VT CenterPointe User manual

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CENTERPOINTE COUNTERTOP
BUTCHER BLOCK
COUNTERTOP INSTALLATION
PRIOR TO INSTALL
• Keep product in its packaging and away from humidity or direct heat until you are ready to install.
• Open packaging and allow to acclimate 72 hours prior to installation (See pg. 2 for details).
• Check the color and nish of your surface before installation. Returns or exchanges are not accepted
once there has been any alteration.
• CenterPointe Countertop must be envelope sealed with at least four (4) coats of sealer. This
includes top, bottom, edges and ends.
DURING INSTALL
• If CenterPointe butcher block countertops are installed where food will be prepared, a food-safe
sealer must be utilized.
• Reseal any areas that have been cut during installation, with at least (4) four coats of sealer.
• DO NOT attach CenterPointe Countertops to an existing countertop.
• DO NOT glue CenterPointe Countertops down to x their position; allowing for movement during
humidity and temperature changes.
AFTER INSTALL
• Do not place hot items directly on the surface. Contact with the wooden work surface may result in
permanent damage.
• Wash the countertop immediately after each use with a mild dish soap and water taking care to
thoroughly dry the surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
• Avoid leaving standing water on the countertop for a prolonged period of time.
• DO NOT cut or chop on a butcher block countertop, as it may cause scoring. Always use a chopping block
• If light scratches occur, sand the surface lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and re-apply sealer.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
Measuring
Tape
Pencil
Masking
Tape
Router
Silicone Sealant
& Gun
Carpenter
Square
Sealer
#10 Wood
Screw
#10 Washer
Self-Adhering
Aluminum Flashing
Circular
Saw
Drill Set of
Drill Bits
Screw
Driver
1
*How To Determine Screw Length
The appropriate length #10 screws and washers should be carefully chosen so the
screw does not go all the way through the top, but the depth of penetration is
enough to secure the butcher block countertop in place.
Butcher Block 3/4” Pilot Hole + Sub-Top Cabinet Base Thickness

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
2
ACCLIMATING BUTCHER BLOCK
SAFETY:
LAYOUT AND CUTOUT
The butcher block should be placed in the room where
it will be installed for a minimum of 72 hours prior
to installation. The temperature should be controlled
during the acclimation period. This allows the wood to
stabilize in the new environment. Remove the packaging
and allow the butcher block to have free airspace on
the top and bottom during acclimation. Store the
countertop in a at position to avoid warping.
Begin planning with a pre-site survey; ensure that planning starts at
the sink. It is recommended to create a template to ensure the most
accurate cuts are made. Plan countertop layout to ensure joints
don’t fall on or within 4” of appliances. Always leave an expansion
of 1/8 inch on all edges that will meet up to a wall or a restrictive
barrier. Use silicone caulking or a backsplash/trim to ll the 1/8 inch
expansion gap.
Verify measurements before making the necessary cuts
to the product. If a butcher block top requires cutting
for proper installation, either for a size adjustment or
for a sink or cook top cutout, the cut edges need to be
renished with (4) four coats of sealer immediately. Use
a circular saw to cut the butcher block blank to size,
ensuring the ends are squared using a router.
Note: Installation is recommended to be performed by an experienced installer.
Please see pages 3-4 for installations with additional layout considerations
STEP 1 - PRE-SITE SURVEY
STEP 2 - VERIFY MEASUREMENTS
WALL
1/8 INCH EXPANSION GAP
COUNTERTOP
Overhead View
Dusk
Mask
Ear
Protection
Safety
Glasses
Protective
Gloves

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
Additional considerations should be made when
installing a CenterPointe butcher block countertop
around appliances and countertops with stove
cutouts. Where appliances have heat acting on the
countertop, such as dishwasher, under counter oven,
or warming drawer, attach self-adhering aluminum
flashing to the underside of the butcher block. This
will assist in keeping heat and steam away from the
block and cut down heat transference. The fitting
of cooktops must not restrict the countertop from
expanding and contracting. Ensure that there is at
least 1/4” clearance all around the cooktop. To avoid
splintering when cutting into the butcher block, it
is recommended that masking tape be applied over
the area that will be cut.
NOTE: Reseal any areas that have been cut during
installation, with at least four coats of sealer.
3
KITCHEN APPLIANCE PLACEMENT
STEP 4 - CUT
To begin cutting using the circular saw, adjust the blade
so that it extends 1/4” below the bottom of the butcher
block countertop. A blade that hangs too low beyond
the thickness of the wood may pull at the wood bers,
causing tears and splintering. Make the necessary cuts
into the butcher block along the pencil line. Move the
circular saw at a slow and even pace to ensure the blade
does not tear the wood.
Note: If burn marks appear while cutting, sand the
surface lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and re-apply
sealer.
EXAMPLE:
1-1/2”+1/4”= 1-3/4” BLADE DEPTH
SAW
COUNTERTOP 1-1/2”
BLADE 1/4” BELOW
COUNTERTOP
SELF-ADHERING ALUMINUM FLASHING
UNDER-MOUNT APPLIANCE
Underside Front View
WALL
APPLIANCE
Overhead View
1/4” 1/4”
STEP 3 - TAPE & MARK CUT LINE
Carefully measure the width of the run of cabinets to be covered
with butcher block, including any desired overhang, if applicable.
After determining the necessary cuts to be made, draw the cut line
boldly with a pencil, using a carpenter’s square to draw a straight
line. Place a layer of masking tape over the pencil line. Press the
masking tape rmly.
Overhead View

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
4
OVERHANG PLACEMENT
Overhangs less than 8” do not require
additional support. If the layout includes
any overhangs 8” or larger, additional
support corbels or brackets will be
required at least every 24”.
CenterPointe backsplash material may be screwed to
the butcher block prior to installation by drilling pilot
holes and screwing from the bottom of the block into
the backsplash material. Attachment to the cabinet base
is not necessary for the attachment of the backsplash.
The number of installation fasteners is to be determined
by the installer. It is recommended that fasteners be put
every 12“-18”.
NOTE: For non-wood backsplash applications, allow a
1/8” gap between the edge of the countertop and the
wall, which will allow it to expand and contract within
the humidity of the kitchen. Use silicone caulking or
trim to ll the 1/8 inch expansion gap.
WOOD BACKSPLASH PLACEMENT
12”
24”
MAX
Side ViewEnd View
8”+
Drill 5/32” Pilot Hole
#10 Wood Screw
12” - 18”
Silicone sealant should be used in sink applications to
form a water tight bond between the countertop and the
sink. To seal top-mount sink openings, apply a thin bead
of silicone caulk under the sink ange. For top-mount
sinks, apply a thin bead of caulk to the top of the sink
ange. The tting of sinks must not restrict the countertops
from expanding and contracting. Ensure that there is at
least 1/4” clearance all around the sink. For faucet holes/
cutouts, ensure that the hole is a minimum 1/8” larger
than the pipe diameter. Seal the cut edges of the internal
hole with sealer. Finally seal the faucet and hole with a
silicone sealant. To avoid splintering when cutting into
the butcher block, it is recommended that masking tape
be applied over the area that will be cut.
SINK AND FAUCET PLACEMENT
TOP-MOUNT
SINK
CUTOUT
SILICONE
CAULK
Overhead View
Underside Front View
COUNTERTOP
SILICONE CAULK
UNDER-MOUNT
SINK

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
5
It is not recommended to attach butcher block directly
on top of a solid underlayment or existing countertop;
remove existing top if applicable.
NOTE: If a solid particleboard or MDF top must be
used, ensure holes are cut into the board to assist with
adequate ventilation.
MOUNTING BUTCHER BLOCK STEPS
PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS, SIZING ADJUSTMENTS
AND CUTS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO MOUNTING
MOUNTING STEP 1 - REMOVE EXISTING TOP
MOUNTING STEP 2 - COUNTERTOP PLACEMENT
Place the butcher block in the location that it will be installed. Allow
1/8” of room for expansion at each end. The gap can be concealed
with backsplash material or trim. Verify spacing and cuts are accurate.
NOTE: Butcher block surfaces should never be glued down
with caulk or construction adhesive as this will prevent natural
movement and result in damage to the top.
Wall
1/8”
COUNTERTOP
BASE CABINET
Front View
CORNER JOINT PLACEMENT
When joining two CenterPointe countertops together,
the butt joint method is recommended. Three standard
worktop jointing bolts must be used on each joint. Cut
bolt cutouts to a depth of 25/32” using a worktop jig
and router. Join using PVA which should be applied to
the top and bottom edge of the joint. Tape each side
of joint to avoid PVA spreading over the countertops.
Ensure cut edges are sealed before installing. Butt
Joints with opposing grain direction are never to be
glued, instead use silicone sealant.
JOINTING BOLT 3 JOINTING BOLTSBUTT JOINT
Underside View Overhead View Underside View
! !

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
6
MOUNTING STEP 5 - REMOVE THE COUNTERTOP FROM THE CABINET BASE
MOUNTING STEP 4 - DRILL PILOT HOLES
Measure the thickness of the sub-top base and then add 3/4” to
account for the butcher block pilot hole. DO NOT exceed the
total drill depth of the sub-top cabinet base and 3/4”; risk of
surface penetration if maximum depth is exceeded. Using the
fastener locations marked in step 3, drill the pilot hole using the
5/32” drill bit upward through the corner blocks and into the
countertop from below. DO NOT drill through the top of the
countertop.
NOTE: It is important to drill the pilot hole before mounting
the countertop to avoid splitting the wood of the countertop
during the mounting process.
3/4”
Drill 5/32”
Pilot Hole
From Inside
Cabinet
MOUNTING STEP 3 - FASTENER LOCATIONS
Minimal xing is required as the top will be held down
by self-weight. Use only enough fasteners to secure the
countertop. Too many fasteners can keep the top from
moving freely and can result in damage. Most cabinet
manufacturers provide corner blocks or plywood within
the cabinet for attaching the countertop to the cabinet
base; fastener locations are usually in the corners.
The number of installation fasteners is to be
determined by the installer. It is recommended
that fasteners be put every 12“-18”.
NOTE: If there is not a cabinet corner block to secure
to the countertop, other commonly used installation
methods may be utilized including the use of ½” steel
angle brackets.
Corner Blocks
Corner Blocks
Overhead View
BASE CABINET

MOUNTING STEP 7 - COUNTERTOP PLACEMENT
Place the countertop back in the desired location and line up
the pilot holes on the countertop to the corner block expansion
holes that were previously drilled.
MOUNTING STEP 8 - FASTENING COUNTERTOP
On the underside of the sub-top cabinet base, place the washer on
the screw and drive the screw into the expansion holes in the sub-top
and pilot hole in the butcher block. Be careful not to over tighten.
This concludes the CenterPointe standard mounting process.
COUNTERTOP
CORNER BLOCK
BASE CABINET
3/8” Expansion Hole
#10 Washer
#10 Wood Screw
5/32” Pilot Hole
Have Questions? Contact our Technical Service Team at 1-800-827-10345
All VT CenterPointe products are backed by VT’s 90-day limited warranty.
Warranty is void if the surface is not finished or treated.
Learn more at vtindustries.com
©2019 VT Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
RESIDENTIAL WOOD DOORS
RESIDENTIAL WOOD DOORS
RESIDENTIAL WOOD DOORS
VT CUSTOMER SERVICE
525 N. 16TH STREET
SAC CITY, IA 50583
P. 712.662.4177 - 888.287.8356 F. 712.368.4188
MOUNTING STEP 6 - EXPANSION HOLES
Use a 3/8” drill bit to create an expansion hole in the corner
block cabinet base in the same location as the pilot holes in step
4, repeat for each fastener. This will enlarge the pilot holes in the
sub-top created with the 5/32” bit. DO NOT enlarge the pilot
holes in the butcher block.
NOTE: This allows the countertop to expand and contract
after installation. Tops that are screwed down without
expansion holes in the sub-top will be void of warranty.
Drill 3/8”
Expansion Hole