Know When and How to Use Support Brackets for Your Kitchen Countertop

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porcelain kitchen worktop

Choosing the right kitchen worktop can be an arduous task for first-time homeowners. There are myriad options as far as countertop materials are concerned. Once the pros and cons are assessed and the material is chosen, the next step is determining the requirement of worktop brackets. Be it a porcelain kitchen worktop or one made of granite, quartzite, or marble, deciding on the use of support brackets is also important. Not all kitchen countertops require brackets for support. There are several factors to be analyzed to determine whether a bracket needs to be installed to support the kitchen worktop.

Does your Porcelain Kitchen Worktop require a Supporting Bracket?

Consider the following factors to determine whether your kitchen worktop requires a supporting bracket. These ground rules are applicable not just for porcelain counters but all kinds of natural stone and man made worktops. Also, remember, the final requirement of a countertop bracket can never be based on a singular factor but on the collective factors as mentioned below:-

  1. The Protrusion Level of the Kitchen Worktop– The first bracket assessment is carried out based on how far ahead the worktop is from its leading edge. In technical terms, this measurement is known as the countertop overhang. It is computed by measuring the exact distance from the leading edge of the countertop to the front-most end of the base cabinet. The greater the overhang measurement, the higher the probability of the countertop requiring ample support brackets. 
  2. Material Strength– The durability and sturdiness of the kitchen top material are crucial determinants of whether it can withstand daily wear and tear effectively or requires an external support mechanism. In the realm of natural stone, both quartzite and granite kitchen tops are known to be exceedingly sturdy. As far as engineered countertop materials are concerned, porcelain is the most durable option. Hence, there is less need to have support brackets for granite, quartzite, and porcelain counters. But if the other factors like overhangs, cutouts, small bases (or the lack of a base) are not in favour, these materials might still require bracket support.
  3. Risky Cutouts- Very often, it is observed that granite kitchen tops have cutouts that require support. Even if the overhang is short, the protrusion of a cooktop or a sink cutout will only be safe if a sturdy bracket adequately supports it.
  4. Insufficient Base Support- The sturdier and heavier the countertop material, the greater the need for a strong base that supports the stone. However, some modern kitchen designs leave very little scope for the installation of a strong base. Also, sometimes, the long overhang of a countertop is supported only by a base cabinet, which needs to be improved. In both of these cases, brackets are necessary to hold onto the weight of the stone. 

How to Install the Right Supporting Brackets for your Kitchen Worktop?

From heavy-duty worktop/shelf brackets to island countertop brackets, no wall support brackets, and hidden brackets, there are several choices for homeowners to ensure that their kitchen worktops are well-supported without ruining the ambience. Especially for designer kitchens and the well-adorned spaces of hospitality establishments, the bracket needs to be safely hidden.

The prime examples include undetectable support brackets for kitchen islands, breakfast counters, bar counters, reception worktops, etc. Island legs are also ideal for high-traffic kitchens, whereas standoff brackets are popularly used in smaller spaces. Based on the factors mentioned above, once it has been determined that the kitchen counter requires supporting brackets, homeowners should choose the bracket type and design as per the countertop material, design specifications, space constraints, and the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Only certified countertop experts should be entrusted with kitchen top bracket installation. Here are some important tips in this regard:-

  1. The first step is identifying, measuring, and marking the bracket mounting points. Sufficient space should be allotted between the brackets to render maximum support.
  2. The lines between the mounting locations should be marked diagonally with a T-square.
  3. The next step is to use a handsaw to cut along the lines. This should be followed by chiselling the material to make sufficient space for the bracket to fit.
  4. The final steps include mounting/installation, fixing with the right screws, and levelling the same with the knee wall.

Conclusion

Worktops in the kitchen are subjected to the daily grind. Therefore homeowners should refrain from taking any chances and entrust the right kitchen top manufacturer and interior design expert to install both countertops and supporting brackets, as required. Any wayward measurement or wrong installation choices can lead to major damage as well as replacement/renovation costs in the long run.