Norfolk Oak Blog

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TEN STAGES OF INSTALLATION

It is important to us that you have the best experience when deciding on your wooden kitchen worktops. So we, Norfolk Oak have come up with some easy tips and tricks to help you along when it comes to installing...

You will need:

-          Rags/ old cloth

-          Oil

-          Warm Storage (if applicable)

-          Sand paper /electric sander

-          Extra helping hand

1. If the worktop needs storing, give our office to call and we shall delay the delivery, or you can ensure it will be stored in a flat, warm and dry atmosphere. Just like Floor planks, you will need to oil them immediately, 24 hours being the limit.  

2. If you have had your wooden worktop pre-oiled by us you can skip this step:

Although they come to you well sanded, they need a final going over with a finer paper. Firstly put on some clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. It is important that you work with the grain, otherwise scratches will show. An electric sander is optional or sanding by hand, whatever your preference. Start with a 150 grit and sand down the entire worktop including the exposed edges. The repeat with a 180 grit. Once you’re happy with the results then it is time to oil.

3. When oiling, it is suggested that it is done in a warm, dry environment. Laying down rags to cover the floor can make the difference, preventing oil from getting into any unwanted spaces. If you’re expecting a pre-oiled bespoke wooden worktop, you will need 2-6 even coats on the top of the worktop. If you’re expecting an un-oiled bespoke wooden worktop, you will be 8 evenly spread coats on all sides.

4. If your worktop is un-oiled:

Turn the worktop so it’s facing down. A small amount of oil for the edges to begin with is all you need. If you don't do this, then any drip marks will show later on.  Once the edges have been oiled you’re then ready for the first coat. Using plenty of oil on the underside, work it gently around the worktop. Go with a steady firm hand, if you’re being too rough it may cause ripples and may run. Once completed, turn over immediately. The oil way slightly run and may cause it to drip, but along as you’ve got the something covering the underneath of the worktop and old clothes it should be all dandy. Repeat again, only this time with a little more oil. You are then ready to oil the top. You need to cover the entire top, but without excess ensure that it doesn’t run or drip and repeat the previous. Leave it to set for 15 - 20 minutes, and with a fresh clean cloth, wipe off the excess. Do not worry about the amount of oil that comes off, what you are after is a thin layer across the worktop. Our worktops can absorb oil better than mass produced wooden worktops, as we only dry our worktops roughly 8 percent.

5. Depending on the temperature of the storage room will depend how long you leave the worktop to dry. The minimal being 30 minutes. Do not try and oil it again, until it has felt dry for several hours. The oil that we supply does not just dry, it hardens; if you do try to quickly oil it when it has not hardened, you will have to wait longer for it to dry. The remaining coats are just the same except from you do not have to worry about runs, once finished leave for a little longer.

6. If your worktop is pre-oiled then this is not applicable:

Again, once properly dry re-sand the top of worktop. The sanding will have to be done by hand, so that it has a better gentler touch, using an electric sander will remove any oil that has been placed on the worktop. An 180 grit will be needed first, using this you need to move with the grain to create a smooth surface between the layers of oil, If the grain appears slightly raised, do not be alarmed it will not affect the outcome of the worktop.  This is entirely normal and to be expected. It is just the way the timber reacts with the oil. The main concerns are to smooth out the over hangs and runs (if any).

7. Do not leave the worktop face down when wet. You can do it if you have to but not for long, then wipe the oil again. If you leave it there, it will mark and take longer to dry. You will need to repeat this to your relevance, then we recommend you use a 240 grit or finer and repeat as previous. Just remember, you are not aiming to take a lot off, just to make the worktop smooth.

8. When you have all required coats are on and dried on your wooden worktop, it is then ready for fitting. There are two alternatives; you can do this before you cut the worktop to size if you want. Although the consequences may include rubbing against the equipment you use to cut you bespoke wooden worktop. If you follow through with this method we suggest that you use low tack masking tape. Any end cuts that have been freshly cut will then need re-oiling, and logically we suggest an appropriate sharp tool for cutting within reason.

9. The other alternative is to have your worktop already measured out and send via email to Norfolk Oak’s admin; where we can then draw up a CAD and made just ready for installation soon as your delivery date.

10. Once the worktops have been fitted, they may need additional coats on the top surface to make a really good finish. You can use the worktop; just stay clear of hot appliances as it could damage the coat. A coat a day and if it feels a little bit rough then a gentle hand sand with 320 grit or finer is recommended. Once 12 layers on and they have settled, you have a properly functioning worktop.

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TREMENDOUS BESPOKE WOODEN DOORS

Here at Norfolk Oak we do not limit ourselves, wooden kitchen worktops may be our speciality; but we open ourselves up to other wooden materials such as wooden flooring and importantly wooden doors. Doors are a delicacy of the wooden industry, for they lead you places, keep things inside as well as keeping them out.

Norfolk Oak offers three different equally different timbers: Oak, Walnut and Iroko. Oak is our lightest of the timbers, which is grown in the Northern Appalachian Mountains up in America. If you are after a beautifully detailed, warm atmosphere, oak will be your best choice. This timber possesses a dainty pattern which is made up of soft to dark tones which produces soft gradual lines throughout.

Walnut is one out of three that possesses a dark brown tone. The reasoning for this is because it originates from North America. This Luscious rich timber would give you that very urban feel and would work very well with a contrasting of pale colours.

Iroko unlike the past two timbers is from the West Coasts of Tropical Africa.   It possesses a sharp dark grain which helps add a magnificent rustic look. A unique fact about Iroko is that the wood begins a soft yellow colour and gradually over time will darken to even darker than Mahogany.

There are a grand total of eleven different styles that you can choose from, to make it easier Norfolk Oak has split it into two groups: Contemporary and traditional doors.

Contemporary doors include:

-          Vertical

-          Horizontal

-          Framed vertical

-          Framed horizontal

-          No groves vertical rizontal

Following from this, you then give us the measurements so that we are then able to cut it to fit your doorway. Norfolk oak’s hardwood doors then receive a form of moisture repellent treatment which is prior to use. Wood tends to grow when the air is moist; therefore having this treatment will prevent this, so that it will aim to remain the perfect size to fit your doorway. 

Finally; there is a choice of finishing. A matt finish is most common with our bespoke hardwood wooden door, though there is an alternative to treat your door to a hot oil dip tank, this is where it will be left to soak, until ready. Doing this leave a fine matt finish, we also offer this finishing with our wooden kitchen worktops; therefore if you are looking to match, then we suggest you to notify us.

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Norfolk Oak: African timbers

Norfolk Oak has eight different timbers which we can supply, all different from the last. Sapele, Mahogany and Iroko are our African timbers, compared to the lighter timbers these contain a dark juicy colour which help bring a warm satisfying atmosphere.

Sapele is the darkest of the African timbers; it grows up to 45 metres high, in some cases and has been known to be 60 metres high. This tree produces flowers which only blossom once its leaves have disappeared. It also produces fruit which is in pendulous capsules. Norfolk Oak uses this renewable source to help create wooden kitchen worktops for individuals like you. Sapele looks slightly different every time one is put into production. The beauty of Sapele is that every worktop will be unique.

The grain pattern is breathtaking and can vary from relatively straight lines to an enchanting unusual build of patterns.

Iroko is our medium timber from our African collection.This timber is found in the west coast of tropical Africa. It is sometimes know as African Teak, although it is not connected to the Teak family. The Iroko timber starts off soft, yellow and light but eventually over time it darkens to a richer deep brown. This timber is commonly used for boat flooring and domestic furniture.

Iroko is very durable wood, it has been recognised that when placed outside it does not require regular treatment as it has a naturally high oil content. Its grain is sharp, dark and irregular like which give it that rustic appearance.

Norfolk oak also provides mahogany; this timber is transported from West Africa.Mahogany is a “sister species” to Sapele but usually as a more interesting grain. The heartwood of the timber matures from a pink-brown when freshly cut to a deep red-brown. The grain can produce irregular stripped figure after cutting. Mahogany is durable and is well known for use in furniture and kitchen units.

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WE ARE MOVING!

Progression is on it's way! Images of our new location are coming shortly! Sadly we'll be leaving Anmer Hall behind, but we're excited to go to RAF West Raynham given its rich history.

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Fairhaven Beach House, Victoria, Australia - a warm heart of wood by John Wardle Architects

The open sea, speckled with spots of surfers. It’s an ecstasy of sights from villa Fairhaven Beach House, on Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Studio John Wardle Architects designed it with minimal and gentle interventions, like a tailor designing a dress on an already perfect body.

Covered in gray-green zinc, its tone will change with time, blending in with the vegetation of tea trees and surrounding forest. In its interiors, walls and structures entirely made of wood, a warm and welcoming shelter with a modern design, in which to feel completely at ease.

CJWHO: facebook | twitter | pinterest | subscribe

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NORFOLK OAK : FSC (FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL)

It is incredibly vital for Norfolk Oak to be aware of the source that our timber comes from as, trees are a key source that help sustains the well-being of this planet. Since Norfolk oak does not personally cut down timber, we have researched into depth to confirm and find the best qualified suppliers to ensure that they are renewable and will always maintain renewable sources.

Making the timber renewable means, every tree will be replanted to ensure that the source of timber may remain, ensuring that the forests can produce in large number, so that are able to maintain and sustain the ecosystem. The species of timber must meet the ten principles of the organisation to be considered and protected.  The ten principles are as follows:

·         The forestation must abide by the law international treaties and agreements of the country which they reside in.

·         Documentation of the long-term tenures and use rights to the land and forest resources must be kept in incredible detail.

·         Surrounding land, rights to property and resources must be recognised and respected. An understanding and respected area will allow the organisation and protection become smoother and easier for all near and far.

·         The management of the forest shall either remain or enhance during long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities.

·         Forest management operations shall encourage the efficient use of the forest’s multiple products and services to ensure economic viability and a wide range of environmental and social benefits.

·         It is vital to still be able to sustain the original ecosystem, while still being able to adapt after given biological resources such as soil and water.

·         A management plan shall be appropriately to scale, providing intense scripture of all updates and adjustments. All documents must be kept with a regular update and any necessary achievements must be stated clearly.

·         Monitoring shall be conducted appropriately to scale and the intensity of the forest. Management will take precaution and describe and note the condition of the forest such as the yields of the forest, chains of custody, management activities and their social and environmental impacts.

·         Management activities in an important values protected forest shall either maintain or enhance one or many attributes which may remain within the area. Such as an endangered species, define the area and decision regarding conservation value forests shall always be taken into account and processed.

·         Keeping a regular plan of plantation is necessary, maintaining the documents will allow for the principles and criteria one to ten to be kept under strict control. Plantations can be provide both social and economic benefits, as well as a tribute to satisfying the world’s needs for forest products.

Here at Norfolk Oak we are proud to say we have the support of this council. Not only will it help us create your bespoke wooden products, it will help preserve the trees, the planet and most importantly all of us who live our daily lives.

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Norfolk Oak | Samples

When choosing your wooden kitchen worktop, Norfolk oak finds that seeing is more efficient than dreaming. Therefore ten different worktop samples, in different styles can be produced to help you make the decision between the many timbers provided. Each timber possesses a unique grain to the next, for example: maple – this is the palest, porcelain-like timber with a delicate wavy grain. Then comparing it to Sapele: a rustic dark timber with a deep contrast of grains. So each sample leaves you with different impressions and here at Norfolk oak we aim to please.

As well as standard worktop samples, end grain worktop samples are also available. An end grain is a selected pattern known as a block surface. There are eight different timbers with this beautiful style. Having this luxury style gives the advantage of a extraordinary grain, since there is multiple chunks of timber produced to help make up the classic end grain pattern, it then produces a mixed direction of grains which is breathtaking.

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Nido Cabin’s slot designed by Robin Falck

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Norfolk oak: take a look at this beautiful bespoke oak kitchen

Timber comes in all different shades, shapes and sizes. Norfolk oak provides eight different timbers of which are split into light and dark. Doing this helps stress the individuality of each type making it easier for you to confirm your choice.

To begin with American white oak worktops are sourced from the Northern Appalachian Mountains. The oak is extremely durable and possesses a beautiful tight grain structure. Oak works immaculately in a traditional setting especially when matched with oak knobs that are turned from the same timber. There are three styles which Norfolk oak offer with this oak, each unique and inviting.

Oak possesses incredible strength, consistent colour and a delicate grain pattern; oak worktops are brilliant where you need light reflecting back. It will help bring together with a wide range of kitchen units, classic and all.

All oak worktops can be pre-oiled, having done this it will help sustain the worktop. To complete this the oak is left to soak in a large secure container of linseed oil, it will remain therefore up to 48 hours. Results will then show a matt finish and a glorious finalized oak worktop.

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Timber Stamp, June 2013.

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Haus am Moor / Bernardo Bader Architects

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Beautiful. #westvan #vancouver #mansion #realestate #luxury #rich #design #wood

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A DAY IN THE NORFOLK OAK OFFICE, ANMER HALL,NORFOLK

When I left the house this morning I opened the door to the beautiful sunshine and instantly felt its warmth on my face. I got in to my car, put on my sunglasses (any excuse) and turned up my music. I was in a great mood and as I was driving I thought about everybody else going about their daily routine. There are so many people in the world that we don’t know and I sometimes wonder what it is that everyone is doing. Are they heading to work? Are they off to the shop? Have they just gotten married and are off on their honeymoon? There are millions of people whose lives interlink but no matter how many people you know, there are still more that you don’t. It was this thought process that has had me come in to work and start writing this blog. In the hope that I am not the only person with these curiosities I thought I would share with you a typical day in the office so that you can gain a little insight in to mine and the girls little world.        

On first arriving to the office you can guarantee that a cup of tea will be made – we are tea-aholics! As the mug hits our desks we settle in for the day and have a look at the emails that we have received since we left the night before and ‘flag’ the emails that need responding to (We get a lot of spam but will always reply to genuine emails). We have many customers email in for a variety of reasons such as asking for a quotation, sending in worktop plans, asking questions or confirming their order. Once we have done this we will then look at any calls that we have missed and ring our customers back before noting how we were able to help them.

Ongoing from this, both Victoria and Ami will respond to the emails that were earlier flagged while I get started on the social media. The girls are fantastic at making sure that all emails are responded to quickly and thoroughly. We like to provide you with as much information as possible to help make the ordering process easier for you - photographs and lengthy descriptions are very common in this office! While covering the emails the phones also get answered and similar queries to the emails get answered. So if you’re not sure of something then please do get in touch as we are always happy and willing to help you.

In the office we also take your order and process this for you with the necessary documentation that goes alongside this – invoices, manufacturing sheets, provisional delivery schedules and CAD drawings. We then e-mail an order confirmation over to you ready for you to give us the thumbs up to proceed with manufacturing your order. If there are any alterations to be made we will then amend the paperwork before re-sending it to you.

We also get many samples and gifts ordered so we make sure that these are all packaged and labelled ready for dispatch. Our courier Interlink arrives with us before lunch on collection days while Ami makes a trip to the post office for all our Royal Mail deliveries.          

Alongside this, we get visits to the office not only to purchase our hardwood briquettes but to talk through the many services that we offer and look at displays of our products.

As office manager Ami also has to deal with a variety of other daily tasks and is therefore very good at multi-tasking to make sure that everything gets completed while Victoria is head of purchasing and is therefore in constant demand by the workshop for the supplies that they need to complete your orders.

Whilst the girls are busy doing this I am lost in my own little bubble of social media. I regularly update and respond to comments and messages on our social sites – Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google Plus and our Google community while also finding/taking photographs for these very blogs that I write for you (Although keep an eye out as Victoria has now started writing her very own blogs which are a really good read). I also from time to time help the girls out when things get particularly manic in the office – which can be quite often!

Besides us girls we do also have Nathan and Matthew here with us. They are the ones that make our website look as spectacular as it does. They work incredibly hard insuring that everything is clear, informative and useful for you. Their design and technological skills are what make Norfolk Oaks website stand out so beautifully.

So you see, between the five of us, we are all extremely busy making sure that we provide you with the best service possible so that you feel informed, comfortable and most importantly, excited when you order a product from ourselves.

                                      “Now you have an insight into our world,

                                                     will you give us an insight in to yours?!...”