Installing A Custom Wood Countertop
Wood Movement:
Wood is a natural living material which is affected by cold, heat, and humidity.
A solid wood counter top that is 25″ wide, can expand or contract by 1/16″ to 3/16″ in varying weather conditions. Your custom top needs to be installed in a manner that allows for that movement.
Installation Tips:
- The top should be attached in 3 places across the width (on the front edge, the middle, and at the back edge). It should also be attached at approximately 12″ intervals throughout the length of the top.
- In order to allow natural movement of the top, the screw holes should be made with a 3/16″ hole on the “fixed” edge of the top and 3/8″ elongated holes in the center and on the “free” edge of of the top. [note – photo with thumb pointing to smaller hole and pinky finger pointing to larger hole]
- Screws with washers should then be used in the center of the holes to secure the top.
- DO NOT forget to pre-drill the holes.
- DO NOT over tighten the screws as this will restrict the natural movement of the top.
- Use small metal angle brackets to secure the top to the side of any cabinets that do not have a solid top or bracing material.
- Where the top does not rest on a cabinet, it must be supported by strips of wood.
- If your top contains multiple pieces, ensure the corner fittings have been tightened after the top has been
installed.
When I installed the screws in 3/8″ holes, I used a wood screw with a washer that was slightly larger then the hole. This will allow the wood to move if needed but also provides a secure connection.
Tops with a Waterlox® Finish:
These tops receive a minimum of four coats on the visible side of the top and three coats on sides that are not visible. Six coats are typical for tops with cut-outs for sinks or cook tops and for satin finish tops. Waterlox® is waterproof. It is also heat and stain-resistant for a tough, hard finish.
Tops with a Tung Oil/Citrus Finish:
These tops receive four coats of finish on all surfaces of the top to ensure a well-oiled finish. Since the Tung Oil/Citrus finish penetrates into the wood, the finish can last 3-6 months or more before it needs to be reapplied. This finish is water and stain-resistant as long as the surface is maintained properly.