FAQ
Q. Can I cut on the wood countertop?
A. Yes, you can cut on a Craft-Art Wood Countertop. The cut marks can be sanded
out periodically and the top re-oiled.
Q. Can I put food directly on the countertop?
A. Yes, the Tung-oil finish that is used is a natural product made from seeds and
it is food safe.
Q. What about bacteria getting into the wood?
A. Craft-Art Wood Countertops are less porous that natural stone. The wood itself
is protected by the Tung-oil finish. As with any countertop, you must wash and disinfect
it to keep it free of bacteria.
Q. What do I use to clean the countertop?
A. Clean your top with mild, non-ammonia soap; rinse, and disinfect with a 10-20%
white vinegar/water solution.
Q. How much maintenance is there?
A. Aside from cleaning the top, you will have to apply some oil every 2-3 years.
This takes about one hour and you can have a Craft-Art service partner do it for
you if you wish.
Q. What do I do if the top is damaged?
A. Any damage to one of our tops is easily repaired. Usually you can do it yourself,
with some simple directions from our staff. We also have a national network of service
providers that will assist you with any repairs.
Q. What is your warranty?
A. Our warranty covers all manufacturing defects for one year, and the glue seams
for as long as you own the top.
Q. Can I stain the top to match my cabinets?
A. No, we do not “stain to match.” Cabinets are often made from a different wood
than the top, and cabinet manufacturers use a high tech automated finishing process
that we cannot duplicate by using our hand-applied Tung-oil finish.. We can stain
some wood species a color that is supplied by your cabinet provider, or we can use
industry standard stains such as MinWax. We always send samples for your approval.
Q. Can a sink be put in a wood countertop?
A. Yes, IF it is a top that has been finished with a penetrating waterproof oil,
like our Craft-Art tops. You should not put a sink in a wood countertop that has
been finished with mineral or linseed oil, or with a film-type finish like polyurethane,
conversion varnishes, or lacquer.
Q. Can I use a cook top or range with a wood countertop?
A. Yes. In the 1970’s, when people began to buy commercial ranges for residential
use, the side walls were not insulated, and there were problems with the cabinet
walls sitting next to the ranges. Today, the commercial style ranges are fully insulated
and certified safe. Heat from top burners travels up, not out, and poses no risk
to the cabinets or countertops.
Q. Can I put hot pots and pans on a wood countertop?
A. We do not recommend that you do. However, our tests and those of our dealers
and their customers indicate that a hot pan will not cause any damage to a Craft-Art
top.
Q. How long can a top be?
A. We commonly make tops that are 14, 15, and 16 feet long, and sometimes longer.
Q. Can I use wood for vanity tops in the bathroom?
A. Yes, we make both traditional and contemporary vanity tops. Craft-Art tops are
great matches for stone vessel sinks.
Q. Why don’t more people use wood countertops?
A. The use of wood countertops is increasing at a rapid rate as people learn that
when manufactured properly, they are just as durable as other countertop surfaces
and provide a great deal more warmth and uniqueness.
Q. How do wood countertops compare in price to granite and other
surfaces?
A. Wood compares favorably in cost to all high-end countertop surfaces.
Q. Can I get a “green” countertop?
A. Yes, we offer a range of reclaimed wood species that qualify for “green points”
in communities that encourage the use of cost-effective ans sustainable remodeling
and building methods.
Q. Where can I buy a Craft-Art Wood Countertop?
A. We sell our countertops through retail kitchen and bath showrooms, design professionals,
builders and contractors and other trade professionals. Contact customer service
at Craft-Art to get the name of a dealer nearest you.