Kitchen Wooden Worktop Installation & Care Guide

When properly installed and cared for your Kitchen Wooden Worktop will provide years of service and pleasure. Like most natural products, kitchen wooden worktops simply need a little care and maintenance. Follow our advice and guidance below to keep your hardwood kitchen worktop in prime condition.

Storage

All kitchen timber worktops must remain in their original packaging and should be stacked flat and level, on a fully supported surface, using bearers. Do not store kitchen wooden worktops vertically or on edges. If you have ordered more than one hardwood kitchen worktop ensure that the worktops are stacked separately with bearers in between - This will allow air to circulate between the wooden worktops and prevent deflection.

Keep kitchen wooden worktops dry and away from direct sources of heat such as radiators, fires and direct sunlight etc.

All wet trades (especially plastering) should be finished and a sufficient period of time allowed for natural drying out before storing kitchen hardwood worktops in the same room.

Allow the kitchen wooden worktop a day or so to adjust to the ambient temperature and humidity of its new surroundings prior to installation.

Your kitchen worktops are dispatched in sound condition and it is your responsibility to store and maintain worktops correctly. We cannot be held responsible if due care and attention is not maintained. Our customer advisors will happily provide any additional advice that you may require concerning the installation or maintenance of hardwood kitchen worktops.

Oiling

Kitchen Wooden Worktops must be thoroughly treated with protective oil to all sides, prior to installation.

Kitchen wooden worktops should have at least three coats of oil on all sides (including the underside) before installation. It is also beneficial to apply extra coats to the end-grain of the worktops as this is the area which will absorb the most moisture. An extra three to four coats should also be applied around tap holes, sink cutouts and areas of heavy use or exposure.

Oils are best applied by using a lint-free cloth rather than a brush. A lint-free cloth is any form of material that will not deposit any particles on the wood.  When applying the oil yourself, it is best to apply several thin coats rather than one thick application. Always work the oil into the kitchen worktop in the direction of the wood grain for best results.

After applying the first coat, you will probably notice that some areas are wet and others dry. This is because the wood will absorb the oil at different degrees in different areas. Wait for 15minutes and then run the cloth over the entire surface again to ensure an even spread. Do not allow large pools of oil to dry on the surface.  Apply the second and third coats in the same manner, allowing ½ hour -1hour for drying time in between coats.

Kitchen wooden worktops can be finely sanded between coats (120grit - 180grit). However, wooden work surfaces should never be sanded finer than 180grit. To do so will prevent any future applications of oil from penetrating the surface.

Cutting

When cutting the wooden worktop yourself, ensure that you leave a small gap around taps, pipes, sinks etc. to allow for movement and expansion of the wood.

Installation

Kitchen Hardwood Worktops must be fitted to the base units using ‘slotted expansion brackets’ only. Take care to ensure that the brackets are always fitted the correct way round and do not over-tighten the screws. These brackets will allow for the worktop to naturally expand and contract across the width in accordance with changes in humidity. Failure to use the correct brackets or fit them correctly can apply undue stress to the timber worktop.

Allow room for the expansion by leaving a 3-5mm gap between the worktop and any adjoining walls. A matching wooden upstand is an elegant solution for covering this expansion gap.

Ensure that the work surface is fully supported and fastened through its length and breadth. For Oak Kitchen Worktops only use brass or stainless steel screws for fixing.

If a worktop has become cupped or bowed due to moisture differences on site, or after lengthy or incorrect storage, the worktop will need to be installed differently. Firstly, fix the entire length of the rear of the worktop to the supporting base units. Then gently and gradually, using clamps and battens, pull the worktop downwards before screwing down the front edge. Please be advised that it may take 1-2 weeks for the worktop to completely settle down and resume its completely flat shape.

Always leave a suitable gap between the worktop and direct sources of heat such as a Rayburn or Aga. These ovens produce a great deal of heat which can dry the wood and cause the worktop to split or crack.

Wooden worktops require extra protection in areas of high water build-up such as kitchen sinks. To prevent any ingress of water, a suitable waterproof sealant must be applied to both sides of the kitchen wooden worktop in these areas.

If your kitchen wooden worktop is being installed above kitchen appliances that produce a large amount of heat (washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, boilers or built-in fridges & freezers), then a moisture barrier must be fixed to the underneath to prevent excessive heat or moisture penetrating the wood.

Aftercare

Ongoing care and oiling of the timber worktop brings out and enhances its appearance as well as protecting the wood surfaces from wear and tear.

Your new kitchen hardwood worktop should be treated with Danish Oil every week for the first six weeks, and at least once every three months thereafter. If you think your wooden worktop needs oiling more regularly then feel free to apply as often as you like - you cannot overdo it. This simple procedure will maintain the colour and luster of your hardwood worktop and keep it looking as good as new. Always apply thin layers using a lint-free cloth and remove any excess oil after 10-15mins.

If a kitchen wooden worktop is fitted over a Belfast type sink, oil should be applied monthly or whenever beading of water no longer occurs on the timber worktop surface.

Water spills and other liquids should always be mopped up immediately to prevent stains to the surface - especially during the first few weeks of installation.

Kitchen wooden Worktops should be cleaned regularly using washing-up liquid and warm (not hot) water. Apply the water sparingly and wipe dry afterwards - water should never be left to stand on wooden surfaces for long periods.

Never use multi-purpose cleaning products that contain chemical cleaning agents and especially avoid scouring powders. A green nylon scouring sponge can be used for cleaning purposes but the area may require re-oiling afterwards.

Always use a chopping board for food preparation - cutting directly onto the wooden worktop will damage the surface.

Hot pans, rough-bottomed objects and wet items should not be placed directly onto a wooden worktop.  Direct contact from iron, steel or copper vessels can also stain the timber worktop surfaces and should therefore be avoided.

Repairs & Refurbishment

Surfaces that have been neglected, become a bit tired and lifeless or accidentally damaged by cuts, burns or stains can usually be sanded and re-oiled to fully restore them to their original quality.

When sanding, it is best to start with 100grit sandpaper and build up to 120grit or 150grit.  Wooden work surfaces should never be sanded finer than 180grit. To do so will prevent any future applications of oil from penetrating the work surface.

Dents to a kitchen wooden worktop can easily be steamed out. Sand the damaged area and then apply a small amount of water into the dent. Place a damp tea-towel over the area and run a steam iron over the tea-towel around the affected area. This method will slowly raise the dented area of the wood back to the surface. Afterwards, finely sand the repaired area and apply as much Danish Oil as is necessary.

Being a natural product, wood can occasionally crack or split. In these instances it is best to fill the affected area with good wood filler.