Fitting guide for Earthy ® Timber ‘s wooden countertops 

Please read through this fitting guide. By placing an order it is assumed that you have read, understood and agreed to our Terms and Conditions and noted all the important  information contained in this document. If you are unclear on any aspect of these terms, conditions and the important information given, please contact us before placing an order. All orders placed with, and accepted by Earthy ® Timber, the ‘Company’  are therefore bound by these Terms and Conditions. 

We are confident that our products will give you many years of excellent service. However,we cannot be liable for any faults in the surfaces that are caused by poor installation, or by using the wrong fixings, or by installation in adverse site conditions.

When you just buy a top from us, you can choose to have it installed by our own specially trained carpenters, who are familiar with the characteristics of our products, and have experience installing them.

Alternatively, of course, you can have the installation carried out by your own fitter. In this case we strongly recommend seeking advice from a competent trade person who has the appropriate knowledge and skill in fitting wooden surfaces. Please note that incorrect installation invalidates the warranty on our products and you will need to pursue your installer for remedy or reimbursement.

Storage

Storage position – The goods leave our workshop acclimatised and in a level state. When you have received the surfaces store them horizontally and flat on bearers, so that air can circulate between them. A surface should never be stored vertically against a wall. Tops which have not been finished (oiled, varnished, lacquered or encapsulated in resin) in our factory should be treated immediately after the protective wrapping has been removed (if there is any), and it is advisable to install the surface as soon as possible after it has been delivered.

Temperature and humidity – As with all solid timber products, before you install them they should be stored in a dry, room temperature place, away from all sources of heat and moisture. Please ensure that any plaster in a room in which the timber is stored or installed is completely dry and that the timber is kept away from direct sources of heat.

Because wood is a living material which expands and contracts according to the surrounding humidity levels, if the surface is exposed to different moisture levels on the top and underside, it will start ‘bowing’ or warping. Consequently, avoid any significant changes in temperature or humidity during storage and installation.

Preparation

Please inspect your goods thoroughly on  delivery and before any preparation/installation process commences. Any changes made to any of our goods, that alter the product’s original condition constitute immediate acceptance of the product. The Company will be not held responsible for any damage or fault caused by negligent storage, preparation, installation or failure to comply with our installation and aftercare instructions.

Our character wooden tops and furniture are designed to be used in standard heated domestic or office interiors. Timber is a natural material and is affected by changes in temperature and humidity, which means, it expands and contracts naturally across the grain. It is essential to follow the correct storage and installation procedure to allow for this movement and to ensure you get the most from your product for generations to come.

Make sure that all your kitchen structures and cabinets are fully fitted and levelled and the room is clear of any dust or debris. All plumbing operations and wet work must be finished and plaster completely dry (allow a minimum of six weeks for this).

Wooden tops must not be installed above radiators and other heating devices.

The wooden top should be adequately supported during all cutting, drilling or sawing operations.

 A and B sides

Our finished wooden tops have an A and a B side. The A side should be used as the visible top surface. The side of the fully finished surface is smoother and usually will present more beautiful aspects of the top than the B side. You will be able to distinguish which side is intended to be the top side, but both top and bottom will be structurally sound.  You may find minor, unsealed with resin, or wood filler features, but this will not affect the worktop’s structural performance and does not mean the worktop should be rejected. Inspect the top carefully before installation to establish which is the A side.

Earthy Timber’s protective finishing service 

Unfinished (Raw) – This is our most cost-effective option and represents a natural stage in the countertop’s craftsmanship journey. The unfinished wooden countertop is produced to the same high structural and material standards as all of our finished pieces and is delivered in a completely unfinished state that requires substantial additional work. The application of fillers – such as wood filler or resin – into open natural features including knots or voids is entirely at the client’s discretion and guided by personal aesthetic preference and the intended use of the piece. Some clients choose to preserve the natural rustic character of the wood and leave select features open. Extensive sanding, surface preparation, and the application of a protective finish are also the responsibility of the client. This option is well suited for clients who have the tools, experience, and time to complete the finishing process themselves.

Please note: tables and desks are only available as fully finished, fully protected products.

Fine Sanding Only (Ready for application of the protective finish of your choice) – Offered at a modestly higher cost than our raw (unfinished) option, the sanded countertop is supplied with a fully sanded, smooth surface that is ready for immediate application of the protective finish of your choice. Prominent natural features are professionally filled using resin or organic fillers to enhance visual appearance while preserving the wood’s natural character. Select features may be intentionally left open where they contribute to the piece’s overall aesthetic and natural charm. This option significantly reduces preparation time and is ideal for clients seeking a refined, semi-finished surface without the labour associated with full raw preparation.

Important note for the countertops that require on-site modifications – if your countertop requires on-site size adjustments or cutouts, you should choose either a raw (unfinished) or sanded only option. This is because any pre-applied finish will be disrupted during your modifications, resulting in visible inconsistencies. If a pre-finished countertop is cut or altered on-site, the newly exposed, and treated by you areas, will not match the rest of the surface, leading to noticeable patchiness. To ensure a smooth, even finish, we recommend completing all size adjustments and/or cutouts first, then applying the protective treatment of your choice to the entire surface for a flawless result.

Professional Finishing – if  you want to receive your solid wood countertop ready to be used immediately (please note this option is only suitable for countertops that do not require on-site cut-outs or size adjustments), our in-house finishing service is the right choice. We offer 3 protective finishing options. Our natural oil finish enhances the wood’s natural depth and autumnal tones by penetrating deeper layers of timber. If you prefer to maintain the original light tones and textures, our transparent matt lacquer finish forms a barrier against damage without altering the wood’s natural appearance. For additional durability, you can also upgrade l to our signature, maintenance free waterproof protection (additional costs apply).

Fine sanding + subtle sheen oil

The unique properties of oil gradually enrich the wood’s grain, deepening its natural hues and enhancing its warm, autumnal tones.  As the oil penetrates the deeper layers of the solid wood countertop, it creates a protective effect that helps prevent damage even as the top layer naturally fades over time.

One of the key advantages of an oil finish is its easy maintenance – surface imperfections can be repaired with sanding and fresh re-application. However, oil-finished surfaces are more prone to marking from liquids, making them less suitable for kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms.

To keep your solid wood countertop nourished and looking its best, regular re-oiling with light sanding between the coats is essential. This finish is ideal for those who appreciate the natural beauty of wood and don’t mind the upkeep required to maintain its charm.

Please note that an oil finish naturally has a subtle sheen and may bring out slightly orangey undertones in the wood – particularly in lighter species such as oak, ash, or elm.

Fine sanding + matt lacquer 

Our matt lacquer finish offers natural look while providing a low-maintenance protection for solid wood countertops. As a cost-effective, water-resistant solution, it is ideal for surfaces exposed to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, as well as solid wood tables and breakfast bars.

We offer our lacquer in a matt finish as standard, unless a gloss finish is specifically requested. However, we would advise against opting for gloss finish – it tends to highlight every mark and scratch, making it a less forgiving choice over time.

Unlike oil, which deepens the wood’s tones, matt lacquer preserves the wood’s original colour palette while adding a transparent protective layer. The matt finish not only enhances the wood’s natural beauty but also helps conceal scratches and marks, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

Fine sanding + waterproof protection + matt lacquer

Our exclusive, no-maintenance waterproof protection, developed in-house by Earthy Timber, is applied in a vacuum environment –  a process unavailable anywhere else. This cutting-edge treatment provides the highest level of resistance against scratches, stains, and moisture while preserving the natural beauty and tactile feel of your solid wood countertop.

Designed for heavy-use surfaces such as dining tables and bathroom countertops, this advanced finish is highly resistant to water, heat, alcohol, and food acids. It also features a non-yellowing, UV-protected formula, ensuring your countertop remains flawless for years without the need for reapplication.

With its matt finish, Earthy Timber’s waterproof protection amplifies the wood’s natural grain and tones, adding depth while maintaining its organic beauty. Unlike glossy finishes that may alter the timber’s appearance, our waterproof treatment enhances the wood’s character in a subtle, authentic way.

For those seeking the ultimate protection with zero maintenance, this premium finish is available upon request for an additional cost. To add it to your order, please email us.

 Your  protective finishing service

Whatever treatment you choose, it is very important to remember that all sides of the wooden top must be treated. Pay particular attention to end grain edges, ends, and concealed edges, cut-outs for sinks, around tap holes, fitting notches and slots, and also the end grain on tap plinths.

Different treatments will require different applications. The surfaces should be treated at least four times, allowing the treatment to dry, and giving the wooden top  a light sanding in between coats. Work the finish into the worktop in the direction of the wood grain for best results. Once the wooden tops have been fitted, they may need another coat of oil (oil treated surfaces only) on the top surface to create a really good finish.

Drying time is dependent on the product,  room temperature and air circulation, so the best results can be achieved in warm, well-aired rooms.

Fitting

We go to great lengths to provide detailed information about installation of wooden surfaces, however this is not a comprehensive guide as it is impossible to cover every single scenario, therefore we recommend that you use an experienced carpenter to fit the wooden tops.  Failure to follow our installation guide and good woodworking procedures means that your fitter accepts full responsibility for final fitting and any subsequent damage to the wooden product. Your fitter is also taking the full responsibility for final installation recommendations specific to your project.

Unless we are surveying and fitting the project we cannot be held responsible for incorrect procedures being applied and can only offer general fitting recommendations as per our Fitting and Installation Guide.

If you choose to use your own fitters please ensure they are fully insured and can guarantee the quality of their fitting.  Our guarantee on the product ceases if these correct fitting procedures are not strictly adhered to. At this point any errors made would  have to be  rectified by your fitter. Please note these errors would immediately invalidate your warranty for the product.

It is extremely important to make sure that the installation is done correctly. Any mistakes made during the installation may cause problems with the final appearance and functioning of the wood top and will invalidate the warranty.

Positioning the wooden worktop – Timber worksurfaces must be installed with a clear 3-5mm gap (depending on individual circumstances) between their edges or ends and adjacent wall surfaces. The gaps serve two purposes: firstly, they prevent a moisture bridge forming when the timber meets the wall surface, and secondly, they allow the timber to move naturally as it expands and contracts across its grain in response to changes in humidity and temperature in the room.

Spirit level – For the wooden tops to function perfectly it is essential that all supporting bases have been installed correctly with a spirit level so the upper surfaces are completely level. 

Fixing – The tops must be fixed down using slotted angle brackets only (or their equivalent) It is important to use the slot that runs at right angles to the direction of the grain. The cross grain slots in the brackets with roundhead screws will accommodate the natural movement of the timber whilst holding the worksurface down. Fix the brackets to the base unit side panels only, as the top rails are not strong enough. Similarly, take care not to over-tighten the screws to allow for the expansion and contraction of the timber, as failure to do so may cause stresses and result in splitting the timber.

For units with top panels, first drill an oversized hole (10-12mm) through the top panel, then fix the slotted angle bracket with a larger washer and screw directly under the panel. This will allow the wooden top to slide over the washer when timber expands and contracts in reaction to change of humidity or temperature. These top panels must be drilled or cut out over at least 40% of their area to allow the underside of the wooden top to breathe, to allow steam and condensation to disperse, and to ensure the same moisture levels on the top and the bottom of the wood work surface. Failure to do this will cause the surface to bow and split.

Where the wooden tops span appliances alone or are unsupported into a corner, cut and fix timber wall rails to support the tops and attach the slotted brackets. Tops that span two appliances side by side must be supported by a mid-panel fixed between them.

Do not fix wooden tops directly into masonry. Fit them over timber spacers 5-10mm thick, which are set on a damp proof membrane. This will prevent the transmission of moisture and provides space for air to circulate under the top.

Overhang – It is essential that the worksurface is adequately supported and secured through its length and width with slotted brackets (or equivalent) The size of the unsupported overhang depends on a combination of different factors and can only be decided on an “ individual basis” 

Cupped or bowed surfaces – The wooden top can cup or bow if the top and bottom surfaces are not in balance with each other due to different levels of moisture. This may occur if the top has been stored incorrectly, the top surface is being kept too wet, the surface has been installed over a heater, a moisture barrier has not been fitted on the underside of the wood top to protect it from the heat and steam produced by built-in appliances, moisture is leaking onto it from a pipe or appliance, or if the slotted brackets and screws have not been fitted or are not functioning, the overhang rules have not been adhered to.

In this case you will need a different installation procedure (or perhaps a re-installation). Please follow these steps:

1. Firstly fix the length of the back of the wooden top to the supporting cabinets
2. Slowly and carefully pull the wood top downwards using clamps and battens
3. Pull the worksurface down at the front before fixing it with screws, taking care not to over tighten them
4. Remember about the final adjustments of the fittings

It is important to allow time for the wooden top to equalise and completely return to its flat shape and settle, otherwise the timber may split. When the moisture levels return to equilibrium the two surfaces will find their natural balance.

Joints – These must be butted in order to accommodate the cross grain movement of the timber. Each joint should be held and aligned with at least three worktop bolts and four biscuits for standard size worktop ~620mm wide. Wider tops will require more fixings pro rata (one bolt and one biscuit for each additional 200mm)

Mitre joints require different and very careful installation. Only use them if the skills and conditions on site will guarantee that the joints can be correctly installed.

The end grain on wooden kitchen worktop joints must all be edge-sealed during assembly with low modulus silicone.

The positioning and number of the fixings is unique to each project. Only a knowledgeable and experienced fitter can carry out the installation. The important points to watch for include, but are not limited to: the positioning of the supports under the wooden top (such as cabinets, end panels and legs), the dimensions of the worksurface, stave width, grain direction, the size of the overhang, end cups, the positioning and type of appliances and individual conditions in the room.

Remember to always carry out a final tightening and adjustment of the joints to complete the installation.

End caps – Cut and fit end caps on wooden kitchen worktops which will be situated next to Range Cookers, Agas, boilers and other hot appliances or sources of heat such as fire place,  that run continuously, or for long periods of time. End caps are also necessary on tops next to dropped hobs or where open grain is exposed to excessively intense sunlight. Open grain is particularly vulnerable to heat, if not protected with opposite direction wood sections.

 Cut-outs and allowance for expansion and contraction – Great care must be taken when installing sinks into timber worksurfaces due to the possibility of water penetrating into the joints and timber if incorrect procedures and materials are used.

Cut-outs for lay-on sinks and hobs must have a clearance of 3-5mm  per side, i.e. 6-10mm overall (depending on individual circumstances) to allow for cross-grain timber movement.

For accuracy, quality and safety, cut outs for undermounted sinks should be benchcut, using jigs and a router, not a jig saw.

The edges of all concealed cut-outs for lay-on sinks and appliances and tap holes must be smoothed and thoroughly sealed with edge seal. This will prevent damage to the timber from condensation and any leakage.

Flush mounted sinks should not be fitted into wooden worksurfaces.

If you need to bring pipes up through the worktop, you should make a 3-5mm  (depending on  individual circumstances) allowance for expansion/contraction around the pipe. The hole for the taps must be at least 5mm larger in diameter than the water pipe. All end grain must be thoroughly sealed with low modulus silicone sealer to prevent moisture damage to the worktop.

Belfast sinks must have an overhang of at least 10mm and the edges must be treated frequently and regularly to prevent the worktop splitting.

If you are going to fit a waste disposal unit to an undermounted sink after installation, you will need to provide additional support.

Make sure that there is always at least 250mm from the appliance cut-out to the end of the worktop, or between two cut-outs.

Leave minimum 30mm gaps between the ends of tops and freestanding appliances, cookers etc.

Moisture barrier – If you are going to install a built-under oven, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer or fridge/freezer under the worksurface, you should take care to ensure that the protective deflector often provided by the appliance manufacturer is fitted correctly to the underside of the worktop to protect it from any intense heat or moisture. Fitting a moisture barrier underneath the worktop prevents any excessive heat, moisture, steam directly affecting the wooden surface.

Upstands – It is important that upstands are fixed to the wall and not to the worktop. There should be a 2mm gap between the worktop and the upstand. The only connection between the upstand and the worktop should be low modulus silicone sealant, allowing natural movement of your wooden top.

Table Legs fitting  – A word of caution – the majority of table legs available on the market are not designed for wooden tops, their small circular holes do not allow for the movement in wood across the grain, their supporting plates are often not wide enough to give adequate support to the top, or the material they are made of may not be robust enough to hold the weight of the top.

We craft our table legs to order.  They are designed, made in our workshop, calibrated to the size and weight of the top and will allow for natural movement across the grain of the wooden top. Our removable legs can be fitted in our workshop or on site.

Any of our wooden table tops not fitted to our customised legs are outside the scope of our guarantee.

Resin features – When fitting the countertops to the base units (including units, legs, and similar components), please avoid interfering with any resin features. This includes, but is not limited to, drilling, cutting, fastening, or fixing into resin areas. All fixings should instead be made at points that are purely timber.

Policy Improvements – Our policy is to continually improve and develop our products and, accordingly, we reserve the right to amend our terms of sale, guides, instructions, specifications, and particulars of weight, measures, prices, dimensions, and finish, without prior notice.

Earthy® Timber, Earthy Timber Luxury, Earthy Timber Custom are trading names of EARTHY ® TIMBER Limited.

This leaflet is for guidance only. The Company cannot accept responsibility for the final fitting of your surface.

Our Installation Service

The cost of our Professional  Installation Services is not included in the cost of goods and you will need to contact us to arrange the survey and quotation. The cost of survey is at least £180+vat plus cost of travel. The cost of our professional installation service is at least as high as the cost of the goods including finishing service plus cost of travel.

The purchase of the survey & installation service is governed by our Terms and Conditions of Sale and other important information set in this document.

Before placing an order with us for the products, it is your responsibility to check and determine that:

1. the information and specification it contains is accurate and meets your requirements
2. you have full ability to receive the goods and installation service. This includes ensuring that the products ordered will pass and be assembled freely into your room of choice, they fit in that room, can be transported from the kerb, through all stairs, passageways and doorways of your house, flat or room, and there are no other issues that could make delivery more complicated or impossible
3. there is adequate room for our installation team to provide the Installation Services at your chosen location.
4. all relevant areas at your chosen location are clear of any debris, the flooring is levelled, all wet jobs completed and fully dried
5. there is sufficient room to carry the largest components of the unassembled product through your chosen delivery location to the area in which the product is to be installed;
6. parking is made available at your chosen delivery location, on the same street or adjacent street. If parking permits are required, you must make a permit available for our installation team delivery vehicle at your own expense

When you order the installation service from us, we would like to make it clear this applies solely to the fitting of our products, and does not include any other fittings and fixtures e.g. electrical or plumbing.

There will be some disruption whilst our installation team are working, however they will keep the disruption to a minimum.

In the event that you or your representative are not available on site to accept the delivery at the agreed date and time slot, our installation team will wait for an additional 15 minutes before returning to the workshop, and will charge for re-delivery of the goods.

Once the goods have been installed our installation team will take photographs for quality purposes.

Aftercare instructions for our wooden surfaces

Oiled Wood Tops

Ongoing oiling nourishes the timber table tops and wooden worktops and enhances its appearance as well as protecting the wooden tops from wear and tear. New wooden tops should be treated with oil every month for the first few months, and at least once every three months after that. Heavily used solid timber surfaces will need re-oiling more frequently. This simple procedure will maintain the colour and lustre of your wooden table top /wooden counter top and keep it looking beautiful. Just remember to always give light sanding between coats, apply thin layers using a lint-free cloth and remove any excess oil after 10-15 mins.

Your newly oiled timber counter top will have a sheen. Splashes of water will form clear droplets and stand out from the wooden surface. After some use the finish will become worn and water will not form into droplets so easily, but move over the wooden surface. This is the time to re-oil your solid wood table top / wooden worktop, or if possible even before this condition is fully developed. More frequently used parts of your wooden top may wear faster than others.

Lacquered Wood Tops

Wooden worktops in solid oak or walnut finished with lacquer or clear varnish unlike oiled wood tops will not require re-application, but if you break the protective bareer of lacquer with deep scratch for example, the timber becomes more vulnerable to water damage. Lacquered finish is suitable for solid wood kitchen worktops and timber table tops.

Waterproofed  Wood Tops

We apply elegant, natural, matt waterproof finish to all our Earthy® Timber Luxury Furniture and Wooden Counter Tops  This unique, developed in-house technique against water damage protects the timber especially in challenging kitchen bar, sink and bathroom basin top setting. Waterproof timber finish may be acquired at an additonal cost as an upgraded protection for wooden tops and solid wood tables from Earthy® Timber Custom Wood Range. Waterproof wood finish is a unique and complex technique developed by Earthy® Timber that protects deeper layers of timber whilst giving it matt, natural wood finish. It does not require re-application and is the most natural and resistant to damage protective finish available on the market.

Other useful information about protection of wooden countertops

Use of chopping boards

Wooden worktops and table tops may be more prone to scratching than some other surfaces. The use of chopping boards is recommended in order to protect the timber surface finish.

Don’t place kitchen appliances directly on wooden countertop

Household appliances which give off heat (coffee makers, toasters, cookers etc.) should never be placed directly onto the wooden worktop surface as the wood may dry out and cracks may appear.

Don’t place hot pans directly on solid wood countertop

Hot pans, rough-bottomed objects and wet items should not be placed directly onto a wooden work surface – always use granite inserts, hot-rods, trivets, pan stands or heat-resistant mats to protect the worktop from scratch marks. Direct contact from iron, steel or copper vessels can also stain the timber surfaces and should therefore be avoided.

Drainage grooves are an aesthetic feature only

Please remember: Drainage grooves are a feature only; they are not suitable for drying the dishes.

Wooden countertop daily cleaning

For daily of wooden counter top /table top cleaning, use a mild soap and warm (not hot) water on a moistened cloth (do not use concentrated soap/washing up liquid). Never use products which contain ammonia, abrasives, or scouring powder. Never let water or cleaning agents puddle for any period of time on the worktop.

Small cracks might occur but they are not damaging to the worktop. Simply treat them with extra oil (treated with oil surfaces only)

Wood tones change over time

All solid timber table tops and worktops react to light, and may change their tone over time. To avoid different shades developing on your oak, walnut table top, oak worktop move any objects you keep on wood top around from time to time.

Prevent Trapped Moisture

If you leave objects on the countertop for an extended time, ensure no liquid is trapped underneath. Although our finishes provide excellent protection, prolonged exposure to trapped liquids may cause discolouration.

Restoring Original Beauty of Wooden Countertop

Solid wood has many unique qualities and with a little care and attention, the passage of time can enhance its natural beauty. In the unfortunate event of your solid wood worktop / timber table top sustaining damage (or when the lacquer or varnish wears off) it can be sanded down and refinished, restoring its original beauty.