John Lewis Kitchen problem

unsure

I'm hoping some kind and wise MSEers will be able to help with a problem please. We recently had a freezer leak which caused some water damage to a large end panel of our John Lewis Oakridge kitchen (six years old). Basically the veneer has bubbled up and come away over a significant area making it unsightly. Pretty clear it needs replacing.

John Lewis fitter told us they no longer do that range and the nearest one only does end panels 9mm thinner...and we'd need to replace the other end panel (around fridge/freezer) as well at cost of circa £450. I'm not keen on buying an extra panel and shifting the run of units so it's an inch away from where it ended against small wall/steps.

I'm wondering if any MSE types know who made this range on the off chance that we can go back to the manufacturer and get a single panel from them and then get that fitted instead. Any helpful thoughts or suggestions welcomed. Thanks.

Steve_the_fitter

talk to a french polisher and see what they can do for you

unsure

Sadly, that won't help. The "veneer" appears to be a plastciky substance stuck over heavy particle board. This has bubbled up, come away, cracked and left the discoloured board underrneath showing. Polishing or trying to stick it back down will not give any worthwhile result. I think only a replacement panel will work aesthetically.

uk_messer

You could try a joinery, they should be able to relaminate the existing or a new board to match and be cheaper than the 450 for sure.

Steve_the_fitter

Sorry didnt make myself very clear. You wont be able to repair what you have but you can buy another veneered board and get a french polisher to colour match it. Ive had a customer do it before. I imagine it would be cheaper than buy a non match from JL

unsure wrote: »

Sadly, that won't help. The "veneer" appears to be a plastciky substance stuck over heavy particle board. This has bubbled up, come away, cracked and left the discoloured board underrneath showing. Polishing or trying to stick it back down will not give any worthwhile result. I think only a replacement panel will work aesthetically.

Furts

A lot of kitchens are made of "veneered" chipboard produced by Egger. The covering is not real wood. If your finish is one of the countless finishes produced by this company you can order a new sheet through a builders merchant.

There are other sources and manufacturers. It is a matter of identifying your panel. For commercial reasons your panel identity may not be the name known to the panel manufacturer.

I recently purchased a 3000 by 2000 panel that was a perfect match for a kitchen. It was cut to size for me to collect - this was the cheapest option. Had it been delivered it was around £100.

If it is a real wood veneer try Marpatt at Leicester. If they cannot help ask them who can.

unsure

Thanks all for useful advice, certainly gives me something to pursue. Can't find Thanks button for some reason Apologies for misunderstanding over French polisher whihc now makes perfect sense!