FAQ's

Stainless steel is an alloy of Iron with a minimum of 11% Chromium. Chromium produces a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel known as the 'passive layer'. This prevents any further corrosion of the surface. Increasing the amount of Chromium gives an increased resistance to corrosion.

Stainless steel also contains varying amounts of Carbon, Silicon and Manganese. Other elements such as Nickel and Molybdenum may be added to impart other useful properties such as enhanced formability and increased corrosion resistance.

Although stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion than ordinary carbon or alloy steels, in some circumstances it can corrode. It is 'stain-less' not stain-impossible'. In normal atmospheric or water-based environments, stainless steel will not corrode as demonstrated by domestic sink units, cutlery, saucepans and work-surfaces.

In more aggressive conditions, the basic types of stainless steel may corrode and a more highly alloys stainless steel can be used.

Overtime the stainless steel surface will superficially scratch and mark to form a 'patina', which becomes a feature of the surface. These marks are purely superficial.

Stainless steel is extremely durable- A stainless steel worktop will last for many, many years. In our view it would not wear out. The stainless steel surface also remains totally hygienic* over it's lifetime.
* Subject to cleanliness

Stainless steel offers a totally hygienic surface, which is why it's used in abundance in commercial kitchens, where hygiene is paramount.

Stainless steel sinks and worktops require regular care.

REGULAR CLEANING

1. Wash down the surface using water containing soap or mild detergent.
2. Always rinse the surface with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
3. A thorough cleaning operation can be completed, by polishing the surface with a stainless steel polish and a soft cloth.

DISCOLOURATION

1. Any discoloration should be removed immediately using a mild proprietary cleaner such as 'Cif' gently rubbing with the grain of the metal.
2. After use rinse thoroughly as above, with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
3. Remove dirt and limescale deposits on a regular basis.
4. Do not use cleaning agents containing chlorine (generally sodium hypochlorite) or hydrochloric acid.
5. If you use steel wool for cleaning, it must be made of non-rusting stainless steel.
6. Avoid lengthy contact with salty liquids.
7. Avoid direct or prolonged contact with rusting objects (cast -iron pans or iron filings).
8. Do not use your sink for dyeing or bleaching fabric or hair.

AVOID

1. Do not cut directly onto stainless steel worktops - Always use a cutting board.
2. Do Not place hot pans etc, directly onto the stainless steel work surface - Always use a pan stand.
3. Do not use course abrasive materials such as harsh scouring pads, wire wool etc, which can scratch the stainless steel surface. In addition metal particles left on the surface can quickly turn to rust and leave rust stains on the surface.
4. Most common bleaches, toilet cleaners, photographic developing liquids, acids, concentrated disinfectants, chlorine (often present as hypochlorite) and strong alkalies, i.e. caustic soda, can lead to pitting of the stainless steel surface. If any of these solutions in a concentrated form or otherwise, come into contact with the surface, they should be thoroughly rinsed off as described in 'Regular Cleaning'.

STAINS ON THE SURFACE OF YOUR SINK

These stains usually involve limescale deposits, which appear depending on the hardness of the drinking water. These limescale deposits retain dirt particles to a greater extent, with the result that unattractive stains form in only a short period of time.

Small iron and rust particles from the water mains network may also make it appear as though there are rusty marks, particularly in the case of new buildings or when repairs are being carried out to the mains pipelines, and where cast-iron water pipes are involved.

The two major types of Stainless Steel used by Cavendish are:

1. Austenitic grade Stainless Steel. Code EN1.4301- otherwise known as 304 grade. For the manufacture of it's stainless steel food preparation surfaces.
2. Ferritic grade stainless steel. Code EN1.4016 otherwise known as 430 grade for the manufacture of cabinets

Cavendish manufactures all of its products in a satin finish stainless steel. This finish is a grained stainless steel and you will find it will match any stainless steel appliances that are also satin finished. The stainless steel has been polished to a 240 grit silicon finish.

We can also manufacture certain items in mirror-polished stainless steel. Please contact us if you are interested in this finish.

Worktops - normally 13* working days from either receipt of your templates/dimensions or from our final site survey visit.

Individual Cabinets - Approximately 10* working days

Complete Kitchens - Normally 4* weeks from either receipt of your templates/dimensions or from our final site survey.

* Dependant on current order book.

Yes you can. Cavendish is quite happy to work either from your own measurements or templates, but generally we would not install a worktop/complete kitchen that hadn't been measured by ourselves.

All our kitchen cabinets/worktops are made to order and you can select from a huge catalogue of shapes and sizes fulfilling most needs. However if you have a special request please contact us with your requirements.

Yes we would say that certain items such as straight worktops and splashbacks are easy to install. 'L' shaped worktops are a little more difficult because of the joints. Cabinets come pre-assembled and with brackets to secure them to walls, so again quite simple. Complete kitchens are reasonably straightforward as long as a competent person is installing them.

Cavendish do not make connections to services.

Stainless steel splashbacks are normally fixed to a wall with a "GRAB" adhesive i.e. No Nails. We can supply you with this adhesive. Click here to find out more info

Smaller items such as a Splashback or a small worktop would be couriered. Items such as large worktops or multiple cabinets would normally be delivered by our own van.

If you do not have an approved credit account with us, the following payment terms will apply for contracts where we are supplying/supplying and fixing: Orders under the value of £1000.00 excluding VAT - Full payment in advance before work of any kind commences.

Orders over £1000.00 excluding VAT: 50% of order value to be received before work of any kind commences. 50% of order value by way of cleared funds upon delivery of materials to site.

Come along to our factory in Waltham Cross to see our showroom, with our extensive range of products.

All our products come with a 1 year parts and labour guarantee.