Installing Solid Wood Boards - VEDUM Wine shelf Instruction Manual

2. Installing counter tops

2.2 INSTALLING SOLID WOOD BOARDS

TO THE INSTALLER
These instructions are useful when installing solid wood counter tops. Incorrect
handling can considerably shorten the lifetime of the boards. If installation is not
carried out in line with these instructions, the warranty will not be valid. Please
therefore read through all the instructions carefully before starting.
IMPORTANT TO BEAR IN MIND
Oiled boards: the fibres of solid counter tops must be saturated with oil to
ensure that the counter top will retain its shape and withstand damp and dirt.
The counter top must therefore be oiled on both the underside and the top
before installation, otherwise there is a risk that the counter top will bend.
After installation, the counter tops must immediately be oiled on all sides and
edges with wood oil. They should then be treated repeatedly over a period of
six months. Following that, treat the counter top three to four times a year. All
treatment and maintenance must be done on dry boards. Never let water remain
standing on the counter top. If this occurs, there is a risk that the counter top
will swell up, and at worst crack. It should therefore be wiped dry immediately;
this is especially important around the sink.
RECEIPT
If the product has visible damage, indicate this on the shipping note upon
receipt. If, on the other hand, hidden damage has occurred in transit, this must
be reported within the time frame specified by the transport company and indi-
cated on the shipping note, although at the latest within seven days. Comments
on the counter top must be made before installation. Installed counter tops are
always regarded as approved upon commencement of installation. Any damage
in the form of scratches, scrapes or impact marks will be considered to be
damage from installation and is not covered by the warranty. Nor is the warranty
valid if damage occurs as a result of damp, for example at the joints, or if the
board has been glued to the base. Boards may only be returned by agreement
with the responsible coordinator and must be well packaged. In the event of a
return, the customer is considered to be the product shipper and is therefore
responsible for correctly packaging the returned goods. Vedum is not
responsible for disassembling and fitting a new board.
THE MATERIAL
In order to produce a solid wood board, the wood is sawn into bars which are
then glued together. By first dividing the wood into smaller pieces and then
gluing it back together, the wood is stabilised. Sawn-off pieces and chips
resulting from installation may be disposed of, composted or incinerated.
STORAGE
NB: Counter tops should always be stored flat, NOT leaning against a wall.
The counter tops are always climatised and level when they
leave the factory. If they need to be stored outside their
packaging while waiting for installation, they must lie flat with
a counter-batten between each board, and should never stand
leaning against a wall. However, it is best to keep the boards in
the packaging, indoors at room temperature. Do not store on
concrete floors, in sunlight or in any type of radiant heat.
PREPARATION
Made-up boards are manufactured according to the customer's wishes and
specified dimensions. Measure again nonetheless and check whether the board
needs to be sawn further on site. Bear in mind that walls are rarely entirely
straight and that corners may not be right angles.
Use a spirit level to check that the intended base for the board is level and
horizontal. Also check any angles. If the board is oiled, you must have access to
wood oil to be used during and immediately after installation. Vedum has put
together an installation kit including oil, mounting brackets and other items that
are useful for installation and maintenance. The installation kit includes
aluminium tape to protect any recess for the hob. There will be at least one
metre left over, which should be attached to the underside of the counter top, at
the front edge, directly above the dishwasher and 200 mm in each direction.
Installation must be carried out at a temperature of +18–22° and a relative
humidity of between 40–60%. If the temperature or humidity is different, the
risk of the board warping is increased.
CHECK THE BASE
Before securing the board in place, check that the board also gets air from
underneath. Never place the board directly on cabinets with solid top edges.
Carefully drill ventilation holes with a diameter of at least 25 mm on the back
edge of the cabinet top, with a spacing of 250 mm. This means that, every time
you open a drawer or cabinet door, you will ventilate the underside of the board.
A solid wood board crowning a masonry wall, which must be completely dry,
may never be placed directly on top of the masonry. Place the board on strips
at least 5 mm thick. If the board has a greater overhang than length max. 250
mm and width max. 150 mm for kitchen islands, for example, it must be
supported from below. In this case, stabiliser bars must be milled in the
underside of the board, which is performed in the factory. Position the stabiliser
bars with a spacing of no more than 600 mm. If the board with an overhang is
installed with good ventilation and stabiliser bars, the risk of warping
is reduced.
TREATMENT BEFORE INSTALLING OILED WOOD BOARDS
IMPORTANT: before installation, the counter tops must be oiled on both the
underside and the top, as otherwise there is a risk that the counter top
will bend. Apply the wood oil carefully and let it absorb for an hour; in the
meantime, spread and work in the excess oil with a cloth. For an extra smooth
surface, use Scotch-Brite or similar, or alternatively a soft sanding block (extra
fine). Work along the length of the wood. Then rub the surfaces dry with a
lint-free cloth. Take care to ensure that the oil does not come into contact with
anything other than the counter top. Always use the treatment recommended
by Vedum. Made-up boards are supplied with wood oil for the initial after-
treatment. If you are not sure, call Vedum's Customer Services on 0512-576 40.
INSTALLING WOODEN COUNTER TOPS
The board must be protected from damp, dirt and damage during installation.
Place the board on the base to check that it fits. If the board is made up by
Vedum and still does not fit, contact Vedum before continuing with the
installation. The counter top must be installed so that it is level. Check with a
spirit level. The base must be level and secure.
For corner boards, the back edge of the board must be supported at A and B
(not included in the delivery from Vedum). If the support is not shaped
correctly, the joints may leak and there may be a risk of water damage. This is
not covered by the warranty. All joints must be supported from underneath so
that they do not come apart over time.
B
A
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