When it comes to kitchen countertop supports, there are two main types: hidden brackets, and decorative corbels. In this section, we will explain the differences between the two 

Hidden Brackets

This kind of bracket often comes in flat stainless steel or wrought iron pieces that are installed under the kitchen countertop. They are suitable for modern, simplified interiors and eliminate the legroom problem when sitting.

 Decorative Corbels

Decorative corbels are typically found in areas that require more intricate details besides function, such as those featuring floral or scrollwork, like traditional kitchen cabinets, fireplace mantels, doors, range hoods, and other areas within the house

When Do You Need Counter Support?

If you’re unsure whether your kitchen countertop might need extra support, here are some things to consider.

Countertop Material Matters

The materials used for your countertop do matter as it can depend on the type of supports that are paired with it or if it really needs additional support.

• Granite counters often need help, especially if the material used is a bit thin.
• Quartz is generally strong, but shouldn’t stick out more than 12 inches without any support.
• Marble, on the other hand, needs extra care and support to prevent cracks over years of using the material.

Watch Your Overhang

Counters with shorter overhangs under 6 inches might be fine without any additional support from corbels or brackets. But, with longer overhangs within 8 inches, you might need additional support.

Breakfast bars and kitchen islands, on the other hand, usually need more help because of the length of the overhang or just for design.

For overhangs over 12 inches, you need corbels to easily support your countertops.

Choosing the Right Support for Your Kitchen

When it comes to choosing the right support for your kitchen countertops or cabinets, the options range from wooden corbels to iron brackets, and composite corbels. But, you might wonder about the differences between the wide range of options. In this section, we will try to provide a short and detailed overview that will help you choose.

Wood Corbels

These types of corbels are usually made from strong woods like oak and maple, featuring intricate designs that enhance the overall aesthetics of the kitchen cabinet while providing ample support

Here are some of the more common wood corbel designs:

• Traditional-style corbels can feature more intricate carvings and decorations like leaves or floral patterns.
• Contemporary-style corbels are designed with clean lines and are perfect for more minimal interior designs.
• Craftsman-style Corbels emphasize craftsmanship and natural materials and can easily feature simple and practical designs.
• Rustic-style corbels often have a rugged appearance with natural textures that showcase the charm of the countryside.
• European-style Corbels are more decorative and feature more elegant and elaborate designs.

Iron or stainless steel Brackets

Iron or stainless steel brackets offer robust support for heavy-duty countertops, such as marble, granite, and quartz. They are particularly well-suited for industrial-style kitchens.

Other Composite material Corbels

Composite corbels, such as PU and plaster, typically weigh less than wood corbels but can still mimic their appearance. These corbels are generally suitable for decorative purposes only and not for supporting heavy counters

Matching Corbels to Your Kitchen Style

When it comes to matching the look of your kitchen style, it is important to consider the look and the material used for the corbels that you might want to choose.

Modern Kitchens

If you are aiming to build a modern-looking kitchen, you should use simple and straight brackets. These brackets can also be hidden in plain sight if the right process is followed. Not only that, choose metal over wood as this requires less maintenance than wood supports. However, both metal and wood corbels can easily adapt to modern kitchen designs.

Traditional Kitchens

When looking to create a traditional kitchen with more intricate designs, you can choose carved wood corbels with floral, acanthus, or scroll designs. These corbels showcase rich wood finishes and ornate details to complement traditional style

 Also, consider matching the wood materials of the wood corbels to the materials used with the cabinets.

Farmhouse Kitchens

For these types of designs, it’s better to choose corbels that follow the rustic design pattern with a rough-hewn appearance and natural textures. This effectively conveys the country charm of your kitchen design.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right corbel brackets, always consider your counter’s needs, the kitchen style, your budget

If you are an architectural components distributor or a building contractor, and if you have any needs for custom wood corbels, contact EFS now. With over 20 years of experience in crafting wood corbel brackets, our team can help bring your ideas to life.