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Original poster

has anyone got curved kitchen units?

27 replies

Ohanarama · 13/04/2015 18:24

Help please....I've ordered new kitchen units from Wickes (very exciting Smile). I didn't order worktops though because I didn't like the choice. I'm wanting to get solid wood worktops (probably oak) but I've only seen straight wood worktops for sale and one of my units is curved! Is the kitchen fitter expected to round off the edge for you? I'm not sure if I could trust him with that!!
Most of the big stores Wickes, b&q, homebase etc all seem to sell curved units so loads of people must have them! I'm confused Confused what do other people do?

OP posts:
Marmitelover55 · 13/04/2015 19:43

We have got curved units but with a granite worksurface, so the granite company templated it and cut it off site to fit.

kissedbyamoonbeammyarse · 13/04/2015 19:45

My joiner cut worktops to fit the curve. He had a tool for it. Looks good.

Original poster
Ohanarama · 13/04/2015 22:34

Thanks, I've looked at granite worktops but think wood would suit my units better. I thought maybe with wood they would be templated like granite perhaps.

OP posts:
Millymollymama · 14/04/2015 01:02

I have granite work tops in my house but wood cut to fit my circular end of island curved units. My company already had the circular wood tops available for their cupboards. However, my circular breakfast bar, as it effectively is, is situated miles away from the working zone of the kitchen.

In my flat I have oak worktops and they are so hard to keep looking nice if you spill anything on them. I would never have oak worktops by choice and I strongly recommend granite. If you like refurbishing worktops for a hobby, go for the wood. Granite is virtually bomb proof and just looks the same year after year!

Original poster
Ohanarama · 14/04/2015 08:23

Oh god I don't know what w do now! I certainly don't like refurbishing wood for a hobby Grin. I originally wanted grey granite but then it reminded me of gravestone and That put me off. I'm having heritage grey units which are sort of sage coloured rather than grey and I thought wood would give a nice country look. Ahhh dilemma!!!

OP posts:
kissedbyamoonbeammyarse · 14/04/2015 11:33

Don't rule out ordinary worktops. Personally I find granite overpowering. Wood is hard work but lovely. There are many types of standard worktop. Scratch proof, thick, thin, plain, imitation. Remember if the joiner messes up cutting he will be responsible. Merchants like Jewson should have loads of samples for you to browse.
I have sage units and imitation slate worktop. Not as clunky and warmer than the real thing, maintenance free too.

Millymollymama · 14/04/2015 13:53

There is a worktop called Caesarstone which has lighter colours. Also, there are grey/white speckled granites which are lighter and would look lovely. I agree the dark grey or black ones can be over powering, but there are lots of variations. Definitely don't go for wood though!

Psipsina · 15/04/2015 17:40

Oh I'm just thinking of putting in a curved unit and tbh you could only really do this with wood, or moulded/granite, as curved laminate would require a stuck on edge and they are not very robust at the best of times.

Mind you I might not bother with the curved bit as the door alone is £100. Ridiculous!

wormshuffled · 15/04/2015 21:46

I have 5 of those curved cupboards, they cost more each than my huge pan drawers and I'm struggling to put stuff in them that fits. Wish I had gone with a square island instead tbh. Yes the curves look nice but they are not really fit for purpose.

Psipsina · 15/04/2015 21:58

Well I feel better hearing that WineGrin

Psipsina · 15/04/2015 21:59

Sorry, that was really insensitive. I am sorry your cupboards aren't working out.

I'd have thought they would be great for mixing bowls and round trays/pans etc? It must be really annoying if nothing fits.

Marmitelover55 · 16/04/2015 17:11

We have a lovely light granite called Ivory Fantasy - nothing like a gravestone lol Grin

Hulababy · 16/04/2015 17:18

Have just received my initial plans from Howdens with has white gloss curved units and the oak worktop is also curved above it.

Hulababy · 16/04/2015 17:20

We have know a local handy man who already comes and does the odd thing for us. Our plan is to have him booked in to do the worktops every few months - the kitchen planner has them in his kitchen and was really open about how he looks after them, etc and what is involved. It'll cost us an hours work once every few months which we are happy to pay.

Millymollymama · 16/04/2015 18:18

Yes, but you have them looking stained and yukky in between his visits. It's not about money, it is about living with grubby oak. Maybe I am unlucky with mine, but I just think they look lived in very quickly and granite looks superb for ever. Hope your hand man does not move away.

Hulababy · 16/04/2015 18:23

I don't like granite so that wasn't an option for me regardless.

We can have him come any time (he needs little notice really - maybe a week or two at most) - and will of course have the stuff in if we need to do it.

It was oak v corian - but ended up ruling corian out due to other factors, Not to mention that I love the look of solid wood.

The other option for the oak is the newer finish that you can get - it gives it a more shiny finish, but makes it far more robust surface which needs much less looking after. I personally prefer the oiled look to that though - however, if the oil treatment does prove too much hassle we have that as the fall back.

Hulababy · 16/04/2015 18:24

And no, he is unlikely to move away from what we know. But if he did, we would find another one.

Psipsina · 16/04/2015 18:32

Hula, I don't know but I thought it wasn't necessary to oil them every few months - maybe 6 months? I had a hardwax oil on mine and they didn't really need doing again more than once a year if that.

Osmo I think is lauded on here, I used a Howdens own brand. It sets hard almost like a varnish but better.

Careful with cutting though, as with most worktops

I love granite but our shonky floors are not very strong and neither are the walls - and cheapo cabinets - just not really an option for us.

Hulababy · 16/04/2015 18:34

I guess to start with it will be monitoring how often between them being done. I guess every few months may be a worse case scenario but don't know. I guess if I have it in my head more often then if it lasts onger it will be a nice surprise.

Marmitelover55 · 16/04/2015 18:52

This is our curved granite

has anyone got curved kitchen units?
Original poster
Ohanarama · 17/04/2015 22:30

Marmite your curved granite looks amazing Wine. I'm still in a quandary but going back to look at some granite this weekend. ...am now veering towards black rather than gravestone grey Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Ohanarama · 17/04/2015 22:31

My head's in a mess!

OP posts:
Marmitelover55 · 19/04/2015 20:32

I think black granite can look awesome but need to be careful room is not dark as black will accentuate this.

bamboostalks · 19/04/2015 20:35

I don't know about the curved worktop but curved cupboards are a nightmare. Avoid at all costs. Totally useless.

AtomicDog · 19/04/2015 20:36

Marmite- your kitchen is lovely!
May I ask which company the units came from? (like the lights too!)