QA

How To Install Butcher Block Countertop To Base Cabinets

How do you secure a butcher block to a cabinet?

To secure the slabs to the cabinets, use either brackets with elongated holes to allow the wood to expand and contract or cabinet corner braces. Ream the holes to make them larger if needed. Piece the countertop together on the cabinets. If you have help, you can do it before setting it in place.

Do you glue down Butcher block countertops?

Butcher Block Surfaces should never be glued down with silicone caulk or construction adhesive as this will prevent natural movement and result in damage to the top. Cracking and warping when tops are installed using construction adhesive or silicone caulk will not be covered under warranty.

How do you attach a countertop to base cabinets?

Apply a bead of silicone caulk or construction adhesive along the top edge of all the cabinet parts that support the countertop. Tip up a straight countertop to apply the adhesive. Insert shims under a mitered countertop rather than trying to tip it up — doing so is easier and is less likely to break the glue joint.

Do you stain butcher block before installing?

Most butcher block countertops are purchased unfinished. This means that while you can choose the finished color for your countertops, it also requires some work. If you are installing butcher block countertops, prep and stain the butcher block before installation.

How far can a butcher block countertop overhang without support?

If your edge or blended-grain butcher block counter is installed so that the overhang runs along the length of the piece, parallel to the wood rails, the maximum allowed overhang without additional supports is 8″. If your overhang will be more than 8″, it must be supported by brackets underneath.

Do you need to seal bottom of butcher block?

You will need to finish all surfaces (top, bottom and sides) of your unfinished butcher block or wide plank top with a commercial grade polyurethane or Waterlox finish. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the polyurethane or Waterlox for finishing coats (usually three or four coats).

Can you put hot pans on butcher block?

Placing hot pots and pans directly on the butcher block surface is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. It is also one of the most problematic. The hot items can burn and even crack the wood, leaving permanent damage, in most cases.

Can you put two pieces of butcher block together?

When positioning two pieces of countertop together to make an L-shape, simply cut the two pieces to size. Butt them together as they will be when installed then clamp both pieces down to work surface to hold them tightly in place (Image 1).

What adhesive to use for countertops?

Contact cement is used to glue Formica to a counter top. If you’re starting from scratch assembling counter tops in a new home, or if you’re remodeling an older counter top with new Formica, you will need contact cement.

What adhesive do you use to install granite countertops?

Epoxy glue is the most common type of glue used in granite installations, as it is one of the few types of adhesives that can provide a bond that is as strong as the stone itself.

What type of glue is used for butcher block?

Titebond II or Titebond III Glue is the best for such usage. These adhesives are FDA approved for indirect food contact. If you don’t have Titebond fixatives in hand, you can also use Elmer’s epoxies, which are also non-toxic.

How much should a butcher block overhang?

Be sure to include any overhang you want the butcher block to have—as little as 1½ inches for a standard countertop or up to a foot for a seating counter—and keep it consistent and parallel to the front of the cabinets as you scribe.

Can butcher block get wet?

You can’t avoid getting your wood countertops wet when you’re preparing food. The finish we use on butcher block is food-safe. It’s not waterproof, but the type of moisture that touches butcher block shouldn’t damage the wood as long as you clean up immediately after preparing your meal.

Is it hard to install Butcher block countertops?

Wood countertops, including butcher block, are relatively easy to fabricate, install, and finish on a do-it-yourself basis. Raw, close-grained butcher block slabs can be special-ordered from many home improvement and even some flooring companies.

How thick should butcher block countertops be?

Thickness and Edges. Wood countertop thickness generally ranges from a three-quarter inch to six inches, and butcher block from two inches to 12 inches. A wide variety of edge options exist.

How do you attach wood countertops?

The countertop should be attached to the cabinetry by screwing it to corner braces and blocking provided by the cabinetry. Another option for securing the countertop is to use “L” brackets.

Can I leave my butcher block unfinished?

Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface. If the surface won’t be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).

What happens if you don’t seal a butcher block countertop?

Any moisture that is absorbed into the wood and filling the pores is that much less space that is available to the oil. This moisture is going to be absorbed unevenly. This in-turn causes the oil to absorb unevenly, thus leaving the finish splotchy.

What should you not cut on a butcher block?

Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Instead, place a plastic cutting board on the wooden surface and use the plastic board as the cutting surface. This will protect the wood and prevent it from becoming contaminated.

Can you put a sink in a butcher block countertop?

The biggest concern for me was definitely was the idea of water damage. Putting butcher block around a sink is risky enough, even without the sinks being under-mounted. You definitely have to make sure to use silicone around the sink seam and also use a good wood sealer.

How often do you have to oil butcher block countertops?

5. When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.

What type of sink is best with butcher block?

Undermount sinks are most commonly chosen as the best sink for butcher block countertop because they are stable, easy to install, and fit well into most kitchens.