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The purpose of this page is to provide
instructions that will help you to install your solid wood countertop, island
top or butcher block correctly.
In order to ensure a long and trouble
free life for your top, you should strictly follow these instructions.
If you do not follow the instructions
our warranty is no longer valid.
The following sections can be found below:
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When you receive your top, make sure you check to ensure
that the packages are in good condition.
Please note any transport damage on the delivery notes.
Your custom top should be installed within 2 weeks of receipt.
In the meantime, the top(s) should be stored horizontally on a level support.
They should be stored at room temperature in an area with a humidity level
of about 50%.
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Wood is a natural living material which is affected by cold,
heat, and humidity.
A solid wood 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. These instructions
will guide you in the proper procedures.
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If your custom top includes an "L" or a corner where two
pieces are joined together, those pieces should be assembled first.
A thin bead of silicone should be
applied to the upper and lower edges of any joints to prevent movement.
Always use acid-free silicone.
The bottom surface of the two pieces that are to be joined together will each contain a hole
with a groove that extends across the joint.
These holes will accommodate the FlipBolt countertop connectors that were shipped with your top (if you received
a multi-piece top). These fittings are tightened and serve to clamp
the joint together. See the photos below for instructions on installing
the FlipBolt connectors.
The FlipBolt is a tool-less countertop connector. After the countertop
has been properly aligned, insert one FlipBolt connector into each recess.
Then simply hand tighten the nut, and lower the flip lever to tighten each
bolt.
For additional information call Fastcap
at 1-888-443-3748 or visit the
Fastcap web-site.
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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.
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.
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An aluminum foil membrane must be fixed to the underside
of the solid wood top (plain side down) over any of the above appliances.
Aluminum foil on the underside of the top prevents heat and moisture penetration
which would otherwise cause cracking.
The foil should be glued to the top before it is attached
to the cabinets.
The foil should cover the whole width of the top and overlap
to the adjoining cabinets on either side of the appliance.
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Sinks and water pipes should not be installed next to joints
in the top.
Sinks should be a minimum of 8 inches from the end of the
top.
Cut-outs for drop-in sinks should be 3/16" larger than the
sink - check the sink template.
Cut-outs or holes for the water pipes should be 1/16" larger
than the pipe.
All cut-outs should be carefully sealed with plenty of silicone.
Sinks and faucets should be tightly secured to prevent water from penetrating
the top. Water can cause cracks and discoloration in the top.
If two sinks are to be installed side by side, it is important
to allow sufficient support between the sinks. Please allow a minimum
of 8 inches between sinks.
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Cook tops must not be installed closer than 8 inches from
a joint in the top and at least 2 inches should be allowed at the front
and back of the top.
If individual (side by side) cook tops are to be installed,
an 8 inch space should be allowed between the cook tops or the wood may
dry out and subsequently split.
Cut-outs for cook tops should be 1/16" to 3/16' larger than
the appliance to allow natural movement of the wood.
The cut-outs should be thoroughly sealed with silicone and
lined with aluminum foil in order to aid heat insulation.
Counter top ends that adjoin a free-standing stove should
also be sealed with silicone and covered with a strip of aluminum foil.
Due to the heat generated by this type of cooker some splitting
of the ends may occur. To avoid splitting, the surface treatment (oil,
polish, etc) should be regularly applied. If small cracks occur, they
should be treated at once.
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Custom tops that are freely suspended for more than 16 inches
must be reinforced on the underside by perimeter support or by inserting
an iron T section to avoid bending.
Tops that are installed above heat radiating appliances
should have an aluminum foil membrane attached to the entire underside of
the top.
Custom tops enclosing a radiator must be fitted with a ventilation
grill.
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Before installing solid wood tops adjacent to any walls,
ensure that all brickwork and plaster is totally dry.
Tops installed over brick or rock walls or cooking islands
should have aluminum foil attached to the underside of the top to protect
against humidity and heat.
Tops that are attached to a brick or rock cooking island
should have an air gap of 3/16" left between brickwork and the underside
of the top. Insert 3/16" slats between the top and the brick or rock
to accomplish this.
Tops that are to be installed next to or on top of rock
or brick work should have all edges covered by a humidity barrier to avoid
warping.
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All heat radiating household appliances and all hot pans
should always be placed on a heat resistant surface.
Solid wood tops should not be installed in areas where
the humidity exceeds 50%.
Custom tops with a mineral oil finish should have a coat
of mineral oil applied both before and after installation of the top.
Follow the instructions on the
Care and Maintenance page
diligently.
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