Bordercraft - Making Wood Work

Christmas 2011

2011-12-16T10:15:00.003Z

Our offices will close on Thursday 22nd December and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January. During this time you can still email us: sales@bordercraft.co.uk, leave a voice message on 01981 550251 or send a fax to 01981 550552.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Truffle Herefordshire

2011-02-23T12:00:00.005Z

We're pleased to join Truffle Herefordshire! The first scheme of it's kind in the UK, it encourages people to buy from local, independent, businesses and get a reward or treat for doing so.

For more details, please visit: http://www.truffleherefordshire.co.uk/

Table Designs

2011-02-15T10:42:00.003Z

We can make kitchen, refectory and dining tables in various designs and sizes. Below is a picture of a recently completed table. The design includes 100mm thick square legs, 60mm thick top with 3 Stainless Steel inserts. So if you have a design in mind for your table, then let us know.

Christmas Closing Times

2010-12-14T17:52:00.002Z

Our offices will be closed from Wednesday 23rd December until Tuesday 4th January. You can still email us at sales@bordercraft.co.uk, leave a voice message on: 01981 550251, or send a fax to: 01981 550552.

Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

VAT Increase

2010-12-08T11:27:00.003Z

The rate of VAT increases from 17.5% to 20% from 1st January 2011. Any orders placed on or after this date will be charged VAT at the new rate.

Fall Foliage

2010-10-12T12:08:00.007+01:00

Autumn is here and we are now entering "peak week" for colour in the northeast states of Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania and New York, where most of our timber is grown. A swathe of colour from bright yellows to vibrant reds cuts thought the land to create a unique sight. Cooler temperatures this weekend are expected to herald in the last rush of colour to most of the northeast before the leaves fall. More information can be found at: http://www.foliagenetwork.com/

When buying worktops what does, block, stave, etc. mean?

2010-03-15T17:44:00.015Z

When looking for wooden worktops it is easy to be confused by the different terms applied to they style of worktop. Here's a short guide on the different types and what they look like:

Butchers Block, Blocked, Staved:

These are made from blocks of wood usually 40mm wide of random lengths. These are usually found in the DIY outlets. Sorry, these items are not manufactured by Bordercraft.

Full Stave:

Made from 40 or 50mm wide blocks without joins. Sorry, these items are not manufactured by Bordercraft.

Wide Planked Worktops:

These are made from planks of between 100 and 200mm in width that run the entire length of the worktop. They show of the beautiful grain pattern of the timber, unlike the style of worktops listed above. Boards are hand selected and colour matched to give an even appearance. Made by Bordercraft to give your kitchen an exclusive look.

End Grain Chopping Boards:

Made in the style of traditional butcher's, chopping block, these are made from 40mm square blocks with the end grain facing upwards. This gives an incredible strong and durable cutting service that is kind to knives. These items are made by Bordercraft in any shape with a thicknesses of between 40 and 150mm.

Search Our Blog

2010-03-10T19:16:00.004Z

We've added a search box, just there on the right! You can use this to search our previous blog posts for useful information from designing your worktops, installation, maintenance, recycling our packaging and more. You can also find more information on our website at http://bordercraft.co.uk/

Worktops & Decorating

2010-03-10T18:57:00.004Z

Even the most careful amongst us can't help splashing a bit of paint when decorating. The most frequent problem is small specks of paint from a roller. If you find these on your worktop or other Bordercraft items, they can easily be removed. Firstly, wait until the paint has dried completely. Take a green nylon scouring pad, the ones from the supermarket used for dishes but without the foam pad. Coat it liberally with the oil you normally use - Finishing Oil for Oak, Ash, Walnut, Maple and Cherry, Sunflower Oil for Iroko and all End Grain Chopping Boards, or Furniture Wax for all lacquered products. Gently rub over the affected areas, working with the grain, until all the paint is removed. Wipe over with a clean, dry cotton cloth and that's it. The same method can also be used over dull, tired looking areas to give them a fresh new appearance.

A better way to finish your worktop?

2010-03-06T17:04:00.007Z

For many years we have used, supplied and recommend Liberon Finishing Oil for our worktops. As a blend of oils, it has offered the best protection for the surface. We were excited when Liberon launched a new product at the start of February. Worktop Finish and Seal looked promising a product, having many advantages over the current system, the main being that it's very quick to dry.

We were sent a tin to evaluate. We prepared samples of all our timbers and sanded them to our usual 240g silky smooth finish. Opening the tin revealed a milky white liquid with a very mild aroma, somewhat similar to PVA glue. Supplied with it was a small spatula with a sponge applicator approximately 4cm square. My heart began to sink, you can't really be expected to finish a 3500 x 900mm worktop with something that size, it would take forever. Our samples were somewhat smaller than this, so we opted to coat one side using the spatula and the other with paint brush.

The product is very quick to dry, so much so, that on a long worktop, the end you started at would be dry by the time you got to the other end. As a water based product, using it on wood is bound to lift the grain of the timber, so it would necessitate sanding the worktop before applying further coats. The somewhat negates the time advantage it has over an oil finish. But we persevered.

With two coats applied, our conclusions are:

Positive Side:

Low odour

Quick to dry

Hard finish

Negative Side:

Will require sanding between coats

Not easily applied. The applicator is too small, tried using larger paint brush shows, but dried finish shows brush marks.

Dull, matt finish, the milky white appearance doesn't disappear once it dries. Oil enriches the woods colour and makes it come alive, this does nothing to enhance the colour of sanded wood. It gives the wood a "fake" plastic like appearance.

We can't comment on the long term durability of the product, it may well be excellent, but the problems with the application and appearance of the finish is enough for us not to recommend it. A disappointing outcome, we had high hopes for this product, maybe with further work they can overcome the problems, but for now we only recommend and supply Liberon Finish Oil.

Free Samples

2010-02-08T13:58:00.002Z

If you are interested in any of our products, we offer free samples of the woods we use. This applies to all products: Worktops, Tables, Wallracks, Chopping Blocks, Overmantels, Shelves, Fireplaces, Bath panels and washstands. To receive your samples, simply phone us on 01981 550251, fax us on 01981 550552, email us sales@bordercraft.co.uk or use the contact form on our website and let us know which samples, Iroko, Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut or Cherry you require.

Spruce up your worktop

2010-02-08T13:50:00.003Z

Is your worktop looking a little tired, or perhaps you've accidentally dented it or just want to bring it back to that just installed look. Our quick guide below shows how to deal with some of the most common complaints.

Dull Or tired looking surface:
A gentle sand using 240 grit paper. Work with the grain using a light motion as though wiping over the surface. Remove any dust with a clean cloth and apply a light coat of oil.

Small scratches and marks:
Sand out. Use a 240 grit paper working with the grain. Once the mark has been removed, re-oil the affected area.

Dents:
Put a drop of water in the dent. Place a clean damp cloth over the dent. Rub over the damp cloth with an iron set to maximum. Please be careful as this can generate a lot of steam which can easily burn. Only do this for 5 seconds at a time. At the end of each 5 seconds, remove the iron and cloth and check the area. Your should see the dent slowly getting smaller. Apply another small drop of water, make sure the cloth is damp and repeat until the dent has been removed. Leave the area to dry. The wood will appear rough and discoloured. Don't worry, this can be removed with some 240 grit sandpaper. After sanding re-oil. How does this work? Well, wood is made up of cells that contain moisture. When you drop an object onto it, this ruptures some of these cells causing them to loose moisture and shrink. The steam re-hydrates these cells causing them to expand and fill the dent.

Stains:
It is usually best to try and gently sand out these marks. However, if it is Oak or Walnut and you have a black stain, read on! This stain is caused by natural tannin within the wood. When an object with cast iron is placed onto a wet Walnut or Oak worktop, it reacts with the tannin causing a black stain. This can often be removed with the use of Oxalic Acid. We suggest you seek the advise of a carpenter or joiner who can inspect the damage and carry out the necessary repair.

Splits:
The can be filled. We recommend Brummer wood filler which is available in various colours to blend in with the timber.

Snow!

2009-12-18T16:54:00.006Z

We'll, it's not like this at Peterchurch now, but I know it is in some parts of the country!

Happy Christmas from everyone at Bordercraft.

Christmas Closing Times

2009-12-18T15:47:00.004Z

Our offices will be closed from Tuesday 22nd December until Monday 4th January. You can still email us at sales@bordercraft.co.uk or send a fax to: 01981 550251 or leave a voice message on: 01981 550251.

Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

VAT Increase

2009-12-18T15:44:00.002Z

Just a quick reminder that the rate of VAT changes back to 17.5% from 1st January 2010. Any orders placed on or after this date will be charged VAT at the new rate.

NEW PRODUCTS

2009-11-23T16:15:00.011Z

Whether it is the clean, bright lines of Maple or dark tones of Walnut, wood brings warmth and style to any bathroom. Like kitchens, most bathrooms are different shapes and sizes. Why limit yourself to the standardised products of the mass producers when we can manufacture:

Sink Stands and Worktops:

Bath panels:

Shelving:

and skirting boards to your individual requirements. These are available in all our timbers: Iroko, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Ash and Cherry. To protect the items from the humidity, a number of finishes are available. Please contact with your individual requirements for a quotation.

Edge Profiles

2009-10-02T14:19:00.004+01:00

People often think that they have to have their worktops with square edges. This isn't the case and we have lots of different profiles that we can apply to the front edges of worktops, shelves and tables. The picture below shows the different options available:

Unlike most manufacturers, we do not charge for this service.

NEW PRODUCT

2009-09-16T12:22:00.004+01:00

We are pleased to be able to offer our latest product: wooden fireplace surrounds. They are available in Iroko, Maple, Oak, Ash , Walnut and Cherry. We offer five different styles and one standard dimension but, as with all our products, they can be made to measure.

For more details and prices take a look at: http://shop.bordercraft.co.uk/acatalog/Fireplace_Surrounds.html

If the dimensions or styles aren't to your requirements, let us know and we'll provide a quote for a bespoke surround.

Your worktop started here!

2009-07-24T09:36:00.009+01:00

A few photos of the American/Canadian border region where we source our Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry and Ash:
And some of the famed New England Fall Colours:

Harvesting the Cranberries

Our worktops really are different!

2009-07-23T11:35:00.003+01:00

We are often asked how and why are worktops are different to others available. Well, to start with, we manufacture them ourselves from the raw planks of timber at our workshops in rural Herefordshire. Most other suppliers are simply importing blanks from Eastern Europe and China, so they have little control over the quality of their product and the source of the materials used in it.

Most mass produced worktops use blocks of wood between 20 and 40mm and 100mm-200mm in length. The reason they do this is to minimise waste. By using blocks this size they can select from one the four faces of the timber which means they can be made from a lower grade timber. They are usually assembled in large factories with little regard for colour matching or good woodworking practice. Looking at pictures on other websites often shows worktops that contain imperfections such as knots, sapwood (this is much paler than the rest of the wood) and dramatic colour variations between the blocks.

By contrast, we only use full length planks. These are generally between 100 and 200mm wide and each plank runs the full length of the top. The overall effect is very dramatic, showing the beautiful grain features of the wood. However, to do this, we have to buy the highest quality timber and have strict quality standards that mean our worktops don't have the problems associated with mass produced tops.

As we are starting from scratch, it allows us to be much more flexible in our manufacturing and offer a truly bespoke service, rather than trying to steer you towards a standardised product. It also means that should you wish your worktop to have some character features such as small knots, then let us know and we can incorporate boards containing these for you.

The cost, effort and skill of manufacturing a wide planked worktop is the reason you do not see them offered for sale in DIY stores and other mass produced outlets. It is a bespoke product for individuals!

Designing your wooden worktop

2009-07-22T12:30:00.022+01:00

How do I design my worktop?

The first thing to decide is which timber you would like. Whilst offering different colours, some timbers have characteristics which make them better suited to certain applications. Take a look at the timbers section of our website for more information. If you are undecided on colours, then we can send some free samples for you to look at.

Now onto the design. Most designs are going to be limited to following the base units, but there are a few different thinks you can do:

The worktop can run into a window area so it also forms the cill.

They can be made wider to create a breakfast bar area.

We can make a mitred end panel so the worktop flows to the floor for a modern look:

If choosing an undermounted sink, we can machine draining grooves:

We can create raised serving areas:

Worktops can run up to an Aga when we cleat the ends:

You can specify upstands to hide any unsightly gaps between the worktop and the wall:

Add a table at the end of a run of units:

Add a contrasting chopping block, overmantel or wallrack to complement your worktops:

Finishing touches for Range Cookers

2009-06-09T10:16:00.005+01:00

Do you have an Aga or range style cooker? Maybe it is set into a chimney or recessed area. If so, we have the perfect product to provide that finishing touch, the Overmantel. Available in Iroko, Maple, Oak, White Ash, Black Walnut and Cherry, standard widths are 1500, 2000 and 2500mm, but, as with all our products, are available as a made to measure item. They are available with an optional pole which is ideal for hanging pots and pans from as well as for drying herbs. They are also available with a groove on the top shelf to allow the upright display of plates.

Storing Wooden Products

2009-06-02T12:38:00.002+01:00

If you have to store any of our products between delivery and installation, here are a few basic rules:

1. If you have unpacked the product to check it, pack it back up. This will help to protect it from any knocks and bumps and also ensure that one edge isn't exposed causing moisture loss.
2. Don't store the products outside, they will be exposed to rapidly fluctuating humidity which can cause problems.
3. In the winter months, don't store them in an unheated room or garage.
4. In the summer months, don't leave them exposed to the sun, even if they are still in their packaging.
5. If in doubt, call or email us!

Caring for your Wood in the Warm Weather

2009-06-02T12:12:00.004+01:00

Whilst it's great to see the sunny weather at last, the sudden change in temperature and humidity can cause problems for poorly installed or maintained worktops.

The problems are usually bowing or splitting. Bowing occurs because one face, usually the top, looses moisture more quickly than the other, or insufficient fixings have been used during installation. This causes the top to contract leaving the front and the back edges higher than the middle. If the bow is between 1 and 3 mm, then a liberal coat of oil to the affected face should be enough to bring the top back into alignment. If the bow is bigger than this, then it will be necessary to add additional fixings from the underside to pull the top back down. Do not try to pull the bow out in one go, tighten the screws over several days until the top is level again. This will put less stress on the wood and prevent it from splitting.

Small splits in the wood are caused by lack of moisture. Apply oil directly to the splits, forcing it in as much as possible. This will have the effect of re-hydrating the timber, causing it to swell and minimise the appearance of the split. If this doesn't cure the problem, then it may be necessary to add filler. Afterwards apply a coat of oil to the entire worktop.

For more information on maintain your worktops, take a look at:
Which oil should I use?
How to install a worktop
How to repair a worktop

Hay Festival

2009-05-18T16:24:00.008+01:00

Are you visiting Hay Festival?

If so, why not pop in and see us? We are about 10 miles from Hay, take a look at Google Maps for directions. If you can't get to see us, then you can view one of our Oak Table tops which has just been installed at Booth's Books in preparation for the festival.

Veg Patch Update!

2009-05-18T16:13:00.004+01:00

Well the veg is coming on treat! Early front runners are Rocket, Garlic and Onions, with leaks trailing behind parsnips, carrots, beetroot and spring onions bring up the rear. I had a handful of seeds of various things from sweet onions, peppers and chili's. Unfortunately I can't remember what was planted where although shoots are appearing from the areas I planted them in. I guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks until they've grown enough to be able to work out what is what.

The eagle eyed amongst you will realise that Trinny and Susannah (the dwarf Christmas trees in the previous photo) have sadly departed, succumbed to a mysterious death. However, they've happily been replaced by a growbag and some tomatoes!

Recycling Packaging

2009-04-09T11:43:00.007+01:00

For the last two years we have sent an information sheet with every order giving details of the different types of material we use for packaging our products, to enable them to be recycled. Sometimes these can get mislaid when unpacking, so here is a copy for reference:

We know a lot of customers often find other uses for the packaging. Some have used the bubblewrap to protect plants during a frost or insulate a greenhouse over winter, whilst the hardboard has been used to make seed boxes. We would love to know what uses you have found for our packaging and any photographs would be great!

Easter

2009-04-09T11:37:00.003+01:00

Our office and workshops will be closed from 4.30pm today (09/04/09) and will re-open at 7.30am on 14/04/09. If you need to contact us during this time you can leave a message - 01981 550251, fax us on 01981 550552 or email us - sales@bordercraft.co.uk

Happy Easter!

Other Timbers

2009-04-09T11:34:00.003+01:00

We currently use Oak, Ash, Maple, Beech, Cherry, Walnut and Iroko. Would you like to see us offer other timbers? If so, then leave a comment or emails us and let us know.

Completely off topic!

2009-03-25T15:43:00.007Z

Veg! Enough is enough! Leaving all the environmental and other issues aside, the basic fact remains, veg from the supermarket has very little taste. I'm fed up of vegetables with no taste, so I'm growing my own. My urban garden is currently planted for colour rather than flavour. I could intermix veg and flowers or convert a border to veg, but I'd rather not. An allotment? Well, it's a bit on the big side, and I'm sure there are more deserving people needing one before me. Family? Well, my parents do have a large garden and do grow most of their own fruit and veg, but I always feel a little guilty at taking some of their crop. I'm also a bit too independent for my own good, preferring to do it myself!

Then the solution came to me. Here at Bordercraft, we have areas laid to grass which serve no purpose other than to look . .er. . green! At the moment it costs the company money to get it all mowed, so if I borrow a bit for a veg plot, it will cost the company less! I can tend it during lunch times and breaks, it will make me a happier worker and hopefully, as a result, more productive! So it seems to be a win win for all concerned.

I've already mentioned it to a few friends who think it is a great idea and are asking the companies they work for if they can do the same. There's a waiting list for most allotments, but there are acres and acres tied up as patches of grass outside factories. Even if you don't have grass, you can make a raised bed in the corner of a car park or storage yard. I know for large companies there could be a problem with too many people and not enough space, but I'm sure a rotating system of co-operative members would work.

As you can see, I've already made a start and have dug over the ground a few times. A barter for some manure has taken place and that's been dug in and raked over. All that remains is to get planting, but given the number of seeds I've got, I think I need to add on a extension!

It's competition time!

2009-03-18T11:33:00.003Z

Calling all previous customers! Do you have a Bordercraft product that you can send us a photo of? It could be a Worktop, Wallrack, Table, Overmantel, Chopping Block or anything made by us! It doesn't matter how new or old it is! We'd like to use your photos on our website, this blog and even our brochures. As a thank you, each month we will pick one photo at random from that months entries and the winner will receive a beautiful Bordercraft product to compliment their purchase. Send your photos to sales@bordercraft.co.uk and use the phrase Web Piccies in the subject box. So snap away!

What else do you make?

2009-02-23T14:51:00.004Z

Our main products are Worktops, Chopping Blocks, Tables, Wallracks and Overmantels. We do however make other products using the same timbers. These include:

Shelving in a variety of thicknesses.
Doors, both full size and kitchen cabinet doors.
Book Cases.
Bread Boards
. . . as well as a host of other smaller items that are too many and various to list.

So, if there is something that you are thinking of that isn't part of our a core range, we may be able to help. Simply email or call us. As we manufacture all our items, we can usually accommodate the most unusual requests, including a recent contract for the BBC which required the products to have a fireproof finish!

CCR!

2009-02-08T19:22:00.008Z

No, not Creedence Clearwater Revival, but Chop, Compost & Reduce your waste!

After using your end grain chopping block don't throw the peelings in the bin, they can easily be composted. So as well as reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, you can produce your own wonderful compost for your garden, veg patch or houseplants.

How, where and why?

Simple, visit WigglyWigglers website. They have a whole host of products from traditional composters and Wormeries for your veg peelings, as well as Bokashi bins for other foods scraps. If your a first time composter, don't worry as they have an excellent video section showing you how to get started.

Can I visit you?

2009-01-30T10:06:00.003Z

We're often asked if customers can come and see samples of the products, and the answer is of course you can! We have a showroom with examples of all the products we manufacture and all the timbers we use. As it overlooks our workshop, visitors can see the process of transforming the raw timber into the finished product. The showroom is open from 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

How do we find you?
You can see us and get directions to us on Google Maps or our Postcode for SatNav is HR2 0SD.

Approaching Peterchurch from Hereford, you will pass the Police Station and shop on your left, we are just a little bit further on on the left hand side. If you reach the Fire Station, you have gone too far! Approaching from Hay-On-Wye, we are just past the Fire Station on the right hand side.

Which timber to choose?

2009-01-12T09:49:00.005Z

If you are interested in any of our products, we offer free samples of the woods we use. This applies to all products: Worktops, Tables, Wallracks, Chopping Blocks, Overmantels or Shelves and all the timbers: Iroko, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Ash and Cherry.

To receive your samples, simply phone us on 01981 550251, fax us on 01981 550552, email us sales@bordercraft.co.uk or use the contact form on our website.

Clean out the clutter!

2009-01-12T09:22:00.004Z

It's that time of year when I start to get annoyed with all the clutter in the house and feel the need for an early spring clean. The first place to start is the kitchen. All those little gadgets I received as gifts for Christmas are in need of a new home. Luckily, I have a Wallrack which will hold most items, along with my saucepans, knives and spices. It saves endlessly searching in drawers for the smaller items whilst keeping my worktops free of clutter.

Now all I need is something similar for the rest of the house!

How to repair a Wooden Worktop

2008-12-05T14:48:00.005Z

Small scratches and marks:
Sand out. Use a 240 grit paper working with the grain. Once the mark has been removed, re-oil the affected area.

Dents:
Put a drop of water in the dent. Place a clean damp cloth over the dent. Rub over the damp cloth with an iron set to maximum. Please be careful as this can generate a lot of steam which can easily burn. Only do this for 5 seconds at a time. At the end of each 5 seconds, remove the iron and cloth and check the area. Your should see the dent slowly getting smaller. Apply another small drop of water, make sure the cloth is damp and repeat until the dent has been removed. Leave the area to dry. The wood will appear rough and discoloured. Don't worry, this can be removed with some 240 grit sandpaper. After sanding re-oil.

How does this work? Well, wood is made up of cells that contain moisture. When you drop an object onto it, this ruptures some of these cells causing them to loose moisture and shrink. The steam re-hydrates these cells causing them to expand and fill the dent.

Stains:
It is usually best to try and gently sand out these marks. However, if it is Oak or Walnut and you have a black stain, read on! This stain is caused by natural tannin within the wood. When an object with cast iron is placed onto a wet Walnut or Oak worktop, it reacts with the tannin causing a black stain. This can often be removed with the use of Oxalic Acid. We suggest you seek the advise of a carpenter or joiner who can inspect the damage and carry out the necessary repair.

Splits:
The can be filled. We recommend Brummer wood filler which is available in various colours to blend in with the timber.

Which Oil Should I Use on my Hardwood Worktop?

2008-12-05T13:37:00.006Z

This applies to new worktops only. If you already have a worktop or have moved into a house with one, then you need to continue with whatever oil has already been applied as they are not compatible.

For Oak, Ash, Walnut. Cherry and Maple - Liberon Finishing Oil. This is a blend of natural oils along with hardeners that give the worktops a heat and waterproof finish. Once dry it is safe for food use and is certified EN71 – safe for toys.

Iroko - we recommend sunflower oil. Ordinary sunflower oil from the supermarket is ideal. This is thin enough to be absorbed by the wood and compliments the natural oils already in the timber. Also, we only recommend sunflower oil for finishing all end grain chopping blocks, regardless of timber.

Worktops need to be oiled twice on all sides before installation. They will then require a further four or five coats during the first 10-14 days of use. It is best to do this last thing at night, so it is dry by the morning. During this initial period the worktops wont be fully protected, so it is important to wipe up any spillages immediately. After this, how often you re-oil will depend on how much the worktop is used. The best way to tell is to drop some water on the surface. If it smudges rather than forms a well defined droplet (such as on a recently waxed car), then it needs to be re-oiled. To clean the worktops, wipe over with a damp cloth. This can contain a small amount of washing up liquid. Using commercial cleaning products will strip the oil finish and can cause staining.

How to install a Hardwood Worktop

2008-12-05T12:55:00.004Z

If you are not going to install you worktops straight away, we recommend leaving them in their packaging as this will help to protect them from damage and moisture ingress. The worktops should be stored in the house and not in an unheated room, garage or outdoors. Store them in a way that air can circulate around all sides. Don't leave them flat on the floor or piled up on top of each other.

Before installing your worktop it needs to be oiled at least twice on all edges. This will equalise the moisture content of the wood. Only oiling one side will cause it to bow. Make sure any fresh plaster work is thoroughly dry and if the room has an Aga, that it is turned on. This will help to normalise the humidity level of the room.

You are now ready to install the worktops! Place them on the base units in their final position and tighten any corner joint bolts. Don't use glue in the corner joints, if you wish to seal it, use a clear silicone. How you fix the tops will depend on what type of base unit you have.

If your units have a solid top, drill a pilot hole through the unit and into the worktop using a 2.5 mm drill bit. Now use an 8mm drill bit to make the hole in the base unit larger. Don't use this drill bit to go into the worktop. Use a 4x40mm screw and a washer that retains the head of the screw and screw through the base unit into the worktop.

If your units have an open top, use L-shaped brackets that have slotted holes. Screw the one end to the inside edge of the base unit and the other to the worktop. Before screwing into the worktop, drill a 2.5mm pilot hole. Use a 4x40mm screw for the worktop and a smaller screw for the units.

Using a washer and oversize hole or slotted bracket will allow the wood to move slightly whilst still being held down. Failing to do this can cause tension to build up in the wood which can lead to it splitting.

For both type of units, the worktops should be fixed at the front, middle and rear of the unit at 600mm intervals.

Now that the worktops have been screwed down, check the top over for any marks made whilst fitting. The can easily be removed with 240grit sandpaper, rubbing in the same direction as the grain. Fit any accessories such as upstands before applying another coat of oil to the seen edges.

How to maintain an End Grain Chopping Board

2008-11-28T15:55:00.008Z

When you first get your end grain chopping block it will need to be oiled. Ordinary Sunflower oil is ideal. Please don't be tempted to use Olive oil as it is too thick and can't be absorbed by the wood. Also, please don't varnish or use other man-made finishes on the chopping block as these may not be suitable for food preparation.

Apply the oil with a rag or a brush. Leave for 15-20 minutes before wiping away the excess with a clean, dry cotton cloth. After waiting at least 12 hours repeat the process. Your chopping block is now ready to use!

To clean, simply wipe over with a damp cloth. Don't immerse the board in water as this can cause it to split. Don't apply household cleaners. If you feel that your block needs a good deep clean, take a freshly halved lemon, dip in sugar and rub over the surface. Wipe over with a clean damp cloth before allowing to dry overnight and re-oiling. The lemon acts as a natural degreaser and the sugar as a mild abrasive. It's all totally natural and food safe!

If after deep cleaning or during normal use the block begins to feel a little rough, simply rub over the surface with 240 grit sand paper or a nylon scouring pad. Using a metal scouring pad isn't advisable as it can leave small strands which transfer to food and cause the block to discolour. Apply a light coat of oil once the block is smooth again.

When a chopping block needs to be re-oiled will depend on use. You will be able to tell by sight. The board will look a little tired and lack colour. You can over oil a block, but it's not a disaster! All that will happen is that the oil wont be absorbed and will stay on the surface making it feel sticky. If this happens just use the lemon method above and all be fine!

If you are wondering if wood is suitable for a chopping block, please read this blog.

Recycling Information

2008-11-27T22:19:00.003Z

When unpacking your product, look out for the small sheet in every order. This contains useful information to help you recycle the packaging.

Where in the world?

2008-11-27T16:01:00.016Z

Today we received a questionnaire from a student studying for a degree in Small Business Management. Among the questions were several regarding where our raw materials come from and where our finished products are used. I thought some of you may interested in some of the facts behind Bordercraft!

Are you a manufacturer of finished goods or an importer?
We manufacture all our products ourselves at our workshops in rural Herefordshire.

How long have you been trading?
We were founded in 1972.

Where does you timber come from?
Most of our timber is sourced from North America and Canada.
Oak is from New York State, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
Walnut is from New York State and Ohio.
Cherry is from Pennsylvania.
Ash is from Vermont.
Maple is from Maine, Pennsylvania and Quebec.

How do you make a hardwood worktop and how long does it take?
We take the raw planks of wood, cut them to width, if necessary, then plane all four sides. The wood is then rough cut to length until the planks resemble the finished worktop. Each plank is then planed again to ensure the perfect edge before being glued and cramped. After the glue has cured the tops are passed through a two stage calibrating sander until the desired thickness. The worktops are then machined with saws, routers, jigsaws and trimmers to achieve the desired size, cut-outs, grooves, edge detail etc. The worktops are then pad sanded to remove any marks before being orbital sanded before being packed ready for dispatched. Time taken? It's difficult to say as each top is bespoke, it depends on size and complexity.

Where do you sell your products?
We mainly sell to UK customers. You will find Bordercraft products installed in most of the Mainland UK as well as Shetland, Orkney, Isles of Lewis, Arran and Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern and Southern Ireland. Internationally, our products have been sent to Japan, USA, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and South Africa.

VAT Reduction

2008-11-27T15:43:00.007Z

We are pleased to announce that we will be passing on the full 2.5% reduction in VAT to our customers for all orders placed on or after 01/12/08. Orders can be placed by post, email, fax, phone and on-line.

Thinking of Christmas . . . .

2008-11-27T09:41:00.008Z

Inspired by others, this year I'm planning to put a lot more thought into my Christmas gifts. With the economic downturn and green issues, I hope my gifts will be useful and have longevity. In previous years it has been easy to buy gifts that, although nice, soon end up in a cupboard or attic. Walk into any high street shop or supermarket and the shelves are lined with such gifts, all wrapped in needless packaging.

The other day I saw a gift pack which contained a cafetiere, two packets of coffee, two rather lurid mugs, some sugar sticks and a whisk. This was all set in cardboard, placed in a clear plastic box, covered with cellophane and ribbon. The well know high street retailer priced this at £30.00.

Visiting a small local market town, I purchased the cafetiere and coffee from a small coffee shop. The mugs came via a craft shop and the sugar sticks and whisk from a delicatessen. I also added a packet of Amaretti biscuits which weren't in the high street equivalent and a reusable hessian shopping bag to put it all in. The coffee, sugar and biscuits were genuine Italian goods rather than the repackaged standard affair offered in the high street. The cost? £25.00!

So I saved myself £5.00. The main difference for me was the experience. I met some great people, had a laugh and got some ideas for other gifts. I enjoyed choosing the items and am pleased that my gift doesn't contain needless packaging. I've also supported small family businesses, people who have a passion for their products and a wealth of knowledge that they are happy to share, unlike the large multi-nationals.

Other gifts this year will include plants and trees. I'll also be giving some of our end grain chopping boards for the foodies. All gifts that will last a lifetime.

Just a reminder - Standard size products available from our on-line shop

2008-11-24T22:18:00.008Z

All of our products are made to measure. However, we do produce some items in standard sizes. These items are available to purchase direct from our online shop: http://shop.bordercraft.co.uk/acatalog/

New Product - Aga Overmantels

2008-11-24T22:11:00.015Z

We've added a new product to the range. Our beautiful overmantels

They are available in Iroko, Maple, Oak (pictured above), White Ash, Black Walnut and Cherry. Standard widths are 1500, 2000 and 2500mm, but, as with all our products, are available as a made to measure item. Traditionally used above an Aga or Rayburn, they also suit more modern "range style" cookers, especially in Black Walnut or Cherry. More details at: http://www.bordercraft.co.uk/shelving.shtml

How hygienic is wood?

2008-11-24T21:57:00.009Z

We are often asked if wood is hygienic for use as worktops and chopping boards. Many professional and TV chefs are often seen using these items. The reasons for this are they are natural, warm, don't damage knife blades and they're hygienic!

Independent research carried out by Professor Dean Cliver at the University of Wisconsin Food Research Unit has shown that wooden chopping boards are as safe, if not safer, to use in the kitchen than plastic boards.

Professor Cliver carried out experiments designed to emulate conditions in a domestic kitchen. He found that when boards were purposely contaminated with organisms such as Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli, that are common causes of food poisoning, 99.9 per cent of the bacteria died off within three minutes on the wooden boards, while none died on the plastic ones. When contaminated boards were left unwashed overnight at room temperature, bacterial counts increased on the plastic, but none of the organisms could be recovered from the wooden boards the next morning.

Professor Cliver found that once the plastic boards were knife scored, the bacteria would "hide" in the scores and the boards would be very difficult to clean.