How to Avoid Mistakes When Installing Wood Countertops

When installing wood countertops, it is very important to follow the instructions in the manual strictly and carefully. If you do not follow the instructions, you can damage the countertop, void the warranty, and pose some dangers and safety hazards. To avoid mistakes, make sure that you read and understand everything in the manual including the safety guidelines, warranty, and disclaimers. It does not pay to do the installation right away.

Listed below are some of the things you should do and observe to avoid making mistakes when installing wood countertops.

Storing and installation

Once you receive the wood countertop package, check if all the parts, materials, and manual are included and in good condition.

Any damage incurred during the transportation should be noted and reported immediately, so you can get a replacement right away.

To store the package for the meantime, the wood countertop should be placed horizontally on a level support.

Remember that wood is affected by cold, heat, and humidity, so store it in a cool and dry area with about a 50% humidity level.

You should install the wood countertop within two weeks upon receiving the package.

Apply a thin bead of acid-free silicon to the lower and upper edges of the joints to prevent movement once the countertop is in place.

Heating appliances

If you are going to place a kitchen appliance that produces heat on your wood countertop, place an aluminum foil membrane at the underside of the wood countertop. The aluminum foil can prevent moisture and heat from penetrating the wood surface and cause it to crack or warp. Glue it on so that it stays in place. It should cover the whole width and overlap to the adjacent cabinets on both sides of the kitchen appliance.
Sinks and water pipes

Do not install sinks and water pipes next to the joints on top of the wood surface. Otherwise, install the sinks at least eight inches from the edge to avoid moisture absorption.

All cut-outs should be sealed with acid-free silicone and tightly secured to prevent water from penetrating the wood. Stagnant or constant water streams can cause discoloration and wood cracking.

If two sinks are installed side by side, allow a minimum of eight inches between the two sinks. Also, make sure that there is adequate support for both.
Ovens and stoves

Cook tops must be installed at least eight inches away from a joint on top of the wood surface. At least two inches of allowance should be given at the front and back of the surface.

Allow an eight-inch space between individual cook tops so that it would not dry out the wood and cause it to split.

The cut-outs for cook tops should be larger than the appliance, about 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch larger, to allow natural movement for the wood. The cut-outs should be sealed tightly with acid-free silicone and covered with a strip of aluminum foil.