Hello,
with my last IKEA solid wood countertop (oak?), I have dark rot spots on the edge near the sink.
We are moving and planning to buy a new Karlby oak countertop and a Blanco sink.
The Karlby countertop is veneered (I think a 3mm wood layer) and was recommended to me by IKEA staff because the varnish/oil is supposed to be more water-resistant.
1. Is it recommended to oil the countertop additionally before installation? If yes, should I use the IKEA oil or are there better options available on the market?
2. Regarding the Blanco sink (Zenar or Zenar XL): I assume there is a rubber gasket at the edge underneath. Is it advisable to apply an additional silicone seal? Is there a tip or better method than using a finger to apply the silicone as thinly as possible?
3. Is it necessary to protect the cut edge of the countertop for the sink opening (the exposed plywood edge under the sink)? For example, by attaching supplied edging strips (the delivery set includes 0.7 or 1m) to this edge or even coating the area with silicone?
Thanks for sharing your experience,
Jean-Baptiste
with my last IKEA solid wood countertop (oak?), I have dark rot spots on the edge near the sink.
We are moving and planning to buy a new Karlby oak countertop and a Blanco sink.
The Karlby countertop is veneered (I think a 3mm wood layer) and was recommended to me by IKEA staff because the varnish/oil is supposed to be more water-resistant.
1. Is it recommended to oil the countertop additionally before installation? If yes, should I use the IKEA oil or are there better options available on the market?
2. Regarding the Blanco sink (Zenar or Zenar XL): I assume there is a rubber gasket at the edge underneath. Is it advisable to apply an additional silicone seal? Is there a tip or better method than using a finger to apply the silicone as thinly as possible?
3. Is it necessary to protect the cut edge of the countertop for the sink opening (the exposed plywood edge under the sink)? For example, by attaching supplied edging strips (the delivery set includes 0.7 or 1m) to this edge or even coating the area with silicone?
Thanks for sharing your experience,
Jean-Baptiste
Z
zetterberg28 May 2015 07:19Why should the oil on a laminated wood panel be more water-repellent?
No, wood panels come pre-oiled from the factory and should be re-oiled 3-4 times per year.
Regarding point 1: I don’t know if there are better options, but since you don’t know how long the panel was stored, make sure to oil it well before or immediately after installation.
Regarding point 2: Once silicone is applied, you cannot remove it later if you want or need to replace the sink; it is usually damaged afterward. And if you have a laminate countertop, it typically doesn’t go unnoticed either. It’s best to wipe off moisture immediately.
Regarding point 3: I have no idea how laminated wood countertops are treated, but for every countertop (except stone, etc.), the cut edges are sealed, as well as front panels and carcasses if adjustments are made, because the chipboard material absorbs water and swells. Usually, silicone or waterproof wood glue is used.
No, wood panels come pre-oiled from the factory and should be re-oiled 3-4 times per year.
Regarding point 1: I don’t know if there are better options, but since you don’t know how long the panel was stored, make sure to oil it well before or immediately after installation.
Regarding point 2: Once silicone is applied, you cannot remove it later if you want or need to replace the sink; it is usually damaged afterward. And if you have a laminate countertop, it typically doesn’t go unnoticed either. It’s best to wipe off moisture immediately.
Regarding point 3: I have no idea how laminated wood countertops are treated, but for every countertop (except stone, etc.), the cut edges are sealed, as well as front panels and carcasses if adjustments are made, because the chipboard material absorbs water and swells. Usually, silicone or waterproof wood glue is used.
Why should the oil on a laminated wood panel be more water-repellent?From the KARLBY instructions page 6 (502.024.49 KARLBY countertop)
The countertop is made of high-density fiberboard with a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) thick solid wood surface.
To maintain the durability of the countertop over many years, it should be treated several times a year with BEHANDLA wood oil as needed. Areas around the sink and stove, where the wood dries out faster, should be treated more frequently.
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