Now it’s time to install the worktop and sink. These instructions explain the installation care and maintenance of our solid wood PRONOMEN worktops. When measuring and sawing the solid wood tops throughout this step, we suggest placing them on sawhorses for easiest handling. Once you’ve finished this step, it’s a good idea to hire professionals to connect the water, gas or electricity, and to install the oven, dishwasher and lighting.
1. Position the worktop Lay the worktop on top of the base cabinets, allowing 5 mm at the back wall, and a smaller space against the side wall or high cabinet. If you’re installing tops in an “L” shape, the two sections must meet in a butt join. (Do not make angle or mitre cut joins.) These steps allow the counter to undergo normal expansion and contraction.
2. Measure the counter Measure the counter from the end of the base cabinet out, allowing for the cover panel plus a 3/4 inch overhang. Mark with a pencil on the finished side if you’ll be using a handsaw and on the underside if using a power saw.
3. Saw the worktop If you’re sawing by hand, we recommend using a fine-toothed handsaw for control. To avoid splintering the worktop, tape over the area to be cut. If you’re using a circular saw, turn the counter face down and clamp a straight-edge in place to guide the saw along the cut line. Finish the cut edge with your file.
4. Mark a spot for the sink With the worktop in place, trace the inside of the base cabinet on the underside of the worktop. This helps assure that the sink cut out will be aligned correctly. Then, place the sink upside down on the underside of the worktop, positioning it correctly side to side and front to back. Trace around the edge of the sink with a pencil. Using your pencil and a straight edge, draw a “cut” line inside this line, according to the directions that come with your sink.
5. Saw the sink hole. Place the worktop on sawhorses. Drill a .4 inch hole for the jigsaw blade at all four corners of the cut line. Following this same cut line, saw the hole for the sink unit.
6. Seal the sink cut out To prevent moisture from penetrating the worktop, apply a polyurethane silicone along the cut edges with a paintbrush.
7. Trim the cabinet top rails Fit the worktop back into place on the base cabinet. Check that the sink hole is not obstructed by the top frame rails of the base cabinet. If it is, you’ll need to trim the rails so that the sink will fit perfectly.
8. Install the sink Lift off the worktop and turn it upside down, placing it back on your saw horses. Install the sink according to the fitting instructions enclosed with it.
9. Secure the worktop Your worktop should be secured as shown using the hardware provided. The slotted brackets allow the countertop to expand and contract normally. Set worktops in place, allowing the same gaps as when you measured. Locate attachment points at regular intervals and drill pilot holes before securing the top.
10. Install the mixer tap If your sink is not pre-drilled for a mixer tap, you’ll need to cut the necessary holes in the sink. Tape and mark a place for each of the fittings. Drill all holes and install the mixer tap and fittings following the instructions enclosed with it.
11. Prepare wood worktop for use Your solid wood worktop was pre-treated at the factory to condition and protect it until installation. To prepare it for use, sand the surface with a fine sandpaper and finish it with an approved wood-block oil, for example, BEHANDLA.
Tip: If you have a kitchen where two laminate worktops meet, cover the join with a cover strip before you screw the worktops into place.
Tip: Because of moisture and steam, it’s important to have a moisture barrier under the worktop where you have the dishwasher. Use VARIABEL diffusion barrier for extra protection.
Tip: Sand and oil your worktop regularly for long-term beauty and protection. Stains and minor damage can be removed using fine sandpaper. Wipe the sanded surface clean and re-oil the affected area.
You’ve completed this step! And your worktops and sink are in place.
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