Maple countertops - should we seal/oil/protect edges too?

14 years ago

Hello,

I've been reading lots of ideas and suggestions on this site as my kitchen reno progresses (slowly!). I have maple cabinets, and chose maple with black walnut edges for my countertops. I'd read a lot about wood/maple countertops, and have read all about bb on this site, too. I was excited to have natural wood. But, when the installers came 2 weeks ago, much to my surprise, the wood was dry, not treated at all. The KD said it should be oiled with mineral oil, so the installers wiped one coat of oil on and left. The plumber came the next day to hook up sink, dishwasher etc., and left water marks all over, even raised bits of wood. After crying and getting angry, I spoke to KD, who came to look at it with installer. They sanded and re-oiled, then left me a bottle of mineral oil and said oil it daily for a week. This I've done, and the wood just soaks up the oil so that it's dry a few hours later.

Now, what I've been worrying about, and complaining to KD about is the parts of the countertops that are not getting oiled - against the walls, next to the stove, and the bottom of the countertops (everything I've read says the top and bottom and all sides should have been oiled prior to installation). I'd really like to have them all removed, properly treated, then reinstalled

Question to you all: am I worrying for nothing? should I keep up the fight with the KD? what are your experiences and advice?

I have to say that they look absolutely gorgeous as the oil brings out the lighter maple and the deep black walnut edging.

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Comments (9)

clg7067
14 years ago
Are your countertops around the sink?

I just have an IKEA BB counter that not at the sink, but it does the same thing. I oil it and it soaks right in. Since mine is not around water, I don't care. If you are near a water source, I really need to get some protection on it.

I'd like to hear how others have done this before I finish my kitchen. I know a lot of people just use Waterlox and they are done.

And if your top is over the dishwasher, I'd say you REALLY need to do something there.
Fori
14 years ago
I'd at least oil everywhere exposed. As for over the dishwasher, I think I'd actually varnish (I guess polyurethane these days) the underside there.
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dancingcook
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the questions and advice. I have an undermount sink with faucet (and am worried because they cut out the space for the faucet and did not oil it before putting in the faucet), and it goes directly over the dishwasher. Several websites for wood tops (DeVos, John Boos, Brooks Custom) all say to protect above the dishwasher. This is the sort of thing I'm begging my KD to do.
pirula
14 years ago
First, do a search because there is a lot of recent information here on wood counters and options for finishing them. Mineral oil is by far not your only option.

I didn't oil the bottoms of my counters before installation. But I did oil the tops, all the edges and the bottom exposed over the cabinet ends. I also naturally, oiled the edges around the sinks, both undermounted.

You shouldn't be sanding between each and every coat of oil. You sand well (THEY should have done this for you) get it perfectly smooth and good to go. Then you treat it. After that, yes, once in awhile as maintenance or when you get a scratch here or there you lightly sand it out and oil again.

You will love your counters once you get them all nice and oiled up. I promise!

And yes, oiling any exposed bottoms of counter will also protect it from any steam from the dishwasher.

Going on three years with zero issues.
mom2lilenj
14 years ago
From the limited work I've done with wood, I know it is important to have ALL sides of the wood sealed in some fashion. Otherwise you could get warping. And from what I've read, you may also want to provide extra moisture protection, like a moisture barrier of sorts, above the dw. I would definately get on your KD to make this right.
dancingcook
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks again for the advice. Pirula, good to know you've had yours for 3 years with zero problems. The installer sanded once to get out the marks the plumber had made, and to smooth the wood grain that had been raised by the water from the plumber's work. I haven't sanded at all, just rubbing in the oil. I'll continue nagging my KD and post back to the site again. Much appreciate the help.
dancingcook
Original Author
14 years ago
Success! The countertops will be removed and finished properly this week! The deciding factor in getting this to happen turns out to be the fact that KD had suggested a pencil edge on the countertops, which the fabricator hadn't done. Thanks for all the advice and support in nagging the KD.
Fori
14 years ago
Congratulations! I'm sure there will be pictures when it's reinstalled, right?
dancingcook
Original Author
14 years ago
Fori, yes there will be pictures once it's done! I've so enjoyed seeing other people's pics and have been taking pics all the way through. Can't wait to use the kitchen and share what it looks/feels like.

Maple countertops - should we seal/oil/protect edges too?

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clg7067

Fori

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Maple countertops - should we seal/oil/protect edges too?

Comments (9)

clg7067

Fori

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