Oak worktop repair help

[Mattnew2002]

Hi all

A bit of a conundrum. I've just fitted a brand new kitchen with oak worktops but I've noticed an imperfection in the worktop next to the sink. Image attached. Basically there's a small void underneath this knot and the knot is slightly proud and jagged so could easily catch a loose sleeve. It will also get wet.

If it was somewhere out of the way, I'd probably leave it, but as it's right next to the sink it's going to get wet and also a lot of traffic, so a pretty high risk area and I think it will get worse if I don't treat it.

So my question is this - I want to fill it but not have to sand the area back and/or apply new varnishes etc. as it's a brand new worktop and any major works like this are definitely going to show up, to the point where I'll end up having to sand and refinish the whole 3m long worktop.

I'm thinking of just dripping some glue into it and letting it cure flat, then maybe scrape it flush afterwards.

Does that sound like a high-risk strategy to anyone here, and if not, what glue would be best. I'm thinking a clear-setting epoxy like jb weld.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Whomsoever selected that oak for a worktop, made a very poor selection and their judgment is to be questioned. If that was my top, I'd go back to the supplier and tell them your purchase was not of merchantable quality and ask them to replace it.

 

[chirpychippy]

You could try filling the knot with 2 part epoxy resin or you could try using super glue. With either solution you will need to sand/scrape back to flush with surface.

Or....you could try a Wax Stick to fill the void, but I'm not sure of the longevity of wax compared to epoxy/super glue.

I think you'll have a hard time getting it replaced as there will be a clause somewhere about knots/shakes etc, or once the worktop has been cut it can't be returned.

 

[foxhole]

Should never been installed , not fit for purpose .

 

[chirpychippy]

Should never been installed , not fit for purpose .

I agree, but it's beyond that stage now.

 

[Munroast]

cut any proud bits back, remove any loose stuff, expose the void that you mention - then fill it with a resin

you will have to sand or scrape it back the feather it ito the original finish - a difficult repair to do well

 

[Mattnew2002]

Unfortunately I didn't notice it until it was fully installed with recessed sink and tap installed. Indeed it may not have "ruptured" until after it was installed. B+Q worktop - there were other quality issues too that I should have spotted earlier on. Anyway that ship has sailed.

Sounds like epoxy is the recommendation. Would JB Weld Clearweld be suitable anyone?

 

[Mattnew2002]

Unfortunately I'm selling the house. I suspect some homeowners would just leave it for it to be the next person's problem, but I don't think that's fair on them so would prefer to attempt a repair if I can.

 

[foxhole]

Unfortunately I'm selling the house. I suspect some homeowners would just leave it for it to be the next person's problem, but I don't think that's fair on them so would prefer to attempt a repair if I can.

I wouldn’t bother if you are selling, new owners may well rip it all out and replace , first thing I did when I bought current home .

 

[Scally-Ho]

@Mattnew2002 Is that worktop well and truly fixed down? If not, carefully remove some timber from the underside and use that piece to match in after removing that gall. Any indentation left on the underside can be simply filled before refitting the top.

 

[Mattnew2002]

Thanks Scally-Ho. Yes fixed down but I have spare lengths that I can use to make a plug.

I'd be tempted to try the epoxy method first and then if it looks terrible, I can always resort to a plug. Any thoughts?

Whatever I do I think it's going to be visible. I'm getting a few quotes from specialists which seem to come in around £200, but to be honest, my experience with trades isn't great.

 

[mrrusty]

I've used tetrion clear stonefill (it's actually cream coloured) on a wooden worktop successfully. It seems to be standing up to use very well https://community.screwfix.com/threads/wooden-worktop-repair.277508/

 

[Mattnew2002]

Thanks Mr Rusty. I note the product info on the stonefill doesn't mention it being suitable for wood. My hunch would be that it dries very rigid, whereas I guess a wood worktop can flex a little with heat/expansion. Still thanks for the tip and nice work on your son's worktop.

I'm in contact with B+Q to see if they'll do a repair under guarantee. The worktop has a 25 year guarantee so I think I have a pretty good claim. My only concern is that I'm a total perfectionist, so worry that anyone they send won't be able to do a repair I'll be satisfied with...

 

[Scally-Ho]

My local B&Q never quibble if anything bought has a flaw and they replace without question. I doubt if they will offer to repair, but replacement is never a problem.

 

[mrrusty]

My hunch would be that it dries very rigid

I used it because it was to hand, but its lasting up very well on that worktop - getting on for a year now and I've subsequently used it on exterior wood and it seems to have no problems at all. It dries hard but not completely brittle. I suspect the reason it may not be promoted as a wood filler is because it's a styrene resin and really stinks when it's going off and styrene isn't the nicest of substances to use inside.

As above, I think you could get a replacement, but how much hassle if you are selling up?