Installing Wood Countertops, Butcher Block Countertops, Bar Tops, and Tables
Our wood tops and butcherblock are easily installed by either a basic carpenter or handy homeowner. One of the reasons we strive to ensure that all of our tops are built to the proper size and include all cutouts is to ease the installation process.
Tops that fit up against very irregular walls or off square corners will need to be scribed to fit. A competent carpenter will have to do this. This can be avoided with accurate measurements and templating, but some circumstances do not allow for us to manufacture the tops perfectly. A good example is a top that will sit against a rough stone wall; they are just too rough to template and usually have to be fitted on site.
When installing countertops a hole 3/8″ larger in diameter than the screw should be drilled in the cabinets or mounting brackets to allow for expansion. Install screws with large washers to allow the top to move on the screws. Do not screw the top down without the ability to move. This will cause cracking, splitting,and failure outside the warranty! Remember that an edge grain block will flex in the width only and an end grain block will flex in both width and length.
If cuts are made in the top, the new exposed edges should be sealed with oil. Edges exposed to constant moisture such as under mount sinks should be sealed with a permanent sealer such as polyurethane or clear acrylic caulk. Seal any dishwasher, under counter oven, warming drawer or fridge compartment with a moisture barrier or sheet metal cover to keep heat and steam away from the block.
Detailed instructions are included with every job. If you do not understand these instructions or need additional help, please contact us and we will do do everything we can to help.
Below is an image of our recommended installation method:
