how to install a timber benchtop

A step-by-step guide to finishing off your kaboodle kitchen Installing a timber benchtop is one of the final and most rewarding steps in completing your kaboodle kitchen. With the right tools, preparation, and a bit of patience, you can get a beautiful, natural finish that brings warmth and functionality to your space.

Before you begin, make sure you’ve read through this guide before giving it a go. If you're using bamboo or solid timber, keep in mind that colour variations and natural patterns are part of what makes each benchtop unique.

storage

Store your benchtop flat and in a location protected from weather, sunlight, direct heat and extreme changes in humidity. Leave the benchtop wrapped in the protective film until you are ready to cut and seal the benchtop.

step 1: check your benchtop

  • Before any cutting or installation, inspect your benchtop for natural features and pick which side you’d like to face up. There is Side A that often has less knots and burrs.

  • Timber benchtops may bow slightly if stored for long periods. If yours has cupped edges, lay it flat with the face down for a few days to correct it.

measure your space

  • Measure your space to determine the size of your benchtop pieces. Consider where your joins will be and do not position them close to any cut outs or spans such as dishwasher cavities.

  • Work out the location of any sink or appliance cut-outs and use the templates provided with these items to mark out the cuts (these should be marked on the underside of the benchtop). It may be easier to determine your sink and appliance locations once your benchtops have been cut to length and positioned in place.

step 2: cutting the benchtop

1. Cut your benchtop upside down to protect the top face.

2. Use clamps to secure a straight edge as a guide for your circular saw.

Tip: Measure the distance between the saw blade and the outer edge of the guide plate accurately. Depending on where your straight edge is positioned you may need to factor the blade thickness into this measurement also.

3. Use a new or sharpened circular saw blade suitable for hardwood timber, and set the blade depth to about 10mm deeper than the benchtop thickness. Begin the cut from what will be the front edge of the benchtop and make your cut slowly and steadily.

Tip: To avoid injury or damage when cutting, be sure to support the entire benchtop adequately including any offcuts.

4. For cutouts (e.g. sinks or cooktops), mask the area with low-adhesion tape to avoid splintering. Use a drill to create a hole in the benchtop then use a jigsaw with a new hardwood blade to make the cut. To keep the cut straight move slowly and steadily without forcing the saw.

step 3: joining benchtops

  • On the underside of the benchtop, mark a line 37mm in from the edge to position your hole centres. Along this line mark out three hole locations spaced evenly and starting 100mm in from each edge. Drill the holes using a 35mm drill bit to a depth of 20mm.

  • Use a fine tooth saw and 10mm chisel to create a 10mm wide and 20mm deep channel from the centre of each hole through the edge of the benchtop.

  • Do this for both benchtop pieces to be joined. For a corner join, ensure that the holes on the end of benchtop A line up along the side of benchtop B.

add biscuits (optional but recommended)

  • Mark evenly spaced biscuit locations between the joiner holes.

  • Cut biscuit slots with a biscuit joiner and test the fit.

  • The glue will be added to the join and biscuit slots when the benchtop is installed.

step 4: seal all surfaces

  • Using 240 grit sandpaper, sand all faces and edges including cutouts, then wipe down with a slightly damp cloth.

  • Set up the benchtops in a location where they can dry for the required period and lay paper on the floor to catch any drips. Elevate the benchtop to avoid the sealant sticking to any other surfaces.

  • Coat the benchtop on all sides, following the directions of your chosen sealant. Use at least two coats, especially on ends and cut-outs.

step 5: connecting joins

  • Lay the benchtops in position on top of your cabinets and apply PVA glue to one edge of the benchtop join.

  • Insert benchtop joiners starting from the front and working back. Tighten gradually using a 10mm spanner and check and retighten all joiners as you go.  *Important: Don’t overtighten, as this may crack the timber.

  • Use a rubber mallet to tap the benchtops flush if needed.

  • Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth.

step 6: fixing to cabinets

1. Use the supplied 90° angle brackets and 14mm screws to fix the benchtop to the cabinet backs, evenly spaced in two or three locations.

2. Screw the front of the benchtop to the cabinet support rails at each end, through an elongated (5mm x 3mm) hole to allow for natural timber movement. This can be achieved by rocking the drill bit back and forward. Secure using 28mm screws.

Tip: Do not glue the benchtop down as this will restrict natural benchtop expansion and movement.

3. If needed, drill 50mm holes in the support rails, or pull the benchtop slightly forward to gain access to the joiners.

4. Once installed, seal between the wall/splashback and benchtop with a bead of silicone.

caring for your benchtop

  • Wipe regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap.

  • Avoid placing hot pots or using sharp objects directly on the surface.

  • Clean up spills quickly to prevent staining.

  • Re-sand and re-coat as the surface wears or becomes damaged over time.


With the right prep and care, your new timber benchtop will look great and perform beautifully for years to come. Whether it’s for cooking, entertaining, or just daily life, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and character of real timber in the kitchen.

Your kaboodle kitchen is now complete and ready to enjoy.

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