Before placing an order with us
At Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke, we take great pride in each and every unique piece of solid furniture we sell. Our furniture is handcrafted and professionally finished by our team and built using both new and reclaimed wood with a distinctive look.
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Given the handmade and hand-finished nature of the products we craft, variations and imperfections in the wood should be expected and celebrated!
Just as every tree is unique, so too is every piece of furniture that is handcrafted and hand-finished just for you.
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Please read through our cosmetic standards below before placing an order with us.
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NOTE: By placing an order with us, you are agreeing that you understand and agree with the conditions of these cosmetic standards.
Our Cosmetic Standards
About our Wooden Countertops
WOOD & STAIN VARIATIONS
Every piece of furniture will have a unique grain pattern and slight color variation as a result of the grain pattern. We cannot guarantee exact stain matches to other pieces we've done in the past. Wood has a mind of its own, and every piece of wood accepts stain differently. We will use the correct stain or paint color that you requested for your order, but there is a strong chance the color will vary slightly from the piece or picture you were thinking of when you placed the order. This is normal. We cannot rework the finishing on your piece to get a perfect match.
MATCHING STAIN COLORS
We do NOT match stain colors off of photos. The only way we can do any type of custom stain color for you is if you bring us the stain yourself and tell us which type of wood to use. All wood types receive stains differently. Once you bring us the stain and tell us which wood to use, we will do what you've asked, however - we cannot rework staining that did not come out exactly as you had in mind. Why? Because every piece of wood has a unique grain pattern and there will always be slight color variations. The only thing we can guarantee is that there are no guarantees.
SANDING & STAIN COLORS
The finer finish you would like for your piece to have, the lighter your stain will be. The more that your piece is distressed, the darker your stain will be. Why? Because wood has pores, and as wood is finely sanded, the pores close - allowing less stain into the wood - resulting in a lighter color. The more distressed a piece is, generally it means that the pores of the wood are still open (since it hasn't been finely sanded) and it will accept the stain darker. This is how it works. If you are ordering your finely finished piece based off of a photo of a heavily distressed piece and you want the same stain, please know that the stain is going to look different on your finely finished, non-distressed piece.
GENERAL VARIATIONS IN FURNITURE
Other characteristics of handcrafted, solid wood furniture include open knots, visible brush strokes, micro-imperfections and textural variations in the durable, hand-brushed finishes, unique distress marks, exposed screws, wood filler marks, joint lines, and distinctive nicks, splits, cracks, and other imperfections.
We allow up to approximately 2.5cm of variation across all measurements due to the custom nature of the handcrafted furniture we build.
Those who do not appreciate variations and imperfections should not purchase handcrafted furniture.
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Solid wood may expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity. This means that the gaps between the boards of a traditional tabletop may get wider over time and will need to be cleaned.
This natural movement enhances the one-of-a-kind beauty of solid wood, handcrafted furniture. It does not affect structural integrity and is not considered defective.
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For customers that prefer to never have gaps between their tabletop boards, we recommend choosing from our jointed top options, which eliminates cracks and spaces between the boards in the tabletops. Jointed tops expand and contract as a whole.
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You will still see the beautiful and natural open knots on jointed tabletops. We do not offer machine-manufactured perfection - no two pieces are exactly alike since Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke furniture is crafted to your order specifications.
REGULAR WEAR AND TEAR ON YOUR FURNITURE
Your piece is protected to a degree with the three coats of industrial-grade lacquer that we apply to your order. However, your piece will experience micro-scratches that we have no control over. The only way to avoid these is to never use your piece.
Most people purchase furniture to be used every day and even on special occasions. Therefore, there is virtually no way to avoid these from happening, unfortunately.
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If you do not want your seat bottoms scratched or ruined, be careful to either use seat cushions on your chairs on a regular basis and/or please be careful when sitting on your chairs in blue jeans with buttons/zippers and the like.
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We cannot guarantee that your furniture will not scratch, and these types of scratches are not covered in our Guarantee.
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We celebrate the true uniqueness of every piece of solid wood furniture that is built and finished by hand in our workshop. It is our hope that you will as well.
Wood Variations
At Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke, we offer custom wooden countertops up to 160 cm in width, made from new, high-quality wood.
Here are some specific considerations regarding our wooden countertops:
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Each countertop will exhibit unique grain patterns and color variations, adding to the character and charm of your piece.
These variations are due to the natural differences in the wood and are a celebrated feature of our work.
We select each wood slab carefully to ensure the highest quality and most beautiful patterns for your countertop.
Surface Finishes
Our countertops can be finished to your specifications, with a variety of finishes and sheens available.
We also offer oil polishes for those who prefer a natural, matte look.
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Fine Sanding: Creates a smoother surface with closed pores, resulting in a lighter stain and a more polished look.
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Distressed Finishing: Maintains open pores, allowing the wood to absorb more stain for a darker, richer color and a more rustic appearance.
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Oil Polishes: Provide a natural finish that enhances the wood's grain and color while offering protection against moisture.
MAINTENANCE & DURABILITY
While our countertops are coated with multiple layers of protective finish, they are still susceptible to scratches and wear over time.
Regular maintenance, such as using cutting boards and avoiding direct contact with hot pots and pans, will help preserve the beauty of your countertop.
Micro-scratches are inevitable with daily use and are part of the charm of a well-loved, natural wood surface.
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Preventative Measures: Use cutting boards, trivets, and avoid prolonged water exposure to maintain the countertop’s appearance and integrity.
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Cleaning: Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
ACCLIMATIZATION & WARPING
Wood is a natural material that reacts to its environment. It is crucial for your wooden countertop to acclimatize to the environment in which it will be installed.
This helps to prevent warping and ensures the longevity of the piece.
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Acclimatization Process: Allow the wood to sit flat in the installation environment for at least 72 hours before installation. Ensure the countertop is open to the air with a few pieces of wood underneath to allow airflow all around.
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Warping: Even with proper acclimatization, wood may still experience slight warping over time due to changes in temperature and humidity.
To minimize this, maintain consistent humidity levels in your home and avoid placing the countertop near heat sources or areas with extreme temperature changes.
Warping can be easily addressed by a skilled carpenter using proper installation techniques, as outlined in our comprehensive installation and finishing manuals.
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Steel Reinforcement Bars: For added stability, we offer the option of installing steel reinforcement bars within the underside of the countertop to help reduce the risk of warping.
SMALL SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS
Wood is a living material, and as such, each slab has its own set of unique characteristics, including small surface imperfections.
These imperfections do not compromise the functionality or durability of the countertop but rather enhance its natural beauty and uniqueness.
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Knots and Grain Patterns: Small knots and variations in grain are natural and add character to the countertop. We take care to ensure these features do not affect the surface's usability.
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Natural Cracks: Minor cracks may develop over time as the wood adjusts to its environment. These are typical in solid wood countertops and are not considered defects. They can be filled or left as is, depending on your preference.
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Sealing and Finishing: We apply multiple layers of food-safe sealant to ensure a hygienic surface, but due to the nature of wood, there may be slight texture variations.
Regular re-sealing may be necessary to maintain a smooth and protected surface.
Edge Profiles
At Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke, we offer six standard edge profile styles for our countertops, with the option for custom profiles on special order.
Our standard edge styles include:
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Straight Edge
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Beveled Edge
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Eased Edge
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Bullnose Edge
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Ogee Edge
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Waterfall Edge
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Minor Tearout and Edge Profile Accuracy
During the process of creating edge profiles, minor tearout may occur, especially when working with natural wood.
Tearout refers to small chips or rough spots that can occur along the edges of the wood.
At Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke, we address these areas by carefully sanding and filling them to ensure a smooth and finished appearance.
Importance of Accurate Sketches
To minimize the risk of improper edging, accurate sketches and specifications supplied to us are crucial.
These sketches should clearly outline the desired edge profile style and dimensions. This ensures that our craftsmen can execute the edge profile accurately according to your preferences.
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We take pride in our attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring that each countertop is finished to the highest standards.
Sink & Hob Cutouts
We take extra care to seal the areas around sink and hob cutouts to ensure durability and resistance to water damage.
These areas receive additional layers of finish to help protect against moisture ingress.
However, these areas require constant maintenance and should be checked regularly for signs of water damage, heat damage, or wear.
Maintenance Tips:
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Regularly check for any signs of water or heat damage.
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Apply extra sealant if necessary.
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Use heat shielding underneath and on the sides of countertops near ovens.
LEAD TIMES
With your order, you were given a lead time. With over 25+ orders in our queue at any given time, lead times are PURELY ESTIMATES.
We have been known to get orders to customers before the estimated lead time given, and there have also been issues that have happened in production that delayed order fulfillment.
The lead time that we have given you is our best guess at when you will get your piece. It's better to get it a few weeks later than quoted and it be up to quality standards since you plan to have it for years to come, than it is to get it on time and it fails quality standards.
We cannot guarantee a specific delivery date. Please know this if you're placing an order with us in hopes of getting it for a special occasion such as a party, birthday, holiday, etc.
We will always do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee anything in terms of delivery date.
Please understand this before placing an order with us.
INSTALLATION TIPS
Proper installation is crucial to prevent water damage and ensure the longevity of your countertop.
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Silicone Sealing: Use silicone along joins and against walls to prevent water damage. This creates a watertight seal that protects the wood from moisture.
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Heat Shielding: Place heat shielding underneath and on the sides of countertops near ovens to protect against heat damage.
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We take great pride in crafting each countertop to meet your specifications, ensuring a unique and beautiful addition to your home. Thank you for choosing Minimaal en Mooi Houtwerke for your custom wooden countertops.