Determining whether you need support brackets or not for your countertops can be challenging as there are a lot of things to be considered to make the right decision. This article will outline the factors to be considered in deciding whether you need support brackets or not, as well as some brackets options, and where you can get them from.
1- How much overhang do you have
Amount of overhang you have is the most important factor to consider in deciding whether you need support brackets. Most granite fabricators will recommend support brackets on overhangs over 12″ however, solely based on the overhang amount. Final determination on bracket requirements and spacing should be recommended by your fabricator based on the following factors.
2- How Sturdy is the stone?
Some stones are more durable than others so knowing your stone is important in determining the brackets. Most dark color granite is very durable such as absolute black, uba tuba, steel gray, impala black, viscount white granite. Some exotic light granite having natural fissures in them are more fragile, so they need more support than others. It is also important which directions the fissure lines in the stone. Ideally, they should run perpendicular to the overhang to reduce risk of cracking in time. Some of the exotic (more fragile in this context) granite include typhoon bordeaux, fussion, lemurian blue. Most marble and dolamite such as Fantasy Brown is fragile so needs more support. Quartzite is a very hard material in general but it is common that quartzite slabs will have natural fissures in them so they need to be well supported. Soapstone is a very soft natural stone. Onyx is one of the most fragile natural stones, so it needs to be well supported. As onyx is a translucent stone, supports underside of the stone may be visible so it needs to be well planned. Quartz in general is very homogeneous and sturdy. Find below Caesarstone‘s support guidelines for quartz only.
3- Cut outs close to the overhanging area
Cut outs close to the overhangs create risk, therefore, needs to be supported. The most common cut out type that would create this issue is the cooktop cut out. Sink cut outs, any other cut outs close to the overhangs also create risk.
4- Hi bar stone supported on top of a stud wall
You may need support systems even when you do not have much overhang if your base is not big enough. A good example of this is raised bars sitting on knee walls. The walls are usually 4 5/8″ wide including the dry walls. In this case, you will need support brackets, or plated installed before your countertops are installed. There brackets are available at many online sources including Chemical Concepts. There sizes available depending upon how much overhang you have. It is ideal that the bracket ends a few (3″ or so) before the top ends. (https://www.chemical-concepts.com/counterbalancer-counterplate-xl-11-75-x-3-75.html#)
5- Long overhangs supported by base cabinets
Since a cabinet wall generally does not provide nearly as much structural support as a stud wall described in item 4 above. The overhang bracket needs to extend over the total width of the cabinet
https://www.countertopbracket.com/countertop-island-support-brackets-hidden-p/ib.htm
6- Shelf, seat Installation with no base
Heavy duty support brackets and/or sub tops need to be used where there is no base to support stone. In conjunction with front legs, securing wood support cleat on the backwalls will also help support the countertop. When you use heavy duty brackets, you need a solid wall build by wooden studs. If your wall has metal studs instead, you will need to build additional wood or plywood to support the brackets.
7- Stone Thickness
Thicker material will be stronger than thinner material. Quartz, granite, quartzite, dolamite and other natural stones usually come in 2cm (3/4″) and 3cm (1 1/8″) thickness . Using thicker material will give more strength.
https://www.hafele.com/us/en/product/countertop-support-square/0000003100033f5a00020023/
HELPFUL LINKS
HEAVY DUTY COUNTER BRACKETS
http://rakks.com/counter-support-brackets/
ISLAND COUNTERTOP SUPPORT BRACKETS
https://www.countertopbracket.com/countertop-island-support-brackets-hidden-p/ib.htm
HALF WALL RAISED BAR BRACKETS
https://www.chemical-concepts.com/counterbalancer-counterplate-xl-11-75-x-3-75.html#
HI BAR NO WALL SUPPORT BRACKETS
https://www.hafele.com/us/en/product/countertop-support-round/0000002a00024c7000020023/
https://www.hafele.com/us/en/product/countertop-support-square/0000003100033f5a00020023/
SUPPORT LEGS, TABLE LEGS, OFFICE DESK SUPPORT
https://www.amazon.com/Regency-Seating-Post-Table-Black/dp/B00TOII01