If you’ve decided to invest in solid wood worktops and intend installing them yourself, here is a DIY guide that should help you:
Fixing kit
When you order your worktop, many suppliers will offer a fixing kit, which will include all the basic bolts, strips and spacers you should need. If your supplier doesn’t offer such a kit, it is worth double-checking with them precisely what you will need for installation. This is well worth doing in advance, because you don’t want to find yourself in the situation where you’re ready to go and you’re missing something simple that could involve a two hour round trip to find! Precisely what you will need will vary from project to project, but will more than likely include items such as fixing bolts, fixing brackets, foil strips, foil sheets, sandpaper and silicone.
Consider cutouts
If you are making cutouts in the wooden worktop yourself, you need to remember to make allowance for expansion and contraction of the wood. Generally speaking, the guideline is 5mm for big items like sinks and hobs and 3mm for smaller items like taps and pipes. Once again, remember to treat any cutouts with Danish oil before fitting. When making cutouts always make sure you allow for a 25cm distance from the edge of your worktop and between cutouts, otherwise you could compromise the overall strength and stability of your worktop. Finally, wherever heat is likely to come in contact with the wood, for example, near cookers and hobs it is advisable to apply aluminium tape or foil.
Last minute checks
Prior to fixing the worktop, it’s really important to make sure that your kitchen cabinets and any appliances are completely level. There is little point installing a stylish new solid wood worktop on a base that isn’t quite right. If the surface isn’t level, make sure you level it before moving on.
Fixing
To fix the worktop to your cabinets, use a run of screws every 30-50cm along a run of closed top cabinets. If your cabinets are open top, you’ll need to use support brackets to secure the worktop.
Joining two or more worktops
If you are using more than one worktop for your project, you’ll need to use jointing bolts. The best way to fit a jointing bolt is to drill holes in the top of your cabinets where the bolts will be fastened. Thereafter, it’s a case of putting the jointing strip in place and positioning the worktops so you can insert the jointing bolts, before applying a sealer and tightening the bolts to bring the two worktops together. NOTE: Always take care not to over-tighten the bolt; otherwise you could damage the wood.
Stand back and enjoy
Congratulations, your worktop is now in place and should be looking splendid. All you need to do now is lightly oil the worktop a couple of times a week, over a period of a couple of weeks after installation to keep the finish topped up. After this initial period, oiling 4 times a year should keep your solid wood worktop looking great for a very long time to come.
—
FAQ
1. What is included in a fixing kit for a solid wood worktop?
A fixing kit typically includes basic bolts, strips, and spacers necessary for the installation. However, specific requirements can vary based on the project, so it’s recommended to check with the supplier. Some additional items might include fixing brackets, foil strips, foil sheets, sandpaper, and silicone.
2. How should I approach making cutouts in the wooden worktop?
When making cutouts, remember to allow for wood expansion and contraction. This generally means leaving a 5mm allowance for larger items such as sinks and hobs, and 3mm for smaller items such as taps and pipes. Don’t forget to treat any cutouts with Danish oil before fitting.
3. What are the key considerations before fixing the worktop?
Before fixing the worktop, ensure that the kitchen cabinets and any appliances are completely level. If the surface is not level, correct this before moving on. This is because any uneven base can compromise the integrity of your new solid wood worktop.
4. How do I join two or more worktops?
To join two or more worktops, use jointing bolts. Drill holes in the top of your cabinets for the bolts. After placing the jointing strip and positioning the worktops, insert the jointing bolts, apply a sealer, and tighten the bolts to connect the worktops. However, be careful not to over-tighten the bolt as it could damage the wood.
5. How should I care for my worktop after installation?
Lightly oil the worktop a couple of times a week for the first two weeks after installation. After this initial period, oiling about four times a year should keep your solid wood worktop in great condition for a long time.