African Design Magazine ADM #42 July 2018 | Page 6

TIMBER IN YOUR KITCHEN
installation period do not expect a
close match. The new door will come
from a different batch of timber
and will have a greater chance of a
variance in colour and grain. The new
door will also be lighter that those
already in place. This is because
timber darkens when exposed to
sunlight and the chemicals, oils,
grease, etc. in a kitchen. The chances
of a poor match are even greater
if you have stained the timber.
Each piece of timber absorbs stain
in different ways and to different
degrees. Once the initial batch of
timber has been stained you will
never get the same effect from a
second batch. they take the same amount of
time to template, manufacture
and install as stone they are very
different. Timber tops are difficult
to install and should only be
installed by an industry expert. If
installed incorrectly they can warp
and crack. Timber tops can be
sealed or left raw. If sealed, fine
scratch marks can appear in the
sealant. This is normal and the
scratches can be made less visible
through the application of a wax
based product. If left raw the tops
basically become a large butcher’s
block and should be allowed to
show the marks of day to day
cooking and cleaning.
Do get work done by an expert
Working with timber is very
specialised. In order to ensure
the longevity of your kitchen and
the best quality timber or veneer
ensure your kitchen manufacturer
is well experienced in making their
own timber doors or is having
them supplied from a reputable
source. With many professional
manufacturers you can select your
pieces of timber with their help. You
can also pay a little more and with
a little added time they can match
the pieces of timber to one another
to get the closest match of colour
and grain possible from the timber
selected. Do ensure you are fully aware
of the facts
Before ordering a timber or
veneer kitchen ensure you are
fully aware of what to expect.
Most of the complaints linked
to timber kitchens we receive at
the KSA are because the client
has not fully understood the
special features of timber and
what happens to it during the
manufacturing process.
Don’t expect a timber top to be
the same as a stone top
If you have opted to have timber
counter tops remember that although
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | JULY 2018
Don’t be scared
Don’t be scared to bring timber
into your kitchen. Although it has
a lot of specialised features it will
bring a sense of elegance and
warmth into your home like no
other material. If used respectfully
in a well-designed setting it will
enhance the value of your home
and never date.