Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Tiles

Does polished porcelain tile scratch?

Yes it may scratch if exposed to furniture which has exposed raw metal feet, such as tables, lounges or chairs. Also, you may scratch it if you live in an area where there is sandy soil or if you are near a beach (just standing on top of an area with sand underfoot and swirling around would do it). Having said that, what materials are we comparing with. Polished porcelain is one of the better materials which will resist scratching in those conditions, better than ceramic glazes, natural stones/marble and timber floors. You may avoid this by making sure that all metal tipped furniture is covered with proper protection caps. The funny thing about this question is, that when you visit a place where they have used a polished material on the floor, you will say what a “beautiful floor”. However, if you got down on your knees and looked at the floor closely, you would find numerous scratches caused by normal wear and tear adding “character”.



Is polished porcelain tile slippery when wet?

Yes, it can be slippery when wet, however with no significant difference to many ceramic/porcelain glazed tiles, mosaics, polished natural timber and vinyl floors, when wet. When you visit big banks or insurance buildings in the city, you are mostly walking on polished marble or granite and if the floors have recently been washed, they put on a sign to “be careful on the wet floor”. If you wish, you could lay a slip resistant tile on the floor (normally used outside) but it would be very difficult to keep clean. In the end you have to make a choice which is the best option for you depending on your circumstances. However we must remember, to be careful on all wet floors.



Is polished porcelain tile suitable on a bathroom floor?

Of course. Often polished porcelain is imitating a natural stone and if you were tiling a bathroom in a marble, you would likely tile the floor and wall the same. Look at the many classical bathrooms in Calacatta, Carrara, Creama Marfil, Travertino and many other beautiful natural stones. Once again there is no significant difference in the slip factor in wet or dry conditions when using polished porcelain.



What is the wear resistance for polished porcelain tile?

The wear resistance is as good, if not better than any other comparable materials used in tiling any wall and floor area. It will last as long as the substructure remains sound.



Kitchen Cabinet

How can i have my kitchen cabinet done by OLEA Home Centre?

Just bring your floor plan (if any) and visit our showroom and let us work it out for you! The bottom line information must include the width and ceiling height of the installation area, dimensions of windows/doors, type of gas supply, locations of water supply/drain lines and electrical outlets, and the direction of exhaust duct on existing range hood. Before installation, constitution of the walls needs to be checked as well. If you have drawings of your house, please have them ready.



Will I get a quote immediately?

If you bring your kitchen layout plan with full dimensions to our showroom, we will normally reply you with an approximate quotation on the same day. If you send us an email, we will reply with the quote in 1-3 working days under normal circumstances. However, our sales consultant are always busy with many quotes, so if we cannot reply in time, please follow up with us.



Will we be supplied with installation drawings?

When you place your order, we will provide you with 3D and 2D graphs with full dimensions, as well as assembly instructions showing components of every cabinet units. If you need these documents before you place your order due to installation schedule constraints, you can request them to our staff. For any further information, please visit the showroom with your installer.



What is a flatpack kitchen?

A flatpack kitchen is a DIY ready to assemble kitchen which requires no cutting or drilling for cabinets and doors. It is pre-drilled, with all necessary hardwares, assembled guide in a single carton. It is of the same quality as a custom made kitchen. All components of our flat pack kitchens are cut and edged on computer controlled machinery which ensures perfect sizing and finish. A cabinet generally includes a solid back, a bottom, two side panels ,a top rail (or top panel) and an adjustable shelf all cut from 16mm High Moisture Resistant White Melamine board with 1mm edging.



How can flat pack kitchen cabinets fit my kitchen?

We have a wide range of standard flat pack kitchen cabinet sizes from 150mm width to 900mm width. We have more than 50 different design modular cabinets such as drawer, pantry, base cabinet and wall cabinet to suit your kitchen and life style.



How much will the flatpack kitchen cost?

It will depend on size but you can expect to save thousands of dollars over a similar custom made kitchen. You will benefit from our bulk order and flat pack form but we do not compromise on quality.



Will I be able to assemble and install the flat pack kitchen myself?

Yes. Our flatpack kitchens have been successfully assembled and installed by people who have never done it before. We will provide assembly and install guide.



Do you provide design and installation?

Yes. Our experienced designer will supply you with a plan, elevations and 3D pictures so that you can really see what your kitchen will look like completed with a accurate quote. Our professional installers can install the kitchen for you if you do not want to do it yourself.



Stone Benchtop

How do I clean my quartz stone benchtop?

Everyday Cleaning quartz stone surfaces require very little maintenance to keep them looking like new. For everyday, routine cleaning of quartz stone we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a clean damp cloth. Do not use the cloth you use to wash the dishes, as it may transfer oils and other contaminants to the quartz stone surface. As quartz stone is virtually non-porous, it will keep its lustrous gloss and ultra smooth surface which never needs polishing or sealing. Never attempt to polish the surface and avoid prolonged rubbing in one spot when cleaning.



Can I stand on my quartz stone bench top?

Always refrain from placing excessive weight on your quartz stone bench top. Excessive weight can also have an impact on the underlying cabinet structure.



Do I need to polish my quartz stone bench top?

Quartz stone surfaces come factory polished to a high lustre, with the exception of our special Concrete finish. Due to quartz stone’s high density and non-porous qualities, normal cleaning with a damp cloth will keep your quartz stone surface looking like the first day it was installed. To avoid dulling the surface's shine, make sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner.



How durable is quartz stone?

Quartz stone is resistant to all kinds of cracks, chips, scratches and stains. However, like most materials, excessive force, high point loads, pressure or heat may cause damage to the surface. Like all surface materials quartz stone should be treated with care.



Can I cut on my quartz stone bench top?

Quartz stone is composed of up to 93% natural quartz, providing it with superior hardness and strength. We always recommend using a cutting board to prevent damage to the surface, or dulling the knives.



Can quartz stone withstand heat?

Quartz stone is heat resistant, however like all stone materials; quartz stone can be damaged by sudden and rapid surface temperature changes. A good rule of thumb is that if your hand cannot tolerate the level of heat for more than a few seconds then the heat source is too high. DO NOT PUT HOT COOKWARE DIRECTLY ON THE STONE SURFACE. Therefore we always recommend placing hot pots, oven trays and fry pans directly from the oven or hot plate onto a wooden chopping board or heat trivet. We also recommend that electric fry pans and slow cookers are also used on a wooden chopping board.



Do I need to apply a sealer to quartz stone quartz surfaces?

No. quartz stone quartz surfaces are virtually non-porous, and you will never have to use a sealer or any other kind of wax.



Are there any chemicals or cleaners that should NEVER be used on a quartz stone surface?

As with any surface, quartz stone can be permanently damaged by exposure to strong chemicals and solvents that undermine its physical properties.
DO NOT use products that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride, such as paint removers or stripper. Avoid all contact with highly aggressive cleaning agents like oven cleaners that have high alkaline/pH levels.
Should the surface be accidentally exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.



Vanities

Pickup & Delivery

OLEA Vehicle Loading Policy

According to the related road safety regulation, all vehicles must be fit for purpose of both conveying and adequately securing the type of goods loaded. To comply with this, the following applies: - Pallets of tiles will only be loaded onto tray top utilities or trucks with clear unhindered forklift access. - Trailers and towing vehicle must both be rated to carry the load intended. Please note that unbraked trailers are limited to 750KG GVM, therefore carrying a maximum 500kg load. - Pantech style trucks and barn door vans will require restraining points suitable for securing the pallet to be forklift loaded otherwise they will need to be manually self-loaded. - Style side utilities and top hinged door vans cannot be forklift pallet loaded and will need to be manually self-loaded. - Passenger vehicles will only be allowed to self-load to a maximum of 240kg. i.e. An empty sedan may carry a maximum of 7 boxes of 32kg per box in addition to the driver. - Manual loading of the vehicle is the driver’s responsibility, OLEA staff are there to assist if need be. If the vehicle is not fit for purpose it will NOT be loaded as OLEA cannot be complicit with any possible breach of any road safety laws.



Can I get my goods delivered?

Yes, we can arrange delivery service within Melbourne with third party courier company. Additional cost will apply but at a discounted price compared to the normal courier service rate. Please ask our staff.



Installation

Can I have my kitchen assembled and installed?

If you need kitchen installation service, we will put you in touch with our certified installer, Homeline. Please see our staff at the Kitchen Department for details and booking. You will be in direct contact with Homeline to arrange your installation schedule, discuss details, and pay for installation works. In order to prevent installation troubles due to unchecked conditions of the site, or avoid severe overruns in cost and time, in-home measuring service is recommended prior to installation. For the measuring service, the Homeline staff will visit your home and take precise measurements of your kitchen space, judge the fit of your new kitchen, and check the constitution of the walls and access conditions to the property.
If you are building or remodeling your house and have a contractor working on areas other than the kitchen, please consult your contractor to coordinate the work with Homeline.



Is it possible to assemble the kitchen myself?

In overseas, many people have given it a try. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and enjoy the creative process of making something with your hands, self-assembly is for you. However, please remember that for installing your kitchen, special tools will be necessary, and a license is required for electrical/plumbing works.



Can any carpenter assemble an IKEA kitchen?

Unlike the ready-made kitchen sets, kitchens require on-site assembly of individual parts before installation. The parts include cabinet frames and shelves, all separately chosen according to your needs and taste. This is why we recommend that even those people familiar with carpentry check out the actual products in-store to fully understand the products' features and how they fit together. If necessary, our staff at the Kitchen Department can offer tips for assembly and installation.



Return Policy

I found a damaged part. Can I get it exchanged immediately?

Of course, we will replace it at once. However, please note that at OLEA, in order to keep our prices low, we ask your cooperation in returning and exchanging faulty products. To exchange a faulty item or collect a missing part, please visit your OLEA store with the original receipt. It may take some time to process your request. Please always schedule your installation project with enough time allowance.



Do your products come with guarantees?

OLEA standard warranty ​ We warrant that all first quality products sold by OLEA will be free from defects in materials for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase, except for products that we have explicitly specified as second quality or discontinued. ​ OLEA will, at its option, repair, replace or refund for any product that suffers a failure due to a defect in the materials or manufacturing process during the warranty period. ​ Manufacturer warranty ​ This is warranty given by manufacturer of the products if there were any. This would normally be longer than our standard 1 year warranty, depending on the product brands that you selected. However, such claims should be made directly to the corresponding manufacturer and OLEA will not be held responsible should the manufacturer fails to realise its warranty commitment.