What is a Laminate Worktop Edge Profile?

5mm Laminate Worktop ProfileYou may have seen Refit My Home talking about ‘edge profiles’, but you may be unfamiliar with the term, or the different edge profiles available. Here are some details on worktop edge profiles.

What is a worktop edge profile?

The worktop edge profile is simply the style of the worktop’s outer edge. Different edge profiles give your worktop a different look.

The current standard edge profile is the square-edged profile, which gives a chunky, functional look. Alternatively, you can opt for rounded edges to give your kitchen worktop a smoother, more natural look. Edges can be profiled to a range of different radiuses, with smaller profiles looking more square.

A true right angle square edge is not available for post-formed laminate worktops as the laminate needs to be folded during the manufacturing process and will split.

A true right angle square edge can however be manufactured by using a separate laminate strip on the front edge.

What types of edge profile do Refit My Home offer?

The Bushboard Omega range is available with 5mm-radius profiling (referred to by Bushboard as ‘Q5’) for most products. Some however are available in a 3mm profile.  The Bushboard Prima range stocks exclusively 3mm-radius (Q3) profiles. This is currently more fashionable than the Q5 profile, as it offers the best of both worlds – the chunky aesthetic of a square edge with a more natural, less angular look.

The Axiom by Formica range is available with 3mm-radius ‘Axis’ profiling, as well as 6mm-radius ‘Linea’ profiling.

If your preferred worktop doesn’t come with the edge profile you’re looking for, Refit My Home can provide the profiling of your choice on post formed bespoke worktops.

For more information and help choosing your new kitchen worktop, please contact us.

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Latest Kitchen Styles


If you are struggling for inspiration for your kitchen renovation don’t worry, there are a wide variety of styles and trends which you can chop and change to create to make your own.

Below is a selection of inspirational ideas that use bold, bright colours to great effect – maybe one of these will appeal to you?

(Click an image for a bigger version; click the X in the top left to close)

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Ideal Home Show 2013: Kitchen Design Style Ideas

Ideal Home 2013 Kitchen DesignsRight now at Earls Court in London, the Ideal Home Show 2013 is serving up inspiration for homeowners wishing to improve their homes.

The exhibition features all of the latest home innovations, styles and trends, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their products. Everything you could ever need for the ideal home is here, from interior and garden design, to home improvements, a ‘village’ of show homes, food and housewares and an entire upstairs section where attendees can shop for a variety of goods for their homes.

A number of celebrity guests are on hand at the show, offering advice on the different aspects of the home. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Greg Wallace, Suzi Perry, George Clarke, Melinda Messenger and Alan Titchmarsh are this year’s celebrity ambassadors.

We’ve added some images some of the kitchen design styles that we liked from the displays at last years’ show. Click on the small images to view a larger version.

(Photography by Theo Cohen)

If you want to get any of these looks in your new, browse our range of laminate or composite worktops, or contact us for help and advice.

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Planning a New Kitchen Made Simple – Easy Planner 3D

Are you planning a kitchen renovation project? We’ve found a great little tool to help you plan out your ideal kitchen.

Easy Planner 3D is a free computer-aided design (CAD) program which allows you to create your kitchen design in virtual three-dimensional form. You can adjust the size and shape of your kitchen, drag and drop doors and windows, add cabinets, appliances and worktops, change the colours and add finishing touches.

Once you’ve finished building your kitchen, you can view your new kitchen layout in 3D, and drag your mouse to view it from any angle. You can also save the design (once you have registered), and come back to make more changes later. There’s even the ability to share your new kitchen design.

The software runs in your web browser, so you won’t have to download it onto your computer. While not as full featured as the systems used by professional kitchen designers, it it a great free resource if you are planning a new kitchen

Visit www.easyplanner3d.com to try it out!

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Caring for Laminate Worktops

Laminate worktops are tough and durable, but to get the best out of them you need to care for them properly.

Do not expose to direct heat.

Laminate Kitchen Worktop

  • Most laminate worktops are good for up to 180 degrees Celsius, however do not take kindly to direct heat i.e. placing a hot saucepan directly onto the surface.
  • There is nothing to fear. When installed and looked after correctly, your laminate worktops can last a lifetime. Modern laminates are of a much higher quality than those of the past.

Do not cut directly on the surface.

Always use a chopping board! Modern textured surfaces are incredibly resilient to damage when not abused. Gloss laminate worktops do require some care however.

How do I clean my new surfaces?

  • Warm soapy water or appropriate surface wipes and cleaners. No strong cleaning agents!
  • Keep worktop joins and edges as dry as possible.
  • Laminate worktops can blow at the joins if water is allowed to ingress. All worktop joins and sink/hob cut-outs should have a layer of low modulus silicone applied as protection against this. I personally have found PVA wood glue to be a better sealant, and it has caused me less problems than silicone.
  • If your worktops aren’t already installed, consider using Bushboard BB Complete Worktop Adhesive and Sealant. Bushboard guarantee their worktops for 3 years against water ingress when used (correctly). We are currently offering BB Complete for free with all retail worktop purchases until the new year. Use coupon code “BBChristmas” at checkout and don’t forget to add the BB Complete to your basket.

Here’s a video from Bushboard with more information:

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Bushboard Encore Worktop Range

Bushboard’s Encore range of worktops has become a favourite amongst fitters and consumers. Easy to fit and set up, the Encore range offers beautiful aesthetics with a variety of different designs. Sinks and taps can also be easily incorporated using the Bushboard-designed jig.
Bushboard Encore Range
Take a look at their video below for more information.

 

 

The full encore range is available to buy from Refitmyhome.com.

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How to take care of your gas kitchen appliances

It’s easy to take the gas appliances in your home for granted, but it’s essential to look after them. They help us to keep warm, have hot baths and showers, and cook delicious meals – so you must keep them in tip-top condition by following the tips below.

Arrange an annual gas safety check

Maintaining Gas Appliances keeps them working safely.Did you know you should have your boiler serviced at least once a year?

That’s right, your central heating system, along with other gas-powered gadgets need to be checked annually, so don’t take risks.

During each appointment, a registered engineer will check that all appliances are burning correctly and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide are being removed safely. They’ll also inspect safety devices and ventilation routes and will identify any defects that require remedial work.

The good news is, your gas supplier may be able to provide you with a free gas safety check upon request, so long as you meet certain criteria. It may apply to home owners on means-tested benefits, so it’s worth checking with the Gas Safe Register to see if you are eligible.

Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer

If an appliance is not installed properly or is neglected in any way, it can start to leak carbon monoxide (CO). This can cause sickness, headaches, nausea, fainting, breathlessness, confusion and many other symptoms, so it’s essential to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Approved professionals are highly-trained to carry out the type of gas work you require and have the qualifications to prove it.

If you’re unsure about a workman’s credentials, ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Check the front of the card for a photo, the start date and expiry date, the licence number and the security hologram. Take a look at the back of the card to make sure their qualifications are up to date and that they suit the job you have in mind.

Check gas appliances for warning signs

Even if you have recently had a gas safety check, you should still check your appliances for signs they are not working properly. These could include lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or stains on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room. If you are at all worried, don’t hesitate to call for help as you could be exposed to harmful gasses such as CO.

Take future precautions

To ensure you are protected in the future, it’s a good idea to take out boiler cover with a company like HomeServe. The right insurance policy will provide you with the financial safety net you need in an emergency and should put your mind at rest in the future. You might also want to buy a carbon monoxide alarm from you nearest home store, as these make a loud noise if this gas is detected. Bearing in mind CO has no colour, taste or smell, it’s a pretty handy device to have around.

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your appliances – so don’t forget.

 

This is a Guest Post from HomeServe – home emergency insurance and repairs.

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New Updated Bushboard Prima 40mm Laminate Worktop

Bushboard have announced the launch of its updated Prima 40mm laminate worktop range with:

  • 6 new worktop designs
  • 2 new textures
  • 10 new splash back colours
  • Their exclusive Q3 edge profile with design-friendly shaped components.

Joining the True Scale family, along with a new Ebony design in a new Naturelle matt texture are:

  • Sequoia Slate
  • Breccia Paradiso
  • Calacatta Marble
  • Black Fossilstone in Radiance texture
  • Roman Travertine in a new Etchings texture

 

So What’s New?

The Prima range of worktops now features Bushboard’s crisper, squarer Q3 edge profile, which is designed to enhance the appearance of wood grain and granite designs.

The Prima range now also includes curved worktops and breakfast bars to embrace the fashion for curved kitchen furniture and is available in a choice of five different designs including:

  • Calacatta Marble
  • Amber Kashmir
  • Antique Mascarello
  • Natural Block Walnut
  • Black Granite

Bushboard managing director Stuart White is clearly very excited about the launch saying, “Prima continues to build on the brand’s values for classic design while coming right up to date with our unique product enhancements of the crisp Q3 edge profile and shaped components which work so well with the trend for curved kitchen furniture.”

The new Prima range is now available to buy from Refitmyhome.com

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Can It Go Down the Plughole?

Many people don’t realise that there are just some things that shouldn’t go down the kitchen plughole and into their drain. Some are new homeowners whilst others have simply never really thought about it before, and probably won’t give it any thought until its too late.

What's safe to go in your sink?It’s easy to simply tip things down your sink and into the drain, so they are out of sight and out of mind, but you might actually be causing damage to the environment as well as clogging your drain, with all the expense and hassle this will cause you.

A clogged drain is expensive to fix, so before you use your sink as a main way to dispose of your rubbish please read the following and never put these down your drain:

Food and Other Solids

When you are washing the dishes, you will often end up with a few scraps of food at the bottom of the sink. You might want to just flush them down the drain, but you should not send anything down the drain which will not dissolve or disintegrate easily. If you are sending food scraps such as coffee grounds, nutshells, eggshells or seeds down the drain they will clog up your pipes and require a professional drain cleaning.

Instead, use a sink strainer, which will catch the food scraps before they go down the drain. Put these into a compost pile so you can create nutrient rich soil for your garden.

Grease

When you are cooking bacon or making a roast, don’t pour the meat juices and the grease down the drain. This includes any sort of cooking oil, butter or grease. It will cling to the sides of the drain and anything else stuck in there will then cause your drain to become clogged very quickly. Instead, pour your grease into an old tin and store it in the freezer and before you even start to wash your greasy pan, wipe it out with paper towels.

Harsh Chemicals

Think about it, your drain leads out into the water supply so it is a very bad idea to put harmful chemicals down the pipes. You should not flush any motor oil, nail polish remover or anything else flammable down the drain. Also, corrosive chemicals such as pesticides and solvents are not only harmful to the environment but they are also terrible for your plumbing system. They will corrode your pipes and possibly cause you to need an entire replacement system.

These are just a few things that you should never, ever be put down your drain if you want to avoid hurting the environment and having issues with clogged plumbing.

You can avoid a clogged drain by thinking about what you put down the sink, but if you forget and the worst happens (or you are reading this article too late) you can call www.london-drainage.com for excellent drain repair assistance.

This blog is a guest post by London Drainage, a drain cleaning and repair company

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All new Refitmyhome.com website now live

Our website has now been completely redesigned and updated. It is a completely new site, so there are too many changes to list, but the main ones you will see as you are shopping are:

  • Lots of new categories – you can now shop not just for worktops, but for splashbacks, upstands, breakfast bars, edging strips and accessories.
  • Better visibility of related products – on a product page you can now see all the products of the same make and colour and add them to the basket instantly.
  • Improved, streamlined checkout process.

Our thanks go to Splice Marketing for the redesign. We are still working on adding some more images, and will be adding some exciting new products soon. If you have any questions or need help find a product, please contact us – we are always happy to help!

Chris Suckling
Director, Refitmyhome.com Ltd

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