Undermount Sinks and Countertops

Please note, we advise against gluing down firmly, nailing or screwing down tightly onto any material, including undermount sinks, that will prevent expansion and contraction of the material.  Use adhesives that are 100% Silicone and other wood-suitable adhesives in moderation. This is to supplement wood screw anchorage, especially at spots where access is difficult. Apply adhesive in daubs, never in a continuous bead, and do not use adhesive at both the front and back of the worktop, as this will conflict with expansion/contraction.

 

We also offer a great visual supplement here which helps address many common installation situations.

 

Highlights from our installation guidelines:

 

Cut-Outs and Cut-offs – Acclimation must be complete, if not cut-outs and cut-offs may release material stress causing warping or cracking. If this occurs it will require additional acclimation. Cut edges need to have a finish applied to prevent possible

cracking.

Use Around Sinks and Tubs – Give extra care and attention to seal edges of panels and countertops around undermount sinks, regular sinks or tubs. Prolonged or constant exposure to water can cause darkening of the wood and over-saturation that in turn causes

warping. Teragren recommends installing a non-porous material such as stainless steel or tile as a transition to the bamboo

 

All Surfaces should receive a finish, including edges, ends, cutouts and bottom side. Full absorption requires at least three to four coats. Apply sealers multiple times to the end grain to seal thoroughly and be effective.

Equal applications of sealer and finish are recommended to allow for slow balancing. For example, if two full coats are applied to a top face, two full coats of the same finish should be applied to the back face.

 

Left unfinished, the panels can either absorb moisture or dry out. Moisture imbalance will cause cracking. Any new cuts need to be

re-sealed. Sealers and finishes need to dry thoroughly between applications and where the relative humidity of 40% to 60% year round

is present. The longer a panel remains unfinished and the greater the environmental extremes, the greater the chance the

panel will develop problems. This is natural and site condition material response and is not considered a manufacturing defect.