Installation for wood panel tops
Wood is constantly expanding and contracting— this is unavoidable and installation must allow for movement.
Certain precautions can help avoid problems:
- Store the product in the same environment in which it will be installed.
- The ideal product environment is between 35% & 50% relative humidity avoiding close proximity to heat sources and air ducts.
- Do not place glass, Plexiglas, rubber or other impermeables on the product as these can affect moisture balance.
- When installing on a solid top base such as a cabinet, maintain an air space between the product and the solid base by placing washers between them before installation. Air flow around the entire product helps keep moisture levels consistent.
- Predrill all mounting holes and snug all attachment hardware, but do not overtighten (this causes stress).
- Best practice is to use smaller screws/lags with washers in oversized or elongated holes to allow for subtle horizontal movements.
FASTENTING TOPS TO FURNITURE
There are many common ways of fastening a table top to a cabinet or rails (apron) and legs. The most important point to remember is this: if the top is made of solid, lumber, there must be some provision for it to expand and contract without buckling or cracking a joint. For this reason, only methods (a) and (b) shown below should be followed, if the top is of solid lumber. Metal table-top fasteners or clips are the best. A grove is cut around the rail and the fasteners are installed at about 12″ intervals. Method (a) has a rabbeted block and requires a slightly wider grove cut in the rail. ‘The blocks or wood buttons are screwed to the top. They can be made with square ends, as shown, or with an arc projection that enables the buttons to be turned and the top removed without unscrewing the buttons.
