plinths in kitchens

[LadyHomeLover]

I have to replace all the nasty chipboard plinths that came with my fitted kitchen, and have a few questions:-

1. If I choose solid oak, is it true that I need not apply anything to it - i.e. not even varnish? (I was told this today - just checking!)

2. There is no heating whatever in my kitchen so this may be an opportunity to fit a plinth fan heater. There is no radiator in the kitchen and no way to get CH pipes in there as it's a solid floor and the boiler is upstairs.

3. I've also heard of lighting within kitchen plinths. Could I have that AND the heater?

Hoping someone clever will drop by!

Lady

 

[alan333]

I don't see any physical reason you couldn't have both, but subject to the appropriate ventilation and wiring of course.

 

[foxhole]

ALL timber needs protection I used oil on my timber plinths, yes you can have lighting in plinth I have led's and plinth heaters can either run off the central heating or there are electric fans version .
Does not matter where the boiler is sited if you have a radiator near the kitchen then pipes could be run under the units no need to bury them depends on layout of home.

 

[AronSearle]

Timber does not need protection in a kitchen environment.

If you like it to get dirty and stained.

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Thanks to all three for the replies.

I am now put off from using the carpenter who said there is no need to treat the oak!

Lady

 

[Deluks]

Maybe he meant 'treat' as in wood preserver. But some sort of oil or quality varnish wouldn't go amiss.

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Nope, I suggested yacht varnish, because of the floor getting wet a lot, and he said, no need, leave it bare.

 

[Deluks]

Yacht varnish is for yachts and will look rubbish.
What are the cupboard doors and worktops made from?

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Yacht varnish is for yachts and will look rubbish.
What are the cupboard doors and worktops made from?

It's a shaker style kitchen, cream/white doors and oak handles, oak coloured chipboard B&Q worktop.

 

[foxhole]

Solid oak plinth would be OTT in my opinion, I use pine board stained to a medium oak on an oak top kitchen.

Untitled

• foxhole
• 18 Mar 2012
• 12

 

[Deluks]

I'd use oak veneered MDF or ply and oil it.

Whatever you go with, get some of this:

http://www.diy.com/nav/rooms/kitche...ile-Plinth-Seal-White-10146448?skuId=10567153