For all widths up to 180mm your Oak board will come as a single piece. For widths over 180mm, we may joint the boards but if we do, we will ensure that we try and match the colour and pay attention to the grain pattern trying to get it as close as we can.

All of the Oak we supply will be squared (with the exception of a waney/live edge), planed and lightly sanded. If you request it, we will also add 2 coats of Osmo worktop top oil in a finish you can select (Matt and Satin).

We recommend starting with a 120 grit sandpaper and finishing with 180 grit to achieve a smooth finish.

Oak, by its very nature, contains knots and small fissures that enhance its natural beauty and character. Most people select oak shelves to showcase the natural character of oak, so you can leave them as they are. If you're wanting to achieve a different look, you may want to fill any knots using wood filler, resin, or wax before sanding and finishing.

Our shelves are supplied with a square or live edge. If you require an alternative profile, please contact us at sales@oakboards.co.uk with your requirements.

Live edge oak refers to timber that retains the natural, uncut edge of the tree, rather than being milled into a perfectly straight shape. This style highlights the raw, organic beauty of the wood, including natural contours and unique grain patterns.

Our live edge shelves will contain one live edge at the front and a square edge to the rear for installation.

Yes, oak shelves can definitely be used in both kitchens and bathrooms, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Kitchens tend to have high moisture levels, especially near sinks or cooking areas. To protect oak from warping or rotting, it's important to treat the wood with a high-quality good sealant or finish that's water-resistant. Be mindful of placing oak shelves near heat sources (like stoves or ovens) as excessive heat or steam will likely damage the wood.
• Bathrooms have a lot of moisture, and oak can absorb this, potentially leading to swelling or warping if not properly treated. Use a moisture-resistant finish and ensure proper ventilation in the room. Be mindful not to place an oak shelf near the shower or bathtub, it may face constant exposure to steam or water.
• In both spaces, regularly wiping down the shelves and maintaining their finish every 6-12 months will help them stay in good condition.

Take a look at your installation guide .

The number of shelf brackets you'll need depends on a few factors, like the size and weight of the shelf, and how much weight it will need to hold. As a general guide:

• For smaller shelves (up to 60cm): Typically, 2 brackets should be sufficient.
• For medium shelves (60-120 cm): You may want 3 brackets to ensure even support.
• For larger shelves (over 120 cm): 4 brackets or more might be needed, especially for heavy items.

Always ensure you are securing to a solid wall or locating the vertical studs when fixing bracket supports.

If you've ordered brackets alongside your oak shelf, they will be supplied with screws and plugs, suitable for solid masonry walls.

If you are installing to any other surface, you'll need to find alternative anchors fixings. Plasterboard fixings are not recommended for fitting shelving. Ensure you follow all manufacturers guidelines when using alternative fixings.

The weight capacity of oak shelves depends on the thickness and number of brackets used. Here's a simple guide:

For 15-32 mm thick shelves:

• 2 brackets (up to 60 cm long): Holds about 9-13 kg.
• 3 brackets (60-120 cm long): Holds about 22-27 kg.
• 4 brackets (over 120 cm long): Holds up to 34 kg.

For thicker shelves (44 mm or more): Hold up to 45 kg with strong brackets.

For heavier items, use more brackets or stronger anchors and always fix to a solid wall or timber studs.

We allow a tolerance of 2mm in width, thickness and length. If you need a bespoke size, select the size and enter your trim dimensions in the available text box.