Q&A
Edge
Ateliers nectoux
House founded in 1930
Great french specialty, the countertop appeared in the 19th century. Commonly nicknamed "the Zinc," it's made with pewter, a natural material..
In 1930, Marcel Nectoux opened his workshop on rue de Charonne in Paris. His craftsmanship was passed on to his son Maurice, who ran the workshop from 1947 to 1997, and then to his grandson Thierry, who handed over to Maxime Dethomas in 2019.
Today, Ateliers Nectoux are one of the last french artisans still practising this craft. We supply our long-standing customers — the bistros, restaurants and brasseries of Paris — as well as the whole of France and the rest of the world: Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
We are recognized as a 'Living Heritage Company'
Since its creation, Ateliers Nectoux create and product the Nectoux pewter countertop, characteristic of three generations history.
With over 90 years of history behind them, and now run by Maxime DETHOMAS, Ateliers Nectoux hold the label « Centenary Family Business » thanks to their unique craftsmanship.
Since 2009, the Ateliers Nectoux have been labelled « Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant » (« enterprise of living patrimony ») by the Ministry of Economy and Finances, a label which acknowledges distinguished French enterprises with a know-how of excellence.
theproduct workshop is located in Dax
Production of
our pewters
countertops
ENTIRELY HANDCRAFTED, NECTOUX COUNTERTOPS ARE UNIQUE.
For 90 years, the methods and tools used have remained the same and are an essential part of our know-how.
No formal training exists for our craft. It's learned here, at the Ateliers, with the experienced artisans. From the pewter melting to the finishes, the techniques are those of Marcel Nectoux, perfected by his son Maurice (who ran the company from 1947 to 1997), and then by Thierry. Everything is handcraft, custom-made. Every piece is unique !
Edge edge profiles specific crafted are derived from traditional molds, some of which date back to the 19th century. It all begins with a pewter ingot, who will be melted, poured, and transformed into a border., adopting styles from the 1900s, Art Deco, or Neo Design. The workshops thus receive the pewter ingot that they melt into a cauldronThey pour there edge profiles into a mold that they shape on a wooden frame.
Shaping and assembling involve the assembly and welding of the border with the pewter track on the wooden frame. These are then rasped, filed, curled in a traditional and artisanal way. This requires approximately 12 and 15 hours of work for a meter to create a countertop
A confusion dating back to World War II
Zinc is a non-food material which shows marks from daily use: it leaves traces. On the other hand, pewter is a food-safe material used for a long time in the manufacturing of high-end countertops because its beautiful silver color and easy maintenance make it suitable for professional use. The Nectoux Workshops melt pewter at 210°C. This traditional technique allows for shaping into any desired forms and a variety of multiple edge profiles
Therefore, one should not confuse pewter countertops, which are often called « les Zincs ». This etymology dates back to the time of the Second World War. The Germans dismantled pewter countertops (containing lead at the time) to make shells. Many did not survive to the occupation ! Pewter translates to "Zinn" in German.These famous pewter countertops then took on the popular name "Zincs". This designation has persisted nowadays.
A pewter countertop offers many advantages
Pewter is all at once durable, easy to maintain, and also resistant to impactsOur pewter meets the food hygiene standards of the European Union and the USA. It's naturally antibacterial and antiseptic..
Being a natural material, pewter does not oxidize and is resistant to alcohols and hot liquids. A simple polish once or twice a month restores its original shine.
How to maintain it ?
We recommend using our soap " le Chardonneret " which cleans, maintains, degreases, the pewter. Simply dampen the pewter top, apply a little mineral soap on it and rub it in gently by hand. Then lift off and rinse the product with a sponge, and wipe « Le Chardonneret » away. The shine comes from letting it dry and wiping it with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can order our mineral soap by contacting us via email or phone.
Our
Refurbish countertops
The countertop becomes the central element of convivial spaces.
Consisting ofa pewter top on a wooden furniture frame, the pewter countertop will take on the popular name « Zinc ». It can be found in neighborhood bistros, local pubs, wine bars, as well as in restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels.
It's the main element that sets the ambiance of each unique place. Here are a few Examples of bar and bistro pewter countertops designs. in the world
FOR PROFESSIONALS IN THE RESTAURANT OR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
The Nectoux Workshops manufacture the pewter countertop according to custom specifications provided by our clients. We also offer on-site visits to take measurements and install the countertop based on the client's requirements and location. The base of the furniture is crafted by other artisans. Nectoux Workshops can recommend professionals with whom we regularly collaborate.
For individuals
Nectoux workshops also offers restored bar countertops. We source vintage countertops from the 1900s to 1930s, which we completely restore. We then add a pewter top to present "a unique and authentic piece." The choice of pewter border is crucial depending on the style and era of the countertop.
For individuals, we also craft custom-made bars (including the wooden base furniture) according to the preferences and tastes of our clients. We create them in both modern style (Edge profile No°103) or antique style (Edge profile N°21). Everything is tailor-made in our workshops in Dax thanks to our exceptional craftsmanship.
We also assist individuals in changing their "Zinc" countertop and give it character. We also make pewter tops for existing pieces of furniture (chest of drawers, table, media unit, etc.). Everything can be made to measure.
Ateliers Nectoux restores antique countertops and custom-make bars.
At Ateliers Nectoux, we fully restore antique countertops and custom-make bars: 1900s style, Art Deco, or contemporary. We adapt to the demands and diverse tastes of our clients by crafting exceptional products such as kitchen and dining tables , central islands, and consoles.
The workshops are diversifying their offerings by introducing small side tables and coffee tables with beautiful pewter tops to enhance various living spaces. These coffee tables brighten up the living room, adding a very warm and unique touch.
Our customers are very fond of these products, which you can discover in our showrooms in Puteaux or Dax. The manufacturing workshop is located in Dax , where you can experience our exceptional craftsmanship with unique manufacturing methods..
Our
Pewter edge profiles
The countertop edge profile is our signature
Ateliers Nectoux has been shining with pewter for over 90 years through the crafting of " traditional zincs ". These typically French counters tell the story of our bistros for two centuries. Pewter work is an art form: a true work of craftsmanship..
Our DNA originates from molds created between 1870 and the 1950s. Therefore, for the edge profileswe pour pewter at 210°C into molds made primarily from vintage steel (1870-1930) and others from contemporary and modern designs.
We offer a wide variety of styles with 41 different edge profiles to decorate your pewter countertops (download our brochure of edge profiles). A distinction can be made between the traditional style, with wide edge profiles (9 cm – 18.5 cm) from the 1870–1910 period, and the post-war style of 1920–1935, with narrow edge profiles (6.5 cm – 8 cm).
The new Neo Design edge profiles, launched in 2020, offer a more modern character with sleek lines.
The edge profile is our true signature, as it is the decorative element on the front of the countertop. It's the essential choice for the final appearance.
The customization of each countertop depends on the chosen edge profile and the selected lift.
The edge profile
Traversing centuries and following trends, Pewter edge profiles are highly sought after. They feature various motifs that bring elegance to countertops, furniture, and tables: grape clusters, diamonds, pearls, vegetal friezes, and more.
We offer traditional edge profiles classified into two styles : the "1870-1910" era for large borders (over 9 cm) and the post-war "1920-1935" era for small borders (under 9 cm).
In 2020, we launched eight new edge profiles in a neo-design style.
These have a simpler and more accessible aesthetic compared to traditional borders. They have been very successful and have reached a new clientele. The quality of the edge profiles has remained impeccable since 1930.
The edging
The customization of each countertop also depends on the chosen edging. There are 3 different edging options:
- Traditional edging of 15mm at the front,
- Modern edging of 5mm at the front (typical Art Deco),
- No edging, very simple and contemporary. It is very practical when "sending" orders so that the trays do not get stuck.
Pewter countertop, kitchen table, and central island
Ateliers Nectoux creates pewter countertops for your kitchen, but they must not be placed next to a heat source
(gas cooker, oven, induction hob). Pewter does not withstand heat
(it is cast at 210 °C in our workshops).
We offer pewter countertops for kitchen islands (see our creation with table edge profile N°06 (5cm)). This will transform your space and become its centerpiece. Pewter will bring brightness with warmth to your kitchen.
We also create pewter kitchen tables that beautifully enhance the space , fostering conviviality around the dining area. These tables are custom-made to your desired size and shape. Various edge profiles are available, such as a simple pewter edge profile for a modern touch, "bistro-style" table edge profiles (cabochons), or thin edge profiles in the 1930s style..
The dining table with a pewter top brings softness and warmth to your living space. pewter, with its lived-in feel, tells a story—it's silky and inviting. Today, enjoying French cuisine often means dining on "zinc" more and more frequently.
Our
Know-how
The Nectoux workshops are one of the last artisans to manufacture pewter countertops.
For over 90 years, we have been the benchmark in French bistronomy. "Les Zincs" embody French craftsmanship. You can find them in small corner bistros as well as in upscale Michelin-starred chef establishments. It is always a great honor to be associated with the excellence of Yves Camdeborde "Avant Comptoir du marché, de la mer", Alain Ducasse
"le Café Alain Ducasse", Cyril Lignac's "Le Chardenoux". The pewter countertop surpasses the warm atmosphere andspirit of the bistro, and have also spread to hotels and department stores, offering a distinctive and timeless setting:
the nine-metre tables at Café Coutume undulate beneath the dome of the Galeries Lafayette, complemented by our sleek 20-meter counters featuring our distinctive edge profile N°19.
The Nectoux workshops were also chosen to restore a 20th-century countertop for the G7 summit in Biarritz in 2019 the leaders of the world's largest economic powers leaned on this Nectoux countertop !
In France, the largest countertop measuring 2×22 meters (U-shaped countertop) is located at Bugsy's (Edge profile N°23).
The Brébant, established in 1981, is really worth a look with its edge profile N°06
(13.5 cm)
Neighborhood bistros, boulevard brasseries, corner restaurants, wine bars, cafes in our provinces – we have all these places of life in our veins.
OUR COUNTERTOPS ARE EXPANDING IN BISTROS AROUND THE WORLD
From Chicago to Tokyo, our pewter countertops inspire top chefs and foster loyalty among regulars. You can find our famous zincs in the USA, Morocco, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, England, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore.
Zinc is definitely the best conductor of conviviality worldwide.
The countertop is taking its rightful place today. Enjoying French cuisine increasingly means dining at a zinc countertop. French bistronomy has crossed borders, and we are present in all corners of the world.
SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE.
The countertop will be shipped in one piece or in several, depending on the size and the
« morphology of the countertop." " We intervene on-site for measurements and installation according to the client's request and geographical location.
For larger projects, we intervene for the final installation as it is common to weld two parts of the counter together. It's a true craftsmanship requiring skill to achieve impeccable finishing and invisible welds.
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