VT CenterPointe BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOP User manual

CENTERPOINTE 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.
• Allow your countertop to acclimate for 72 hours prior to installation. Sand and apply a nish immediately after
acclimating. (See pg. 2 for details).
• Lightly sand all surfaces of your CenterPointe countertop with 120 grit sandpaper, in the direction of the wood
grain, prior to applying nish.
• All surfaces of the CenterPointe countertop must be nished. This includes top, bottom, edges and ends.
Typical nish options include oil, wax, sealant, stain, urethanes, and acrylic. Apply nish according to nish
manufacturer’s instructions.
DURING INSTALL
• If CenterPointe butcher block countertops are installed where food will be prepared, a food-safe nish is
recommended.
• Reapply nish to any areas that have been cut during installation.
• DO NOT attach CenterPointe countertops to an existing countertop.
• DO NOT glue CenterPointe countertops down to x their position; allow 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.
• Clean the countertop in accordance with the nish manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid leaving standing water on the countertop for a prolonged period of time.
• DO NOT cut or chop on CenterPointe butcher block countertop, as it may cause scoring. Always use a chopping
block.
• If light scratches occur, sand the surface lightly with 120 grit sandpaper and re-apply nish.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
Measuring
Tape
Pencil
#10 Wood Screws #10 Washers
Circular
Saw
Drill Set of
Drill Bits
Screw
Driver
1
Masking
Tape
*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
Self-Adhering
Aluminum Flashing
Finish
Carpenter
Square Router
Silicone Sealant
& Gun
120 Grit
Sandpaper
Type
III
Glue
PVA
Glue

CENTERPOINTE BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS 2
ACCLIMATING BUTCHER BLOCK
SAFETY:
LAYOUT AND CUTOUT
Allow your CenterPointe butcher block countertop
to acclimate to your home temperature for 72
hours prior to installation. This allows the wood
to stabilize in the new environment. Store the
countertop in a flat 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 your CenterPointe countertop
requires cutting for proper installation, either for a size
adjustment or for a sink or cook top cutout, reapply
nish to the cut edges 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
Dust
Mask
Ear
Protection
Safety
Glasses
Protective
Gloves

CENTERPOINTE 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: Reapply finish to any areas that have been
cut during installation.
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 120 grit sandpaper and re-apply
nish.
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

CENTERPOINTE 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 CenterPointe butcher block countertop 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 countertop
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. Apply nish to the the inside of
the faucet hole. 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

CENTERPOINTE BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
5
It is not recommended to attach your CenterPointe
countertop directly on top of a solid underlayment or
existing countertop; remove existing top if applicable.
NOTE: If a solid particleboard or MDF underlayment is
required, use a 1/4” drill bit to drill holes every 6” to
9” for 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 your CenterPointe countertop 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 attached 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 butcher block 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
! !

CENTERPOINTE 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 countertop pilot hole. DO NOT exceed the
calculated measurement or you risk surface penetration. 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 - SCREW LOCATIONS
Minimal screws are required as the top will be held
down by self-weight. Use only enough screw to secure
the countertop. Too many screws 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; screw locations are usually in the corners. The
number of screws is to be determined by the installer. It
is recommended to apply screws every 12 to 18 inches.
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 CenterPointe 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 CenterPointe countertop. Be careful not to over
tighten.
This concludes the CenterPointe butcher block countertop standard installation 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 sanded and sealed or finished.
Learn more at vtindustries.com
©2021 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 CenterPointe countertop.
NOTE: This allows the countertop to expand and contract
after installation.
Drill 3/8”
Expansion Hole