colin,
Wilsonart are indeed the suppliers of the Resopal range of tops to Wickes but there isn’t a Black Stone finish listed, do you mean Black Slate?
If so there is a 900mm x 2025mm top available and perhaps.given the length of your surfaces, you could consider a deeper surface along the sink and appliances area as you suggest in point number 1.
Generally 600mm surfaces should be suitable depth for the fitting of integrated appliances but pipework location is important and integrated dishwasher for example only allow for the pipework to be fitted close to the wall up to distance from the floor that reflects the recess along the bottom of the machine. Any infringement directly above this point and fitted behind the appliance, won’t allow for correct alignment of the cupboard doors.
Ths should apply to your own configuration Colin, but may require that you alter the pipework to suit. A cheaper option than buying a new worksurface unless of course your house stop tap enters the property at a point directly behind the machine, inwhich case you are best relocating for ease of access in the future.
Tim
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CJSalway
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Hello Tim,
Thanks for the prompt reply. I double checked and we have the blackstone which is a matt laminate worktop (there is 30 feet of it sitting in our dining room and it is clearly marked on the wrappers!). Black slate is a similar pattern but is a gloss laminate. Is blackstone available in the 900mm depth? It would be good to know as a fall back option.
If not then I’m now actively looking at altering the pipework along the lines you suggested.
regards,
Colin
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timfoley
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Colin,
Wilsonart UK are based in County Durham and their number is 01388 774661.
They will give you details as to where a deeper surface can be purchased.
Let us know how you go on here,
Good luck,
Tim.
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