FAQ

Do you offer edge banding? What is edge banding?

Edge banding is the practise of using a narrow strip of material to finish cut edges of sheet material.

Edge banding is used to cover the exposed sides of materials such as plywood, chip board or MDF increasing durability and giving the appearance of a solid or more valuable material. Edge banding can be made of different materials including PVC, ABS, acrylic, melamine, wood or wood veneer. 

We don't edge band. Edge banding is used to cover material that is aesthetically or functionally undesirable whereas the birch plywood and bamboo that we use for our fronts is strong enough not to need covering, is beautiful to look at and we believe in the idea of truth to materials. As a material Birch plywood is so well regarded as a sign of quality that some manufacturers edge band cheaper and inferior materials such MDF and chipboard to appear as birch ply! Edge banding is always a weak point on a front - as soon as it is damaged, which is easy to do, it reveals the core that the maker was trying to hide. We also feel that aside from these issues the nature of edge banding where you will always end up with the grain running in the wrong direction on two edges is aesthetically jarring and incompatible with a quality product.

How should I clean my fronts?

Our finishes are strong and durable but should be treated with care for best results.

When cleaning is required it varies according to finish. For laminates we recommend a soft, damp cloth and water. “E” cloths are very useful. If a detergent is needed it should be a mild one like soap or washing-up liquid. Always avoid using detergents that contain alcohol and ammonia or which have an abrasive or bleaching effect and/or which cut through oil. Be sure to wipe off any water on the fronts/edges.

For our oiled, real wood veneer fronts we recommend following the care guides from Osmo. We are able to supply a care package to cover this.

How do I assemble and mount?

SAFETY FIRST! Always attach your cabinets to a wall.

Cabinets from Ikea come with instructions as to how to mount them safely against a wall, Howdens have an online guide for fitting their cabinets and we would generally expect any reputable company to be able to advise.

It is of the utmost importance that you or your fitter attaches these cabinets to the wall even if they feel stable, and even if it stands on legs.

In general we recommend finding a suitably qualified and experienced kitchen fitter or joiner. The majority of issues that arise when fitting kitchens are easily avoided or resolved by someone with the requisite skill and experience. Whilst clipping doors on may be fairly straightforward other aspects can require more skill and attention to detail. The quality of fitting directly relates to the quality of the final kitchen.