Hardwood Multi-Use Panels Installation

BEFORE INSTALLATION

Before installation, first apply a treatment on all sides, such as oil, wax or lacquer. Note: Once the panel is installed cut ends and holes will be inaccessible, so every exposed surface must be properly treated prior to installation. Wood is a natural product and will expand and contract. Wood can be affected by heat and humidity.

STORAGE

The panel should be stored flat, and has to be kept away from any direct heat source and humidity. Prior to installation, the panel should be laid flat and allowed to acclimatize to room conditions for minimum period of 48 hours.

EXPANSION GAPS

Solid wood is a living material and will expand and shrink with temperature and humidity variances. Always leave a 5mm expansion gap to all other dead surfaces such as stone, steel, walls etc. Use a quality silicone sealant to seal gaps.

CUTTING

When using a fine toothed panel saw, cut the panel face upwards, when using a jigsaw cut the panel face downwards. Treat all cut edges again with oil, wax or lacquer.

FITTING

The panel may naturally tend to warp and bend when exposed to changing humidity and temperature. To avoid this, solid tight fitting is required. Secure the panel with angle brackets to the wall every 200mm where there is no cabinet to fix the panel to. Pre-drill the panel where screws are required. Screws should be minimum 15mm penetrating the panel.

FIXING TO BRICKWORK

Please ensure the brickwork is completely dry. As a precaution use a damp-proof barrier foil.

CORNER JOINTS

When joining two wood panels together it is recommended that both, biscuit joints and standard wood bolts, are used in order to avoid temperature warping at a later stage. Treat the joining edge and the underneath panel lavishly with oil before joining and fitting the wood panels.

INSERTING HOBS; TILES OR STONE/STEEL MATERIAL

Always leave a 5mm expansion gap. Use high flexible silicone sealant. The wood may crack if you do not allow expansion. For installation of cooking areas a minimum gap of 40mm should be respected. Please ask your dealer if your cooking area allows generally solid wood surroundings in any case.

KITCHEN APPLIANCES

If a dishwasher or washing machine is installed underneath the panel it is recommended to use a reflective foil and a moisture barrier underneath the panel. A minimum 25mm gap should allow sufficient ventilation above the machine. Leave a 15mm gap for cut outs and sinks.

FITTING AN INSET SINK

Expansion gaps must be sealed with silicone. Take great care when installing due to the possibility of water penetration.

REPAIR AND LONG TERM MAINTENANCE

After years of hard use, your panel may sustain some stains and scrapes. To refurbish, lightly sand it down and oil, wax or lacquer it again.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE

In the first weeks of use some care must be taken to avoid letting water settle for long periods on the surface. In circumstances where you have used oil as the finish treatment, be sure to oil again after one week. Hot pans and pots should not stand directly onto the panel surface. Always use a chopping board for food preparation. The surface should be cleaned with a warm damp cloth. Do not use aggressive cleaning liquids.