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Installation, Care & Maintenance

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation methods are essential to the long-term performance of hardwood products. Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions throughout the year.

Do not use full-surface glue applications, construction adhesives, epoxies, or similar rigid bonding methods when installing hardwood surfaces. Restricting natural wood movement may contribute to cracking, warping, joint separation, or stress on adjoining structures.

Review the applicable installation section below prior to installation. Refer to the Environmental Conditions and Care & Maintenance sections for additional guidance.

Hardwood cabinet surfaces require proper support, fastening methods, and environmental control to allow for long-term dimensional stability and performance.

Before Installation

  • Inspect all products upon delivery.
  • Seal unfinished products immediately upon receipt.
  • Allow products to acclimate in the installation environment for a minimum of five (5) days prior to installation. To reduce the risk of excessive movement or warping, products should not remain uninstalled for longer than ten (10) days.
  • Store materials indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
  • Keep surfaces flat, elevated, and fully supported prior to installation.
  • Do not install before the building is enclosed and climate-controlled.
  • Verify all field dimensions and approved drawings prior to installation.

Structural Support

  • Ensure cabinets are level, structurally secure, and properly supported.
  • Avoid continuous solid substrate contact beneath hardwood surfaces where airflow restriction may occur.
  • Provide adequate airflow beneath hardwood surfaces to reduce uneven moisture exposure and movement.
  • Provide attachment points along the cabinet perimeter.
  • Shim and scribe as required to prevent stress during installation.

Fastening Requirements

  • Use installation methods that allow for natural seasonal wood movement.
  • Use oversized holes, slotted attachment points, figure-8 fasteners, or similar movement-allowing fastening methods where applicable.
  • Do not rigidly bond hardwood surfaces using full-surface glue applications, construction adhesives, or similar attachment methods that restrict movement.
  • Tighten fasteners only until the surface is snug against the cabinet structure.
  • Avoid over-tightening fasteners, which may restrict movement and create stress within the wood surface.

Environmental Considerations

  • Seal sink perimeters and moisture-prone penetrations appropriately.
  • Follow appliance manufacturer clearance and insulation requirements where applicable.
  • Refer to the Environmental Conditions section for required operating conditions.

Special Considerations

  • Provide additional support where required for large spans or overhang conditions.

Download Cabinet Installation Guide (PDF)

Solid wood tabletops must be installed using attachment methods that allow for natural seasonal expansion and contraction while maintaining adequate structural support.

Before Installation

  • Inspect all products upon delivery.
  • Seal unfinished products immediately upon receipt.
  • Allow products to acclimate in the installation environment for a minimum of five (5) days prior to installation. To reduce the risk of excessive movement or warping, products should not remain uninstalled for longer than ten (10) days.
  • Store tabletops indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
  • Keep surfaces flat, elevated, and fully supported prior to installation.
  • Allow adequate acclimation time before installation.

Structural Support

  • Ensure bases and supports adequately support the tabletop across its span.
  • Provide additional structural support where required for large unsupported spans or excessive overhangs.
  • Ensure bases remain level and stable to reduce stress, movement, or deflection over time.

Fastening Requirements

  • Use fastening methods that allow for natural wood movement.
  • Use oversized holes, slotted attachment points, figure-8 fasteners, or similar movement-allowing systems where applicable.
  • Avoid rigid fastening methods that may contribute to cracking, splitting, warping, or joint stress.

Environmental Considerations

  • Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure where possible.
  • Refer to the Environmental Conditions section for required operating conditions.

Special Considerations

  • Provide additional support where required for overhangs or cantilevered conditions.
  • Review concentrated loads prior to installation.
  • Consider recessed steel support systems where additional stability is required.

Download Tabletop Installation Guide (PDF)

Hardwood desk surfaces should be installed level, fully supported, and fastened in a manner that allows for natural wood movement over time.

Before Installation

  • Inspect all products upon delivery.
  • Seal unfinished products immediately upon receipt.
  • Allow products to acclimate in the installation environment for a minimum of five (5) days prior to installation. To reduce the risk of excessive movement or warping, products should not remain uninstalled for longer than ten (10) days.
  • Store materials indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
  • Keep surfaces flat, elevated, and properly supported prior to installation.
  • Verify dimensions and support locations before fastening.

Structural Support

  • Ensure desk bases and support structures remain level and adequately supported.
  • Provide additional reinforcement where required for unsupported spans or cantilevered conditions.
  • Distribute concentrated equipment loads appropriately.

Fastening Requirements

  • Use installation methods that allow for seasonal wood movement.
  • Use oversized holes, slotted attachment points, figure-8 fasteners, or similar movement-allowing fastening methods where applicable.
  • Avoid over-tightening fasteners or rigidly bonding surfaces in a manner that restricts expansion and contraction.
  • Use movement-allowing attachment methods where applicable.

Environmental Considerations

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, HVAC discharge, or excessive moisture conditions.
  • Refer to the Environmental Conditions section for required operating conditions.

Special Considerations

  • Properly support cable cutouts, grommets, monitor arms, and mounted accessories.
  • Avoid concentrated loads near unsupported spans where possible.

Download Desktop Installation Guide (PDF)

Floating hardwood shelves require adequate concealed structural support and proper fastening methods to maintain long-term stability and load performance.

Before Installation

  • Inspect products prior to installation.
  • Seal unfinished products immediately upon receipt.
  • Store products indoors in a climate-controlled environment until installation.
  • Verify wall conditions and mounting locations before fastening.

Structural Support & Fastening

  • Secure concealed bracket systems directly into structurally adequate framing or blocking using hardware appropriate for the wall assembly.
  • Use project-specific hardware where required for masonry or specialty wall assemblies.
  • Verify bracket alignment and level conditions prior to final installation.
  • Review shelf spans, depth, and anticipated loading conditions before installation.
  • Use installation methods that allow for normal wood movement where applicable.

Environmental Considerations

  • Avoid excessive moisture exposure or prolonged direct heat conditions.
  • Refer to the Environmental Conditions section for required operating conditions.

📄 Download Floating Shelf Installation Guide (PDF)

Environmental Conditions

Wood is a natural material that responds to fluctuations in temperature, humidity, sunlight exposure, and moisture conditions throughout the year. Proper environmental control is essential to the long-term performance, stability, and appearance of hardwood products.

Minor expansion, contraction, grain variation, and seasonal movement are normal characteristics of real hardwood surfaces.

Interior Climate

  • Maintain stable interior temperature and humidity conditions year-round.
  • Ensure HVAC systems are operational prior to delivery and installation.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to uncontrolled environmental conditions.
  • Sudden or extreme environmental fluctuations may contribute to visible wood movement, stress, or finish-related changes.

Moisture Exposure

  • Avoid prolonged standing water exposure on any wood surface.
  • Promptly clean spills and wet conditions.
  • Pay particular attention to sink areas, seams, joints, and penetrations.
  • Excessive moisture exposure may contribute to expansion, warping, finish issues, staining, or joint movement.

Dry Conditions

  • Excessively dry conditions may contribute to shrinkage, cracking, checking, or separation at joints and seams.
  • Seasonal humidity fluctuations may result in minor dimensional changes within the wood surface.

Sunlight & Heat Exposure

  • Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure where possible.
  • Use window coverings or UV protection in areas with significant sun exposure where appropriate.
  • Avoid concentrated heat sources directly adjacent to wood surfaces, including HVAC discharge, radiant heat exposure, and high-temperature appliances.

Airflow & Ventilation

  • Ensure adequate airflow around hardwood surfaces where applicable.
  • Avoid trapping hardwood surfaces between non-ventilated solid substrates that may contribute to uneven moisture exposure.
  • Restricted airflow conditions may increase the likelihood of movement or warping over time.

Seasonal Wood Movement

  • Hardwood products will naturally expand and contract in response to seasonal environmental changes.
  • Minor movement, grain variation, and dimensional changes are inherent characteristics of real wood products and are not considered manufacturing defects.

📄 Download Environmental Conditions Guide (PDF)

Care, Maintenance & Repair

Proper care, maintenance, and repair practices are essential to preserving the appearance, finish performance, and long-term durability of hardwood products. Because maintenance requirements vary significantly by finish system, review the applicable finish guide below prior to cleaning, repairing, or maintaining any surface.

Wood is a natural material and will continue to respond to environmental conditions, moisture exposure, usage patterns, and seasonal humidity fluctuations over time.

Mineral oil and beeswax finishes require routine maintenance and periodic reapplication to maintain moisture resistance, surface protection, and appearance over time.

Routine Cleaning

  • Clean using a soft cloth and mild soap where appropriate
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and prolonged moisture exposure
  • Dry surfaces promptly after cleaning

Moisture & Heat Protection

  • Avoid prolonged standing water exposure
  • Use trivets, pads, or protective barriers beneath hot or moisture-prone objects
  • Pay particular attention around sinks, seams, and penetrations

Stain Removal

  • Because mineral oil and beeswax finishes remain permeable, some liquid-based stains may gradually absorb, dissipate, or lighten over time with continued maintenance and regular oil application.
  • For mild staining, a baking soda and lemon juice mixture may be used carefully on affected areas. Rinse thoroughly, allow the surface to dry completely, and reapply mineral oil following treatment.
  • White distilled vinegar may also be used for certain surface stains. Apply lightly, allow brief dwell time, wipe dry, and reapply mineral oil once the surface has fully dried.
  • Test any cleaning or stain removal method in an inconspicuous area prior to full application.

Scratch & Dent Repair

  • Minor scratches and wear may often be reduced through light maintenance and re-oiling
  • The oil penetrates the wood fibers, helping the surface recover from wear over time
  • Minor compression dents may respond to controlled heat and moisture treatment

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Frequent maintenance and reapplication should be expected under normal use conditions
  • Maintenance is generally quick and can typically be performed without interrupting use

Important Limitations

  • Limited resistance to prolonged moisture and staining
  • Improper cleaning products or repair methods may discolor or damage the finish surface

Download Mineral Oil Care Guide (PDF)

Pure tung oil finishes penetrate and cure within the wood fibers, creating a durable, water-resistant surface while maintaining a natural appearance and tactile feel.

Routine Cleaning

  • Use non-abrasive cleaning materials and wood-safe cleaning products designed for oil-finished surfaces
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, solvent-based cleaners, and abrasive pads

Moisture & Heat Protection

  • Promptly clean spills and avoid prolonged standing water exposure
  • Use protective barriers beneath hot items and moisture-prone accessories where appropriate

Scratch & Dent Repair

  • Minor scratches may often be repaired locally through light sanding and finish reapplication
  • Minor compression dents may respond to controlled heat and moisture treatment
  • Wear and knife marks will remain visible over time and may accumulate with use

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Periodic maintenance coats may be required depending on wear conditions and environmental exposure
  • Maintenance is less frequent than mineral oil, but typically more involved and requires cure time before full use

Important Limitations

  • Improper repair methods may alter sheen, texture, or color consistency
  • Lighter woods may warm in tone naturally over time

Download Tung Oil Care Guide (PDF)

Rubio Monocoat finishes are designed for localized repairability and low-maintenance performance while preserving the natural character of the wood surface.

Routine Cleaning

  • Use approved wood-safe cleaners designed for oil-finished surfaces
  • Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, and solvent-based cleaners
  • Dry surfaces promptly after cleaning

Moisture & Heat Protection

  • Promptly clean spills and avoid prolonged standing water exposure
  • Use protective pads, trivets, and barriers where appropriate

Scratch & Dent Repair

  • Minor scratches may often be repaired locally without refinishing the entire surface
  • Minor compression dents may respond to controlled repair methods depending on finish condition and severity

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Periodic maintenance oil application may be recommended depending on use conditions and wear patterns
  • High-use surfaces may require more frequent maintenance attention

Important Limitations

  • Not intended for direct chopping or cutting surfaces
  • Improper repair methods may alter sheen, color consistency, or finish appearance

Download Rubio Monocoat Care Guide (PDF)

Impermio is a polyurethane finish system designed to provide durable surface protection with reduced maintenance under normal interior use conditions.

Routine Cleaning

  • Clean using a soft cloth or microfiber material
  • Use wood-safe cleaning products only
  • Avoid abrasive pads, bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and solvent-based products

Moisture & Heat Protection

  • Promptly clean spills and avoid prolonged moisture exposure
  • Use protective pads or barriers beneath hot or abrasive objects where appropriate

Scratch & Dent Repair

  • Spot repairs are generally not recommended, as repaired areas may remain visible depending on sheen, lighting, and finish age
  • Minor compression dents may respond to controlled steaming treatments
  • Deep scratches, finish fractures, or significant impact damage may require professional refinishing

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Periodic cleaning and inspection are typically sufficient under normal residential use
  • Wear patterns will vary naturally based on use and environment

Important Limitations

  • Improper repair methods may permanently alter sheen and surface consistency
  • This finish system is not intended for direct chopping or cutting

Download Impermio Care Guide (PDF)

Finish Selection Guide

Select a finish based on how the surface will be used and maintained over time.

Mineral Oil & Organic Beeswax

Best for: Frequent chopping
Maintenance: Frequent, easy
Feel: Soft, natural matte
Repairability: Excellent

Pure Tung Oil

Best for: Infrequent chopping
Maintenance: Periodic, more involved
Feel: Satin, warmer tone
Repairability: Good

Rubio Monocoat™

Best for: General use surfaces
Maintenance: Low
Feel: Matte, raw wood appearance
Repairability: Localized repairs possible

Impermio™ Film Finish

Best for: High moisture / heavy use
Maintenance: Minimal
Feel: Sealed, protected surface
Repairability: Not spot-repairable

How to Choose

  • Choose Mineral Oil & Organic Beeswax for active chopping surfaces that can recover from wear over time
  • Choose Pure Tung Oil for reduced maintenance with occasional cutting and a warmer, naturally evolving appearance 
  • Choose Rubio Monocoat™ for low-maintenance, general-use surfaces without direct cutting
  • Choose Impermio™ Film Finish where moisture resistance and long-term protection are the priority

View Full Finish Guide →

Edge Profile Guide

Use this guide to compare available edge profiles. Final shaping may vary slightly based on thickness and project requirements.

Drawings are shown on 1 ½” thick material for reference. Profiles may appear slightly different on thicker pieces.

Standard

Squared
   

Eased
1/16" Radius

Pencil
1/8" Radius

Small Roundover 3/16" Radius

Medium Roundover 1/4" Radius

Large Roundover
3/8" Radius

Extra-Large Roundover
1/2" Radius

Bevel

High Design

These profiles require additional shaping and may affect final pricing.

Bias

Shark Nose

Sting Ray

Drift

Crescent

Reverse Demi

Traditional

These profiles require additional shaping and may affect final pricing.

Bullnose

Roman Ogee

Traditional Ogee

Cove and Bead

Roundover with Bead

Looking for a custom edge profile?

We can create many custom profiles beyond the options shown here. Some can be made with existing tooling, while others may require custom tooling, additional design time, and added cost. Contact us before ordering if you have a specific profile in mind.