A common design element in homes from 1970-1990 is the cantileved countertop. This was often done to create a bar seating area near the kitchen. Perhaps a spot where the kids can eat breakfast in the morning or some extra seating when hosting a family event.
A problem this creates, however, was the inevitable corbel supporting the counter.
Growing up I can remember limping to school many days, having recently bashed my knee on the large corbels supporting the wood counterop in my family’s home. Nothing ruins a bowl of Captain Crunch™ like a throbbing patella.
So when we encounter a cantilevered granite counter during a kitchenCRATE project, we take the opportunity to eliminate this annoying little architectural feature.
How?
It’s simple: When the old countertops are removed, we embed a few steel supports right into the plywood subtop, the wood deck that the granite rests upon. Using a few pieces of 1/4″ flat steel, we router a channel right into the plywood. We then epoxy the steel in place, and finish it off with a few lag bolts to tighten it up until the epoxy dries.
When done, the corbels can be eliminated, the granite has some very strong additional support at an area of weakness, and the kids are free to enjoy their breakfast without iminent danger.
But what if you like your corbels, you ask?
Well, once the steel is in place, corbels can still be used as decor. Just be sure to warn the kids…
Case Studies
Buckboard Way
Before – Cantilevered tile countertop with corbels underneath for support.
During – Three pieces of 1/4″ flat steel bolted and epoxied in place.
After – Cantilevered granite top without corbels!
Collingham Drive
Before – Tile countertop with no cantilever and no corbel.
During – Steel embed installed and awaiting epoxy.
After – Cantilevered granite top without corbels!
KitchenCRATE is a 7-day, $15,000 kitchen renovation product. For more information, simply fill out the form on the top right of this screen!
Scott Monday (email) is Founder and CEO of Trinity Renovation, Inc., the parent company of kitchenCRATE. Learn more about Scott at Google+ or on Facebook.
