Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you till have a query that needs answering do call us on 01920 466522 or e-mail us at mail@highcrossjoinery.com.

Q: Do you make bespoke furniture to order?
Q: Is MDF suitable for radiator cabinets?
Q: Are they easy to install?
Q: How do you paint them?
Q: Will a cabinet make my radiator less effective?
Q: How do I care my wooden furniture?
Q: What are the effects of light and heat on the furniture?
Q: What are the effects of moisture on the furniture?
Q: What happens if I spill something on the furniture?
Q: How to I cover or touch up scratches?
Q: Do hot objects damage the wood?
Q: How do U get rid of heat marks?
Q: How do I get rid of cigarette burns (light)?
Q: How do I get rid of nail polish?
Q: How do I get rid of paint marks?
Q: How do I get rid of sticking paper?
Q: How do I get rid of wax or gum?
Q: How Do I Order?
Q: What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
Q: Do you deliver?
Q: Why not have 50% to 70% discounts like other furniture shops?

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Q: Do you make bespoke furniture to order?
A: Yes we can make any size or shape of furniture just call us on 01920 466522 to find out more.

Q: Is MDF suitable for radiator cabinets ?
A: All Radiator Cabinets are manufactured from sturdy MDF (medium density fiberboard). This is a modern material made from resin-bonded wood particles. MDF is especially suitable for radiator cabinets because it is hard and grain-free. It will not warp or split. It is more heat-resistant than ordinary wood and contains no knot holes or defects.

Q: Are they easy to install?
A: Radiator Cabinet kits are dispatched as pre build kits with all fittings included...............................back to top

Q: How do you paint them ?
A: MDF needs very little preparation and can be stained using palette wood dye or painted easily Treat MDF as wood. We recommend priming first. Especially around the sanded corners.

Q: Will a cabinet make my radiator less effective ?
A: Very little, providing you follow the measurements and recommended clearances properly. In some cases it can make a radiator more efficient, for example a cabinet under a window will send heat out into the room rather than up into the curtains. Radiators work by convection and no part of the radiator should touch the cabinet . Air circulation is then unrestricted, so the effect should be minimal.

Q: How do I care my wooden furniture?
A: To clean and preserve wood tables and chairs, wipe them with a soft cloth that is either dry or slightly damp. If necessary, use a little water and a mild cleaner such as Murphy's Oil Soap. Be careful not to use harsh cleaners or abrasives, as they may harm or blemish the finish. Occasional use of a high-grade furniture polish can help to maintain luster. Consult the product instructions for the exact piece for more information.

Q: What are the effects of light and heat on the furniture?..........................................................back to top
A: Light, particularly visible and ultraviolet (UV) light, is very damaging to organic materials such as wood. Damage from light is cumulative and irreversible. A table top exposed to diffuse light for several years will suffer similar effects of light damage as a table top exposed to direct sunlight for a shorter time. Light provides the energy and increased temperature necessary to chemically degrade finishes and wood colorants, and in severe cases, cause the wood cell structure to break down. Clear finishes often turn yellow or opaque in response to light, and the color of the wood itself can also change. The resulting damaged finishes and bleached wood cannot be restored to their original color without stripping and refinishing, a practice not recommended as loss of the "patina" or evidence of use can affect the furniture's monetary value. To limit the effects of light, move all furniture out of direct sunlight, utilize blinds or curtains to block the intensity of sunlight and allow it to diffuse evenly throughout a room, and keep lights in rooms turned off when not in use. UV light, which is particularly damaging to wood and fabrics, can be screened out by applying a UV-filtering film to windows.

Q: What are the effects of moisture on the furniture?
A: When cleaning, water should be used only in small quantities - preferably just a damp cloth. The furniture should always be wiped off with a dry cloth. This also applies to the use of soap solution. Changes in the relative humidity occur with the seasons and can cause solid wooden table tops to warp or become slightly marked.

Q: What happens if I spill something on the furniture?
A: If you spill any liquids on a wood surface, wipe immediately. Clean your furniture by dusting the surface with a soft dry cloth, or polishing with the appropriate furniture polish for the desired luster you prefer.

Q: How to I cover or touch up scratches?......................................................................................back to top
A: You may cover or touch up small scratches scratch remover, or touch up stick which can be purchased in a paint store.

Q: Do hot objects damage the wood?
A: Unless your furniture has a new "super finish" to protect it, use coasters to prevent spills, stains and damage from hot dishes. Blot all spills immediately. Keep solvents, alcohol, nail polish and polish removers away from your furniture surfaces. When dusting, always lift lamps and other objects - don't slide then across the furniture's surface.

Q: How do U get rid of heat marks?
A: Rub gently along the grain, using a dry steel wool soap pad or a cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral spirits, or rub gently along the grain with extra-fine steel wool. Wipe clean and wax or polish.

Q: How do I get rid of cigarette burns (light)?...............................................................................back to top
A: Rub with scratch-concealing polish, or with a paste of linseed oil and rottenstone, working with the grain until the burn mark disappears.

Q: How do I get rid of nail polish?
A: Blot the spill immediately, then rub with fine steel wool dipped in wax. Wipe dry and wax or polish.

Q: How do I get rid of paint marks?
A: If fresh, remove latex paint with water and oil-based paint with mineral spirits. If dry, soak spot in boiled linseed oil, wait until paint softens and lift carefully with a putty knife or wipe with cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. Residue can be removed by rubbing along the grain with a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone. Wipe dry and wax or polish.

Q: How do I get rid of sticking paper?
A: Dampen the paper thoroughly with salad oil, wait five minutes and rub along the grain with extra-fine steel wool. Wipe dry and wax or polish.

Q: How do I get rid of wax or gum?..............................................................................................back to top
A: Harden the substance by holding an ice cube wrapped in cloth against it, then use your fingernail or plastic credit card to remove it. Rub the area with extra-fine (0000) steel wool dipped in mineral spirits. Wipe dry and wax or polish.

Q: How Do I Order?
Give us a call, on telephone number 01920 466522. We will be able to answer your questions. Note: Occasionally, you may get our answer machine when call volume is high. Please leave a message, we do answer every call.

Q: What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
A: We are enquirying about accepting credit cards but at the moment we only accept cash and cheques.

Q: Do you deliver?.........................................................................................................................back to top
A: Yes your furniture can be delivered although the cost does depend on how much you order.

Q: Why not have 50% to 70% discounts like other furniture shops?
A: Today's consumers are smarter than most retailers give them credit for being. It doesn't take much figuring out to see that a retailer offering huge discounts is inflating their prices first, we don't do that. We figure a reasonable markup over what the product actually costs and that is what you will find marked in our showroom and online. Nothing tricky going on here.