Installation Guide

How to Install Oak Counter Trim

Place the length of trim on the countertop edge exactly where it will be installed. Carefully mark the back side of the

trim where cuts will be needed using the edge of the countertop as a guide (Figure 1). Use a miter box with a sharp,

fine-toothed saw to cut the trim as marked.

Insert the trim upside down in the miter box and place the saw in the guides needed to make the appropriate cuts for

45° inside and outside corners. A sharp, fine-toothed saw helps to reduce splintering. Lightly sand any rough edges.

Try to avoid splicing trim pieces together along visible parts of the countertop. If it is necessary to splice exposed

trim, miter the joining pieces at a 45° angle to give the best appearance and get the tightest fit. (Figure 2).

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How to Install Oak Counter Trim Place the length of trim on the countertop edge exactly where it will be installed. Carefully mark the back side of the trim where cuts will be needed using the edge of the countertop as a guide (Figure 1). Use a miter box with a sharp, fine-toothed saw to cut the trim as marked. Insert the trim upside down in the miter box and place the saw in the guides needed to make the appropriate cuts for 45° inside and outside corners.
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To give a professional look to trim installation, drill pilot nail holes straight through the beveled trim edge with a bit slightly smaller than your finishing nail. This helps to avoid splitting the oak. When the pilot holes are drilled, squeeze a bead of wood glue on each face of the back side (Figure 3). Lay the trim in place and drive in finishing nails through the pilot holes (Figure 4). With a nail punch, counter sink finishing nails. Fill the countersunk nail holes with wood filler.
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Before applying stain to installed trim, test penetration and color of stain on a scrap piece of counter trim. When satisfied with color, brush the wood stain on installed trim (Figure 5). Let stain penetrate for 5 - 15 minutes. With a clean cloth, gently wipe stain off, following the direction of the wood grain (Figure 6). To deepen the color, repeat the process. To lighten the color, wipe the trim with paint thinner. Give the stain 24 hours to dry and absorb before applying the finish.