Q: How much maintenance is required?
Q: Which surface treatment has the highest durability and is most wear resistant?
Q: Can I use my top as a cutting surface?
Q: Is there a warranty?
Q: Should I be concerned about Salmonella?
Q: Are sinks a problem?
Q: What is the maximum length & width I can order?
Q: If my top gets damaged can I repair it?
Q: How does wood compare in price to granite?
Q: How do I incorporate wood into my design?
Q: Will I have gaps between my countertop and my wall?
Q. How long will my top last?
Q. What is the difference between the 5 different styles?
Q: How much maintenance is required?
A: Very little ~ However, when you first receive the top it takes a few weeks to become saturated. During this time the top will need to be oiled 2-3 times. Sprinkle a couple of drops of water on the surface of the top, once the water beads it has become saturated. From there on out your top may be required to be oiled two to four times a year. The oiling process is simple and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. <top>
Q: Which surface treatment has the highest durability and is most wear resistant?
A: The oiled surface~ An oiled surface will have the highest durability, as it can be polished and thereby look brand new many years after it has been put to use. <top>
Q: Can I use my top as a cutting surface?
A: You should treat your top the same way you treat other solid surfaces.We recommend using a matching cutting board or designate a specific area for an endgrain chopping block. <top>
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Spekva puts a 5 year manufacturers warranty on all products. <top>
Q: Should I be concerned about Salmonella?
A: No more than you would be with any other countertop surface. A study published in May of 1993 by the University of Wisconsin found that wood yielded fewer bacteria than plastic after contamination. As opposed to artificial “dead” materials where bacteria are free to reproduce, solid wood contains enzymes that decompose and fight unwanted bacteria. <top>
Q: Are sinks a problem?
A: No. A variety of sinks are available for purchase to be integrated at the factory for perfect accuracy. Sinks are sealed to the timber with elastic joints to give the timber maximum protection from water. The wood edge towards the sink is designed to lead the water away from the worktop. With proper maintenance water should never pose a problem. <top>
Q: What is the maximum length & width I can order?
A: The maximum length for Royal & Luxus is 4m (157.48”) All Others styles can range up to 8-10m (314.96”/ 26.24’ – 393.70”/ 32.80’) long. The maximum width without joining is 1.6m (62.99”). <top>
Q: If my top gets damaged can I repair it?
A: Yes, you can repair it to its original beauty unlike other solid surface material. Depending on your repair you can remove an individual stave and replace it, or you can sand the entire top or just a specific area and then reapply additional oil. <top>
Q: How does wood compare in price to granite?
A: It is difficult to compare. While both products are considered high-end, in comparing the two materials one must consider that the wood tops are made uniquely for the client with customized finishes and various stave pattern options.
Granite is primarily a commodity product that is fabricated from slab form and can be easily priced by the square foot. <top>
Q: How do I incorporate wood into my design?
A: With consideration to your work surfaces remember that you want to accomplish a look that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Whether considering an island worktop, a sink run, or an entire deck surface, your wood top can serve as a focal point in your overall design. In general good design is the ability to combine a mixture of materials to add interest while at the same time not compromising function. Allow enough contrast between your materials so that your individual elements have their own identity. <top>
Q: Will I have gaps between my countertop and my wall?
A: Yes. As with stone, concrete, and stainless steel it is difficult to scribe your solid wooden worktop perfectly to your wall. Also, with wood we must consider that it is a living product that will expand and contract slightly with temperature and moisture changes. When sizing your tops you should allow 3-5mm of room to allow for movement. If striving to achieve a clean look, be sure to check the walls to be plumb and level, then use silicone at the seam that can expand and contract with your wood. In some cases it may be best to consider a separate backsplash to conceal irregularities in the wall. Backsplashes of any material can rest directly on to your top providing that you use a silicone product at the seam for flexibility. <top>
Q. How long will my top last?
A: With proper maintenance it will last a life-time and become even more beautiful. <top>
Q. What is the difference between the 5 different styles?
A:
Standard
Has a higher variation of timber color and staves are random jointed. Maximum length is 26-32 feet.
Classic
Prime selected timber with quality and color sorting. Staves are regularly jointed which creates a total systematic worktop, with every 2nd joint being at the same length. Maximum length is 26-32 feet.
Luxus
Prime selected timber with quality and color sorting and staves are random jointed. The front stave is continuous without any joints. Note: Only certain woods types come in Luxus styling. Maximum length is 157 inches.
Royal
Prime selected timber with quality color sorting with continuous staves that run the full length of the worktop. Note: Only certain wood types come in Royal styling. Maximum length is 157 inches.
Endgrain
The endgain style consists of staves glued vertically so that the endgrain or the growth rings of the wood are visible on the surface. Thickness ranges from 1 9/16 to 5 7/8 inches. Maximum size is 39×39 inches.