Oak RSJ Covers Will Add Character And Extra Warmth To This Vibrant Kitchen.

Tala and Tom Bailey had bought their house approximately 10 years ago, and over the years had been renovating and improving their home. When they contacted Oak By Design, via the contact form on the website at the start of February, they were in the process of finalising their recently extended kitchen.

Tala emailed us regarding covering a number of plastered RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) covers in the kitchen. Although they had a beautifully renovated kitchen, in their relatively new, detached home, they felt it needed some character adding.

Joanne rang Tala and spoke to her about how we make our oak RSJ covers . Our oak RSJ Covers are used to cover steels in extensions, or between rooms where there have been knock throughs, and often just used to add character where it would be difficult to add solid oak beams.

She also explained how there would be joints along the covers if they were over 4.5 metres long. In cases where long covers are required, an oak ‘strap’ is made to cover the joint. This can be left in oak, painted black to replicate a steel strap, or a steel strap can be custom made to cover the joints.

After discussing the finish, and Tala giving Joanne some approx. sizes a quotation was arranged. Joanne also sent her the details of Jack , a builder who would be able to install the oak RSJ covers for her.

Tala then arranged to visit Joanne at the Oak By Design showroom later in February where she showed Tala and her young son the different finishes, and how the cover would be made.

We appreciate that not everyone is able to visit our Tockwith Showroom, however, we are more than happy to provide samples of shaping and finish on the appropriate oak, via the post.

Jack then spoke to Tala about her requirements and provided her with a quotation for his work. Tala then ordered the oak covers at the start of March.

Shortly afterwards, Tala emailed to discuss one of the RSJ covers that would be covering an RSJ that was running over the top of her beautiful pink kitchen cabinets, with a lovely detailed decorative trim along the top. There wasn’t enough space to fit the thickness of the oak between the top of the cabinet and the underside of the steel, and she didn’t want the decorative trim to be cut into, quite rightly!

Joanne spoke to Jack and it was agreed that the oak covers would be made in such a way that the area above the kitchen units would be cut on site around the trim.

This can be seen on the before photos below.

Tala confirmed that the finish she wanted was as per an example she had seen on her visit to the showroom:

- Light shaping along the long edges of the covers. This takes the sharpness off the edges of the cover and adds character without being too dramatic.

- Brushing – by wire brushing the oak, this creates texture along the sides of the cover, enhancing the grain of the oak.

- Oiling – to create a matt, light finish, Osmo’s Polyx Oil in 3044, Raw.

In total, 4 oak RSJ Covers were ordered, totalling approx. 10 metres. There were 2 at widths of 395mm and 2 at 200mm.

Jack provided the exact measurements after visiting Tala again in March and the covers were put into production and were ready mid-April. As Jack wasn’t ready for them yet, they were stored at our workshop, and the when he was ready for them, delivery was arranged.

Once Jack had finished the installation of the covers, the couple decided that a further cover, together with a king post above, would suit another area of the kitchen. This would be in the new extension, underneath the roof lights of the sloping extension.

Once quoted for, the order was made and these were delivered and cut to size and installed by Jack.

The addition of the oak covers, together with the beautiful painted kitchen in pink, aubergine and yellow has created a really warm and welcoming space. The original kitchen space, together with the extended area have provided a really spacious, characterful, yet still contemporary family space.

Jack has made a great job of the installation, and the addition of the black oak straps have enhanced the oak RSJ covers.