How to install Hevea timber benchtop?

KimmiJ

we recently did a kitchen island with Hevea timber Benchtop and love it so much we want to match our normal bench tops to it. 

we have a really long kitchen bench on the one side (4230mm) where the sink is just off center (about 2400mm) from the one side. I see the Hevea comes in 2400mm standard size. Does anyone know if you are able to get one in a longer length? 

additionally what is the best way to seal the Benchtop and cutout and waterproof/seal the sink cut out. 

we used the recommended sanding and oil from kaboodle for the center island and it worked well. 

any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

JacobZ

Hi @KimmiJ,

Unfortunately, the Hevea benchtop panels maximum length is 2.4 metres, so you would have to have a join in the middle of the benchtop. This can be done with a Kaboodle Benchtops Join Kit, where the edges are glued and the joiners are routed into the underside of the benchtop, then tightened to pull the panels tight to each other.

You'll have to account for the location of the sink, as you can't have a join in that location. This may require you to have joins on either side of the sink or to move the sink so it sits firmly inside the benchtop.

When you have decided on the location of your sink, mark its location on the benchtop, then drill a hole through it with a drill bit that is large enough to accommodate a jigsaw blade. Then, carefully cut out the hole for your sink. Check out Cutting Out Benchtops For Sinks And Cooktops for some guidance.

Considering you've had good results with the Kaboodle Clear Hardwax Oil, it would be best to follow on from what you did before. Make sure you give the whole surface a sand, then wipe it down to remove sawdust before applying 2-3 coats of your hard wax oil. Make sure you get all edges, including those inside the cutout for the sink. Check out Applying Clear Hard Wax Oil To Benchtops for some guidance.

Once the sink has been installed by your plumber, you'll have to seal it to the benchtop with a clear silicone like this Parfix Clear Bathroom And Kitchen Silicone. Check out How To Silicone a Gap for some guidance on this part of the process.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob