Do you provide free quotes?

Yes, if you want we can give you an estimate or a quote if we have enough detail, just email us at info@empatika.uk some rough dimensions and a sketch and ideally some pictures of the area you have in mind and you will get a quote very quickly by email. If you are happy with the estimate then we can come and visit you when it suits you and talk in detail.

How reliable are your carpenters?

We are very reliable, stick to start times and days agreed, we do what we say we will do, we turn up on time every day in order not disrupt your schedule. And we are there throughout the job, not disappearing for one day to do something else.

Do you provide drawings?

Yes once we receive your deposit, we provide you with a hand drawn from scratch 3D computer scale drawing precise to the millimetre for you to check how it looks and to see if you are happy with the dimensions. If you like you can make any changes until the drawing is perfect.

How do I know you will do a good job?

Before I buy anything I read reviews so I suggest you do the same, we have over 100 independent testimonials on the internet. Please have a look at our testimonial page to see what our clients say about us

You call or email us, we asses your needs and give you an estimate or quote, then we arrange a time to come round and visit you, ask you more questions in detail to find out exactly what you would like, listen very carefully to your ideas and offer design ideas and solutions to best use your space and needs. We go away, email you a final quote. Once you decide to go ahead, we take a small deposit, then send you the drawings, once you have agreed the drawing we can book your place in the diary and we agree a start date. We then turn up with the materials and tools and build your units, then once built we paint them or oil them. Then once we are totally finished and you are delighted, only then do you pay us the balance, lastly if you feel testimonials have helped you choose us, please help us keep them fresh and leave us a testimonial here: https://plus.google.com/101927655300158702077/about?hl=en&review=1

Are you going to make a big mess in our house?

We understand that your home is precious and we do everything we can to make sure we leave it in the state we found it. All our materials are cut to size by a specialist cutting company before being delivered to your home, so minimal cutting is required onsite, even then we cover and protect the floors, cover your furniture with plastic sheets, use dust extractors connected directly to power tools, we even use a fine dust and chemical extractor for really sensitive areas, this is well over the top but we like to do the very best we can and offer the best service, and when the work is all finished we take all our rubbish away and give your place a clean.

What materials and finishes do you offer?

Our units are built of quality Medite FSC certified MDF wood then painted, or made of wood veneer we can oil or use matt water based clear varnish, and also melamine coated wood as typically found in kitchen units. We are also pioneering research in alternative healthier eco friendlier materials, we are the first UK fitted furniture company to use UK sourced strawboard which is totally natural and bound with no glues at all to make our bespoke furniture, we can build your units out of formaldehyde free MDF too, we also use recycled plastic sheeting for decorative purposes with lighting behind and recycled glass as well as many other sustainable materials and finishes to find out more please see our eco page.

Do you paint the units and what colours do you offer?

Yes, we use the best quality professional waterbased DULUX and Farrow and Ball eggshell semi matt white paint . If you would like the eco option using more natural paints please see our environment page. We mostly use white but can paint any colour you like (If you would like to paint your fitted furniture we can offer you free advice).

Do you spray the units and do high gloss?

We can arrange to spray the doors and outside visible parts and make the internal carcass of a white or other colour melamine coated laminate.

Are your charges transparent?

All charges are stated in advance in the final quote, you know what you will pay from the start, everything is listed in the quote. Only handles are optional and to be supplied by you or us, also parking is extra, so they are priced separately. All of which is clearly stated in your quote.

Does your service represent value?

For the quality of service we offer from beginning to end we offer outstanding value, we take great pride in producing only the best bespoke furniture that you will be proud to own for years to come, we offer a 2 year guarantee on our work, we are endorsed by various independent certification bodies, we take customer service very seriously, we understand that there is more to producing furniture than wood and screws, your total satisfaction is our number one priority, but don’t take our word for us see what our clients say.

How flexible are you once the work has started if something needs changing?

Our craftsmen all speak good English and have a great deal of skill and will do everything they can if you feel that something needs adapting, for example you change your mind about how many shelves you want, or the spacing between them, then if it is possible we will do what we can to please you, either free of charge or at extra cost depending on what it is.

Can you fix stuff in my home?

Yes if you need anything fixing in your home while we are there making your fitted furniture, if we can do it we will help you out. I like to offer a service that I would like to use myself so for such things as hanging pictures, fixing doors that don’t close and generally anything wood related tell us when we come to measure up for your fitted furniture.

Do you use real wood?

We use real wood veneers or plastic laminates that look like wood but not generally solid wood, we work with close associates who use solid wood, just ask us for contacts.

We don’t do bathrooms but if we are already working in your house doing other fitted furniture, we will consider any storage you would like for your bathroom.

I have sockets where I want my fitted furniture how will you deal with this?

If you have an electrical, phone or TV areal socket that is ok as we can cut a hole in the back so you can still access them, we can move electrical sockets around if they haven’t got far to go. Phone sockets we can more if there is enough spare wire.

Do you make kitchens?

No we don’t make kitchens but sometimes can make units that go in your kitchen such as a bookcase.

Why Use Natural Materials?

Home » Blog » Why Use Natural Materials?

At Empatika we believe in using natural materials in the home, and are thorough in ensuring our operations are as sustainable as possible in bringing this vision to life. Many unnatural materials and treatments that are often used in homewares and furnishings can contain harmful pollutants, which you are unwillingly exposed to every day. We believe in a better world for you, and for all, which is why we have such a strong emphasis on naturally made home design. Here we have listed some of the toxins that you could be exposed to without knowing, by not choosing to go natural:

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for flame retardants:

Wooden furniture and fabrics such as mattresses and sofas are often treated with flame retardant substances, to reduce the risk of a fire spreading. Whilst this measure in itself is sensible, some of the chemicals used in this process can be harmful to you and your family. PBDEs are one of those common substances, and are linked to hormone disruption, developmental deficiencies and cancer. When buying new products, always ask the manufacturers what type of fire retardants they use.

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) for stain resistant materials:

No one likes their furniture to be stained unintentionally, especially if you live with lots of playful young children or have an animal companion, so stain resistant materials are popular for many. However, PFCs that are often used to keep materials free from marking, are believed to cause birth defects and cancer. Avoid buying stain resistant furniture to reduce this risk.

Formaldehyde used in carpentry, cabinetry and glues.

The Environmental Working Group rated Formaldehyde as an extremely toxic carcinogen and a high level threat for causing cancer. Using solid wood furniture or sealed pressed wood products can protect those in your home from unwanted harm, and if in doubt, speak to your carpenter or furniture provider about the materials used.

Other ways to go natural in your home:

Use Houseplants, not just for decoration!

Many houseplants are useful in absorbing potentially harmful gasses, and can clean the air inside a home. A rubber plant or a peace lily will do the job perfectly, whilst also looking great.

Harm-free toiletries

Switch over to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. These will reduce the amount of chemicals you are exposed to, and will also keep your skin free from irritants. Raw coconut oil has become widely popular recently and for good reason – a tub of the oil can be used for make up removal, moisturising the skin and whitening the teeth! Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree can also be used to replace perfume, as well as having many other cosmetic benefits. There are many more natural beauty products available, even from major supermarkets now so it is easy to keep toxin free.

Natural cleaning

Like toiletries, cleaning products can often contain lots of harmful substances that can put your household at risk, or aggravate the skin causing rashes. Many white vinegar based products are available off the shelf of many supermarkets or health food shops, or home made cleaning product can be produced easily with the vinegar, lemon and bicarbonate of soda. This mixture will keep any household surface clean and smelling fresh, leaving behind no harmful residue.</.p>

Forget the fresheners

Scents are now a popular addition to any home, with a multitude of products available to keep your rooms and laundry packed with your favourite smell. Artificial air fresheners and fabric softeners however can also contain many chemical nasties. A toxin absorbing houseplant or natural soya candle can keep your home smelling just as great, whilst adding a drop of tea tree oil to Landry can kill bacteria and leave the clothes smelling fragrant!

Why Use Natural Materials?

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