Here at Wood Worktops, we were proud to have our wooden worktops featured in one of Channel 4’s most popular home makeover shows, Extraordinary Extensions. Hosted by Tinie Tempah, this show is now in its second series, thanks to a positive reception among TV viewers. Extraordinary Extensions features courageous homeowners across the UK creating exceptional additions to their homes with a range of budgets and often bold architectural styles.
The show presents their remarkable journeys, from ambitious projects like underground pools to extending homes upwards, downwards and outwards – typically with a high degree of focus on the interior décor. In episode 2 of the second series, available on demand, our full stave oak worktops were among the star features of a wonderful open-plan dining room/kitchen built into the contemporary extension of a 1960s Essex home.
Our Worktops: Central to a Transformative Extension
Extraordinary Extensions is a captivating television series, largely because it offers viewers an in-depth exploration into the many choices people need to make when conducting home extensions. The show delves deeper into the architectural innovation that many homeowners put into their extension projects as well as offering insights into the personal stories behind each build.
If you are considering the merits of wood for your kitchen makeover, then – whether you are having an extension or merely renovating your kitchen – it would be a good idea to watch this episode even if you’ve never seen Extraordinary Extensions before. In this case, the featured couple faced the challenge of extending their distinctive 1960s Essex home on a tight budget.
Our full stave oak worktops were used throughout the entire design of the kitchen. Firstly, an attractively long stave worktop was installed along one wall in the extension covering storage cabinets with plain white doors which set off the natural look of the wood perfectly.
Occupying the space in the kitchen underneath its large picture window, this lengthy worktop accommodated the kitchen’s sink and featured a coordinating upstand and stave wooden end piece. Matching it, an oak stave island unit was installed. With feature lighting, this worktop served a double purpose, providing even more food preparation space in the kitchen but also operating as a breakfast bar.
Ultimately, the project also included the creation of a stunning bar area, perfectly designed to house the owners’ wine collection alongside a glass-fronted chiller unit, all crafted from the same exquisite oak wood used throughout the kitchen.
What is a Full Stave Wooden Worktop?
A full stave wooden worktop is a type of kitchen countertop made from solid wood. In this case, each stave or plank section runs for the entire length of the worktop. Unlike other wooden worktops that may use shorter pieces of wood joined together, full stave versions are characterised by their long, continuous wooden finish. This design feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the worktop by showcasing the natural beauty and grain pattern of the wood over larger, uninterrupted areas but also this design also contributes to the strength and durability of the worktop. These factors were certainly not lost on the homeowners who chose stave worktops to be the focal point of the interior design aesthetic of their home’s extension.
The term “stave” originally refers to the individual pieces of wood used to construct barrels, but in the context of worktops, it signifies the wide planks of wood. Full stave worktops are typically made from a variety of hardwoods, such as oak, walnut, maple or iroko, each offering its own unique colour, grain and character to the finished product. These worktops are highly valued for their quality and the warmth and natural ambience they bring to a kitchen. To maintain their appearance and longevity, full stave wooden worktops require regular treatment with oil to protect them from moisture and wear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the feature of our full stave oak worktops in Channel 4’s “Extraordinary Extensions” not only marks a proud moment for Wood Worktops but also serves as a testament to the timeless elegance and unparalleled functionality that wood brings to any kitchen design. This collaboration underscores our commitment to quality and sustainability, providing homeowners with durable, aesthetic solutions that complement any architectural style while meeting practical needs. Whether you’re embarking on a bold extension project or looking to refresh your kitchen’s look, our worktops offer a blend of natural beauty, resilience, and versatility.
Contact us for expert guidance and inspiration to make your kitchen makeover a resounding success.
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