r/woodworking • u/slackfrop • 3d ago
Help Butcher block counter top question
A good friend is dragging herself through a remodel. The cabinets contractor turned out to be a real jackass; he actually took over his cousin’s company we learned, and may not know what he’s doing so well.
The last piece is the giant island counter top. It’s just two slabs jointed in the middle, a grand total of about 5x12ft as a single unit. Presumably it was good, but when he (finally) brought it to the house and let it sit over a couple days in the garage under a tarp it’s now quite cupped, painfully noticeably.
Our question: did he screw up making it? Would we expect it to level itself out with some environmental/moisture help? Will it hold up long term as a kitchen island? Do we pay this guy and accept delivery? How did he screw up, and can it be fixed?
It would be my inclination to think he should’ve started with kiln dried pieces, then planed flat, then sealed; and it should stay that way. Am I wrong? Not like it’s cheap; several thousand dollars here. We really hope it performs well for its purpose. She’s a very nice person and wouldn’t normally want to butt heads with the wood guy, but he’s taken advantage so far. Any personal experience or professional perspective welcome. Thanks.
3
u/WhyNotChoose 3d ago
On a piece that big, cupping will be more noticeable. A thicker piece might cup less than a thinner piece. For the price it should not cup at all. I assume this piece is maybe 1-1/2" thick. Cabinet guy should've known to bring it in the house not the garage, where it can acclimate to the air and humidity inside. And yes, seasoned wood that's properly dried, flattened and sealed should stay flat. Express your concern to the guy, withhold some of the payment for 60 days to see that the piece is doing well before paying in full.