Heat deflectors and oak worktops - should I bother?

[SteveM46]

Folks

I am having a new kitchen fitted. I have oak worktops and a cast iron range cooker (an Everhot). According to the range manufacturer, the prescribed gap between worktop and range is 5mm either side for normal worktops, 10mm either side for wood. However, my kitchen fitters have managed to leave a space of no more than 3mm-4mm either side.

So, question is, should I be very concerned about the worktop warping because it is that close to the range? If so, can I paint or stick something on the side of the worktop to resist the heat? Or should I have the kitchen fitters come up with a bigger gap?

I would quite like the range to be a tight fit with the worktops, but not if they are going to be completely knackered within a couple of years.

Views please!!

[allegro]

I doubt that sort of heat will do your worktop any favours. Personally i would get them back and trim the required amount off rather than putting a horrible looking plate on the ends

[russ_a]

We had a new Walnut worktop fitted a couple of months back. The advice sheet with the worktop advised to use offcuts from the worktop and glued them on the end to protect against heat, so that is what the join did. Looks really neat and no issues yet.

Though I'm pretty sure he also left a 5cm gap too!

[Tyre Tread]

russ_a said:

he also left a 5cm gap too!

[Tiggsy]

russ_a said:

We had a new Walnut worktop fitted a couple of months back. The advice sheet with the worktop advised to use offcuts from the worktop and glued them on the end to protect against heat, so that is what the join did. Looks really neat and no issues yet.

Though I'm pretty sure he also left a 5cm gap too!

You sure thats not a cupboard and you're missing a door?