Interbuild Panel Products Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- INTERBUILD
Table of Contents
Panel Products
Instruction Manual 
Interbuild Panel Products
INSTALLATION, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE INTER BUILD PANEL PRODUCTS
STORAGE OF WOOD PANELS
WHEN STORING: The Wood panels should be stored flat. Wood panels must be
fully supported at all times and kept away from any direct heat source, i.e.
radiators. PLEASE NOTE: Never store vertically or on a direct heat source
or the Wood panel will start to bow. If the Wood panel has bowed, turn the
Wood panel upside down for a day or so horizontally and it will straighten
out.
ACCLIMATIZATION: Immediately prior to installation the panels must be
laid flat and be allowed to acclimatize in the room where they will be fitted,
for a minimum period of 48 hours before fitting. Protect the panels from
extreme changes in temperature and humidity. This acclimatization period is
ideal for applying natural Wood Oil to end grains and cuts, where future
access will be a problem.
ROOM PREPARATION : Please ensure that any plastering or plumbing required
is complete and has been allowed to dry prior to installing the wood panels.
BEFORE INSTALLATION All tops are factory stained but not sealed. It is
the responsibility of the installer to follow the company’s finishing
instructions regarding the application of a natural wood oil treatment before
installation. The tops are not properly sealed until the wood oil sealer is
applied to the product. Before installation applies the first coat of Wood
Oil. The Oil should be applied to both sides of the Wood panel and also all
edges and tap holes that have been cut. Let the Wood panel soak up as much Oil
as possible. Cut ends, holes, and end grains require three (3) natural Oil
applications prior to fitting. Note: Once the Wood panel has been fitted cut
ends and holes will be inaccessible and must be well-oiled prior to
installation. Wood is a natural product and will expand and contract. Wood can
be affected by heat and humidity.
INSTALLING A WORKTOP OR PANEL
EXPANSION GAPS AND SILICONE SEALANT
Solid wood is a living material that will expand and shrink with
temperature and humidity variances. Always leave a 5mm expansion gap to all
other dead surfaces such as Stone, Steel, Walls, and Pipes. Use a quality
expandable silicone sealant when fitting and filling expansion gaps. It is
recommended to use only the best quality silicone sealant (white or clear)
where required.
WOOD PANEL INSTALLATION FIXING TO CABINETS
Angle brackets should be used to secure the Wood panel to the carcass. The
elongated hole of the bracket needs to be screwed to the underside of the Wood
panel. Always use washers with the screws to all for humidity expansion
changes
CUTTING THE WOOD PANEL
When using a fine-toothed panel saw the cut panel with the Wood panel face
upwards. When using a jigsaw, saw cut the panel with the face downwards. Cuts
require at least three oil applications before fitting.
FITTING THE WOOD PANEL
Your Wood panel naturally wants to warp and bend when exposed to changing
humidity and temperature. In order to avoid this, solid tight fitting to the
surrounding surfaces is required. Secure the Wood panel with angle brackets
and screws every 20 cm on all sides. Use the angle brackets to the wall side
if there is no cabinet to fix the wood panel to. Pre-drill holes in the Wood
panel where screws are required in order to ease tension. Screws should
penetrate the Wood panel by a minimum of 15mm.
FIXING TO BRICKWORK.
When fixing a Wood panel to a brick pier you must ensure that the brickwork is
completely dry. As a precaution glue a damp-proof barrier foil to the side or
underside of the Wood panel that has already been well-oiled and dried. Fix
with adhesive. This will help form a moisture barrier between the Wood panel
and the brickwork. We also advise that alternate fixing points be made along
the length of the Wood panel to prevent it from bowing.
CORNER JOINTS.
When joining two Wood panels together it is recommended that both biscuit
joints and standard Wood panel bolts are used in order to avoid temperature
warping at a later stage. Treat the joining edge and the underneath of the
Wood panel lavishly with oil before joining and fitting the Wood panels.
INSERTING HOBS, TILES OR STONE MATERIALS.
Always leave a 5mm expansion gap. Use silicone sealant when fitting and
filling expansion gaps. The wood may crack if you do not allow for expansion
gaps. Range cookers, such as AG A’s, require a minimum expansion gap of 40 mm
due to the constant heat source from these cookers.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES.
If a dishwasher or washing machine is to be installed under the Wood panel it
is recommended to glue an insulation reflective foil and moisture barrier to
the underside of the Wood panel to protect it from intense heat. A minimum
25mm gap should be allowed for ventilation above the appliance. Leave a 15mm
gap between the end of tops and appliances, cut-outs for appliances, and
sinks.
FITTING AN INSET SINK
This is the same procedure as fitting a laminate Wood panel. Expansion gaps
must be left and sealed with silicone sealant. Take great care when installing
sinks into timber Wood panels, due to the possibility of water penetration
into the joints. When positioning and making a cut-out for a hob always
manufacturer’s instructions for sizes, safety clearances, and sealing with
silicone sealant.
UNDER MOUNTING SINKS.
The skills required for under mounting Belfast type sinks in a solid hardwood
Wood panel is best left to expert fitters.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
OIL WOOD PRIOR TO INSTALLATION APPLY LAVISHLY.
Prior to installation, you must generously oil all the surfaces of the wood
panel, paying particular attention to the underside, cut edges, and back
edges. Once the Wood panel has been fitted these areas and cut edges may be
inaccessible. We recommend that all cut edges and end grains will need a
further 2 coats (for a total of 3 coats) to ensure that the Oil has penetrated
deep into the wood. When oiling remembers to wipe away the excess oil after15
minutes and then allow to dry for 6 – 8 hours prior to further applications.
Please give special attention to the oiling of the end grains and cut ends to
seal them properly. Apply the oil with a sponge or soft cloth. Never use steel
wool to sand the surface as this may cause the Wood panel to become discolored
when damp.
ONGOING MAINTENANCEOFTHEWOOD PANEL
In the first few weeks of use, some care must be taken to prevent Wood panels
from becoming stained before they have built up sufficient protection. Avoid
letting water build up on the work surface, wipe it off using a cloth. The
Wood panels require to be oiled again within the first week of installation.
Apply a thin coat of the same type ofoil, leave for 15 minutes, and then wipe
off the excess. This is best done at night allowing maximum time for the wood
panel to dry off, overnight. After the first week, oiling once a week will
suffice with the interval between treatments gradually increasing until
eventually, you are just wiping wood panels with an oily cloth once a month or
so to restore the sheen that has built up. As a useful hint, the wood panel
will need oiling when water on the surface smudges rather than forms a well-
defined water droplet, or when the Wood panel feels dry.
REPAIR AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE.
After years of hard use, your wood panel may sustain some stains, scrapes, and
grazes. To refurbish your wood panel, lightly sand it down with a sanding
machine or with fine sandpaper. For smaller areas of damage, sand locally and
oil again.
TIPS
- Hot pans should be placed on a pan stand or similar and not directly onto the work surface.
- Always use a chopping board for food preparation, not the work surface.
- Avoid letting water build up on the work surface, wipe it off using a cloth.
- The surface should be cleaned with a warm damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid.
- Re-oil your Wood panel and workstation regularly.
PRECAUTION
Cloths and sponges used when treating your Wood panel with oil may become
FLAMMABLE. Please store or dispose of them safely.
2019 Interbuild Distribution (US) LLC,
Division of Interbuild Holding, LTD, Hong Kong.
L7: Installation, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
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