How To Install Supports for an Overhang or Kitchen Island
Solid surface tops that are ½” thick that extend beyond the cabinets by six inches or more need overhang support.
Overhangs like those found on a wall pass through, and eating bars of more than 6”, but less than 12”, can be supported with wood or metal corbels. They can also be supported by a relatively new product called a COUNTERBalance™ CounterPlate™. An appealing feature of the CounterPlate™ is that it is only about 3/8” tall and doesn’t get in the way of knees like corbels can. They are also out of sight and fast and easy to install (See Figure 18, far right frame.)
Figure 18: Supporting Counter Overhang
Large island overhangs up to 18” can be supported with large corbels, a welded steel frame of 1”x2” rectangular steel tubing with a wall thickness of ⅛”, or a series of COUNTERBalance™ IslandBrackets™. The IslandBracket™, like theCounterPlate™, does not get in the way of knees, are out of sight and fast and easy to install. The IslandBracket™ is 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” and shaped like a “T” when looking at it from the end (See Figures 19a and 19b.) The welded steel frame option can take on any shape or dimension needed. However, it does require welding and must be painted. Corbels can be a good option as they come in all shapes and sizes and can add a decorative flair.