Palmer Todd There is not necessarily a perfect solution for what you are describing. Wood naturally expands and contracts with climate changes so you would not want to use any type of adhesive in the transition. I suppose that you could use silicone or something that has some flexibility, but I would check with the supplier of the countertop to make sure that doing so would not void any warranty on the product. For us, a good template is always key. We get as tight of a fit as possible while still allowing enough space for natural expansion. I have found that a flush application requires more maintenance for what your are describing as opposed to having the wood be slightly thicker. It is also nice to have a break in that plane to set apart multiple materials. I hope this helps...thanks for the question.

Palmer Todd The wood countertop is an Iroko wood. The initial maintenance is probably the most cumbersome part about wood countertops. The have to be oiled 1-2 times per week for about a month until they become saturated. Once that is complete maintenance is fairly simple. When water no longer beads up on the surface, then it needs to be re-oiled. Wood countertops are susceptible to scratching, but scratches can be lightly sanded and re-oiled for a renewed surface look.