INSTALLATION TIPS
Butcher block countertops and islands provide an inviting, rich and warm feel to every kitchen. Each surface is unique due to the distinct grain patterns and characteristics inherently expressed by wood. Attention to the finest details when selecting materials and crafting your surface is guaranteed in order to preserve the natural beauty of your butcher block top.
Hudson Block Co. manufactures each surface in a controlled environment to ensure moisture content between 5-6% within the wood. Moisture content may change during transportation and with seasonal changes. As a result, the butcher block width may swell with humidity or contract in dry weather but the length will not change. If swelling or contracting have occurred during transportation, it is recommended to give ample time for the wood to acclimate and re-stabilize prior to installation. For oil-finished products, applications of mineral oil to the concave side will also help flatten the surface.
When installing your butcher block top, we do not recommend using an adhesive such as glue or caulk to fasten the butcher block top to a cabinet. This will add resistance to the natural swelling and contracting of wood and may result in stress cracks. The best method is to screw the surface down to the cabinet using oversized pilot holes in the corner blocks provided by the cabinet manufacturer. Position and align the butcher block top on the cabinet. If pilot holes are not predrilled through the corner blocks, you will need to drill oversized pilot holes through the corner blocks 3/8” larger in diameter than the actual wood screws you will use. Drill smaller pilot holes into the underside of the top for the wood screws. Do not drill too far into the butcher block. Make sure that the pilot holes going into the butcher block are carefully and accurately centered with the pilot holes in the corner blocks. If the pilot holes are not centered, the butcher block top will not be able to expand or contract. Install the screws with large washers but do not over-tighten as this will prohibit the top from sliding on the screws/washers when expanding or contracting. Attach the backsplash to the surface of the butcher block at this time.
A moisture barrier should be added above any cooling or warming appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, small refrigerators, etc. to seal and protect against steam, heat, or temperature changes.
If cuts are made to the surface during installation, the cuts need to be sanded smooth and sealed immediately (see website for warranty details).
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Hudson Block Co. manufactures each surface in a controlled environment to ensure moisture content between 5-6% within the wood. Moisture content may change during transportation and with seasonal changes. As a result, the butcher block width may swell with humidity or contract in dry weather but the length will not change. If swelling or contracting have occurred during transportation, it is recommended to give ample time for the wood to acclimate and re-stabilize prior to installation. For oil-finished products, applications of mineral oil to the concave side will also help flatten the surface.
When installing your butcher block top, we do not recommend using an adhesive such as glue or caulk to fasten the butcher block top to a cabinet. This will add resistance to the natural swelling and contracting of wood and may result in stress cracks. The best method is to screw the surface down to the cabinet using oversized pilot holes in the corner blocks provided by the cabinet manufacturer. Position and align the butcher block top on the cabinet. If pilot holes are not predrilled through the corner blocks, you will need to drill oversized pilot holes through the corner blocks 3/8” larger in diameter than the actual wood screws you will use. Drill smaller pilot holes into the underside of the top for the wood screws. Do not drill too far into the butcher block. Make sure that the pilot holes going into the butcher block are carefully and accurately centered with the pilot holes in the corner blocks. If the pilot holes are not centered, the butcher block top will not be able to expand or contract. Install the screws with large washers but do not over-tighten as this will prohibit the top from sliding on the screws/washers when expanding or contracting. Attach the backsplash to the surface of the butcher block at this time.
A moisture barrier should be added above any cooling or warming appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, small refrigerators, etc. to seal and protect against steam, heat, or temperature changes.
If cuts are made to the surface during installation, the cuts need to be sanded smooth and sealed immediately (see website for warranty details).
Click Here to View Printable Version
