Assembly Instruction

Install the countertop
Now it’s time to install the countertops and sink.
When measuring and sawing the solid wood tops
throughout this step, we suggest placing them on
sawhorses for easiest handling. Once you’ve finished
Step 5, it’s a good idea to hire professionals to con-
nect the water, gas or electricity, and to install the
cooktop, dishwasher and lighting.
Hang the poster on the wall
so you’ll get your hands free!
5
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2005.
Design and Quality
IKEA of Sweden
1. Space between cabinets and walls
Lay the countertop on top of the base
cabinets, allowing ⅛” at the back walls,
and a smaller space against the side
wall or high cabinets. If you’re install-
ing tops in an “L” shape, the two sec-
tions must meet in a butt join. (Do not
make angle or mitrecut joins.) These
steps allow the counter to undergo nor-
mal expansion and contraction.
2. Exact measurement on
the countertop
Measure the countertop from the end
of the base cabinet row out, allowing
for the cover panel plus a ½” overhang.
Mark with a pencil on the finished side
if you’ll be using a handsaw and on the
underside if using a power saw.
3. Saw the countertop
If you’re sawing by hand, we recom-
mend using a fine-toothed handsaw
for control. To avoid splintering the
countertop, tape over the area to be
cut. If you’re using a circular saw, turn
the countertop face down and clamp a
straight-edge in place to guide the saw
along the cut line. Finish the cut edge
with your file. Treat the cut edge.
Good to know: If you have a kitchen
where two laminate countertops meet,
cover the join with a cover strip before
you screw the countertops into place.
Because of moisture and steam, it’s
important to have a moisture barrier
under the countertop where you have
the dishwasher. Use VARIABEL diffu-
sion barrier for extra protection.
Good to know: Sand and oil your
countertop regularly for long-term
beauty and protection. Stains and
minor damage can be removed us-
ing fine sandpaper. Wipe the sanded
surface clean and re-oil the affected
area.
4. Mark a spot for the sink
With the countertop in place, trace
the inside of the base cabinet on the
underside of the countertop. This helps
assure that the sink cutout will be
aligned correctly. Then, place the sink
upside down on the underside of the
countertop, positioning it correctly side
to side and front to back. Trace around
the edge of the sink with a pencil. Use a
pencil and a straight edge, draw a “cut”
line inside this line. Read more in the
assembly instruction that came with
your sink.
5. Saw the sink hole
Place the countertop on the sawhorses.
Drill a ½” hole for the keyhole-saw
blade at all four corners of the cut line.
Following this same cut line, saw the
hole for the sink unit.
6. Seal the sink cutout
To prevent moisture from penetrating
the countertop, apply a polyurethane
silicone along the cut edges with a
paintbrush.
7. Room for the sink?
Fit the countertop back into place on
the base cabinet. Check that the sink
hole is not obstructed by the top frame
rails of the base cabinet. If it is, you’ll
need to trim the rails so that the sink
will fit properly.
You’ve completed Step 5!
And all the countertops and the sink
are in place.
10. Sand and oil the countertop
Your solid wood countertop was pre-
treated at the factory to condition and
protect it until installation. To prepare
it for use, sand the surface with a fine
sandpaper and finish it with an ap-
proved wood treatment oil, for example
BEHANDLA.
9. Secure the countertop
Your countertop should be secured as
shown using the hardware provided.
The slotted brackets allow the counter-
top to expand and contract normally.
Set countertops in place, allowing the
same gaps as when you measured.
Locate attachment points at regular
intervals and drill pilot holes before
securing the top.
8. Install the sink
Lift off the countertop and turn it up-
side down, placing it back on your saw-
horses. Install the sink according to the
assembly instruction enclosed with it.
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