Kitchen island in White Oak, delivered to Gauteng in 4 weeks with pre-finished install-ready sections.
View island builds →When reinforcement is needed
Wood moves with seasonal changes in humidity — it expands in humid conditions and contracts when the air is dry. Across a short span with support on both sides this movement is predictable and manageable. Across a longer unsupported span or an overhang, the movement can cause cupping, bowing, or stress at the joints.
Steel reinforcement bars restrict this movement by running perpendicular to the grain across the width of the top. We recommend reinforcement for any surface over 1800mm long, any unsupported overhang over 200mm, and any surface in an environment with significant seasonal humidity variation.
How it is installed
Channels are routed into the underside of the countertop during construction — before glue-up where possible. The steel bars are fitted into the channels with a sliding fit that allows the wood to move slightly perpendicular to the bar while preventing movement along its length. The channels are not visible from above or below once the surface is in place.
Sizing and specification
The bar section size and spacing are determined by the span and the intended load. This is discussed at the time of order — we specify what is needed for your particular surface and configuration.
