23
Back edge 2 pcs.
Sides 2 pcs.
ca 50
mm
2. Installing counter tops
SECURE THE BOARD CORRECTLY
Secure the board from underneath with the supplied fittings bag, which
includes mounting brackets with oval holes. The board must never be glued
into place. Secure with mounting brackets with a spacing of no more than
600 mm along the length of the board. The ends of the board must also be
secured with mounting brackets. Select brackets that allow the board to
move depthwise.
Secure the mounting brackets on the side of the cabinet, approximately
100 mm from the front and back edges. This also applies to joints. Alternatively,
you may drill a hole in the front edge through the lintel and secure with a screw
and washer. The hole must be at least twice as large as the screw. During
installation, you may hold the board in place using clamps. Use a protective
shim to prevent damage to the surface.
Solid wood is a living material, so it will move with the changing seasons.
For example, a board made from beech with a depth of 600 mm can vary by
+/- 2.5 mm within a year. The screws must not be tightened so hard that they
prevent natural movement.
When installing a hob, some manufacturers include mounting frames/runners.
The mounting holes in these must be oval depthwise to allow the board to
move. Without oval holes, there is a risk that the wood will crack. On the short
edge of the counter top where it joins a sink, silicone sealant must always be
used (not included in the delivery from Vedum).
When installing an undermount sink with a draining board in the counter top,
this should be checked so that it does not catch on the dishwasher if one is
present (see page 20).
In this case, the dishwasher can be lowered and above it you can add strip art.
no. 47148, 600x30x36 or art. no. 47149, 450x30x36 (in the event of a
dishwasher with a width of 450 mm) to cover the space.
TREATMENT AFTER INSTALLING OILED BOARDS
After installation, the counter tops must be immediately oiled on the sides and
edges with wood oil. Areas that are exposed to hot steam or water splashes are
particularly important. This applies only to oil-treated counter tops (counter
tops that are supplied hard-waxed do not require treatment immediately after
installation unless the surface has been damaged).
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. If
the surface has not dried completely within three hours, it may dry into a tough,
sticky surface that is difficult to get rid of. Take care to ensure that the oil does
not come into contact with anything other than the counter top, especially the
doors. Repeat the treatment at least once in the first week, then once per week
for three weeks. Repeat after one month, three months and six months.
Following that, treat the counter top three to four times a year. Note that 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. Coffee makers can
also cause problems. The underside of some coffee makers becomes very hot,
and this heat dries out the wood. This can cause stains and cracks. This is
particularly important if you have an undermount sink. Coffee makers, as well
as deep fat fryers and other hot appliances, should always stand on a mat to be
on the safe side.
WARNING:
The cloths and sponges you have used may self-ignite when the
oil oxidises. Soak with water and wrap in an airtight wrapping or ignite under
controlled conditions.
CLEANING/MAINTENANCE OF HARD-WAX OILED BOARDS
On delivery, the counter tops are treated with a special combination of oil and
wax that produces a very hardwearing surface layer and good protection. They
do not need to be treated before or directly after installation if the surface has
not been damaged, but they are not maintenance-free.
To maintain the appearance and adequate surface of the counter tops, you
must check whether your counter tops need to be maintained so that the
surface is not worn down or damaged. It is especially important to check that
the end wood and edges have adequate protection, particularly if you have an
undermount sink where moisture can permeate up. This also applies to
surfaces that are used frequently and may be exposed to water and steam. As
each board – as well as each bar – is unique, different quantities of hard-wax oil
are required to saturate the surface and produce an adequate surface layer.
For daily maintenance, or as needed, use a cloth dampened with warm water.
The wiped surface should dry within 1–2 minutes. Vedum has a cleaning spray
with art. no. 37010 for daily cleaning. This contains soap that is based on
natural oils. The product cleans the surface without drying out or removing
the hard-wax oil. Spray onto the surface and wipe off with a lint-free cloth (not
included in the delivery from Vedum).
Maintenance wax art. no. 37009 is used after wiping with a damp cloth to easily
freshen up the hard-wax oiled surface if necessary. Shake the can and apply
a very thin layer of the product onto the clean, dry surface using a microfibre
mop or lint-free cloth (not included in the delivery from Vedum). Allow to dry
for at least an hour. Ensure good ventilation. Never use tape on the surface.
2.2 CONT. INSTALLING SOLID WOOD BOARDS