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  Eased
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  Radius

Edge images should be used for reference only as actual shape and availability may vary by market. Please see your kitchen specialist for more information.

What type of finishes do you offer with your Kitchen Countertops?

We offer a Varnique Finish which is a smooth semi-gloss finish used for aesthetic purposes or for general food preparation tasks, including rolling dough.  You should not use your countertop as a cutting surface for it will damage the varnique finish. This finish requires low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with mild soap and warm water and will not need to be refinished or re-oiled. Varnique is also more resistant to water spotting and staining. If varnique surface is cut, it will need to be resealed using our Boos EZ-DO poly gel.

What do I do if I want to cut my Kitchen Countertop to fit certain sinks and sizes?

Cutting a butcher block top exposes unprotected hardwood. This needs to be refinished immediately. Failure to do so could lead to cracking of the top. Once you have made a cutout in the top, you should coat the exposed area with EZ-DO poly gel or a silicone acrylic clear caulk. EZ-DO poly gel is available from your Traditions Wood fabricator, the caulk is available at most hardware stores. The EZ-DO poly gel or caulk should be spread evenly with a putty knife the full thickness of the cut portion. EZ-DO poly gel or caulk should also be spread one inch wide around the face side of the cutout perimeter. The bottom side of the top should have a three inch wide spread of caulk around the cutout perimeter. Allow EZ-DO poly gel or caulk to dry. Run a bead of caulk around perimeter of cutout where sink ring will rest. Once sink and ring are in place, wipe off excess caulk squeeze out from ring with a damp cloth. For other concealed cutting alterations apply caulk to unprotected area of cutout only. For areas above dishwashers apply caulk to bottom side of countertop that is overhung from the front of the dishwasher. The caulk should be applied with a putty knife and spread three inches past the unit’s width on either side. All exposed edges that have been altered should be refinished w/oil or EZ-DO poly gel.

When should I install my Kitchen Countertop?

The wood in a Traditions Wood countertop has been kiln dried to a 6% moisture content. During times of high humidity it tends to absorb moisture, which will cause it to expand in width. During low humidity (winter months) it will contract back to its original dimension. When installing a countertop, allowances need to be made for the seasonal changes. Some cabinet manufacturers slot the top mounting bolt holes. If your cabinets have this feature, be sure the mounting bolts are centered in the slot to allow for both expansion and contraction. If the wood or metal mounting brackets are not slotted, allowance can be made by drilling the hole through the counter approximately 3/8” oversize and using a washer under the head of the bolts. Attach countertop to counter base using 1/4” lag bolts. The length will vary on the application, but a good rule of thumb is to use a bolt long enough to penetrate one half the top’s thickness. Use one bolt per foot to attach the top widthwise. Use a minimum of four bolts on both ends. Use one bolt per every two feet to attach the length on both sides.

My Kitchen Countertop is starting to warp. What do I do?

Warpage of a kitchen countertop occasionally occurs, if one surface expands at a greater rate than the other side. Since the moisture content of the wood used in producing countertops is tightly controlled, a warped top can be easily corrected. Placing the countertop onto your cabinet base, it can be drawn down to a flat condition by using 3 or 4 bolts across the width.

There are splits at the ends of my Kitchen Countertop. What do I do?

Minor splits may occur at the ends of your kitchen countertop, if it was cut for installation and the end not properly resealed. If you notice this condition, the cracks should be immediately filled with a matching color wood filler, sanded smooth, and refinished with EZ-DO poly gel.

Kitchen Countertop Overhang Instructions

A diagram on the proper procedures of overhang installation on kitchen countertops can be found here. Overhang Instructions Diagram PDF.

Edge Detail Styles for Kitchen Countertops

Edge styles offered in the Traditions Wood program are Eased Edge and Radius Edge.

Where to Put Your Wood Countertop

Certainly, the ultimate kitchen will have natural wood countertops throughout. However, any design and decor can be enhanced by the addition of this gorgeous surface. A small section is often used over the built-in dishwasher or you may want to add the warmth and beauty of wood as a raised breakfast bar with stools. Remember, the beauty and longevity of your wood counter is determined by your care. Traditions Wood Countertops are not meant to be used as a cutting surface.

Finish

Varnique: While not meant to be used as a cutting surface, this beautiful semi-gloss finish is virtually maintenance free. It is impervious to most household chemicals. Cleans up easily with mild soap and water. Wipe dry. The fine furniture look makes it the choice for kitchen island bars and eating counters.
Cuts into the finish should be resealed immediately to prevent the exposed wood from absorbing moisture. Refinish with EZ-DO Poly Gel.

Refinish Varnique Tops

Varnique tops can be spot sanded, if needed, or repaired and refinished with EZ-DO wipe-on poly gel.

Scratches

Normal use should not cause scratches. However, it is important to note that sliding objects on the countertop that have a rough, unfinished surface, such as ceramic pieces with unglazed bottoms, will scratch the finish. If minor cuts or scratches in the finish should appear, they will need to be resealed to prevent moisture from absorbing into the wood. Reseal any damaged areas with EZ-DO Poly Gel.

Staining

Protective finish resists common stains and spills. Avoid harsh cleansers like bleach and ammonia.

Water

The durable semi-gloss finish helps to safeguard against water. Easily remove liquids at the end of each use with a dry clean towel.

Heat

Although resistant to heat, the use of trivets is required for hot pots and pans. Wipe up boiling water and hot liquids promptly to preserve the long lasting beauty of the wood.

Renewable

Reseal any areas with minor cuts using EZ-DO Poly Gel. 

Disinfecting

To disinfect your Traditions Butcher Block after cleaning, use Lysol® or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. These wipes report to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.

Download Keeping Your Countertop Clean and Safe Information (PDF)

Residential Traditions Wood 1-Year Warranty

Download Residential Traditions Wood 1-Year Warranty (PDF)