Installing A Custom Wood Countertop

By Robert Robillard on Kitchens, Tool Review Videos

Wood Movement:

Wood is a natural living material which is affected by cold, heat, and humidity.allowing for wood movement

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 allowing for wood movementinstalled.

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.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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