Choice of Fastener System – when choosing a fastener system for your countertop bracket installation make sure that the diameter of the screw or bolts selected will fit with the hole diameters placed in the bracket for installation (example: a ¼” diameter lag screw will require a hole diameter greater than .25”). We suggest that you use a screw size that is one “step” down in measurement from the hole size on your countertop brackets. The length of the fasteners used in installation is not standardized. We suggest using a screw or bolt that is 2” to 2.5” long.

Another aspect of the installation fastener system is the adhesive used to bind the brackets to the base of the countertop. There are a number of great products in the market and they can be found at your local hardware or large hardware retailers. Use an adhesive that is formulated for the heavy duty countertop application for best results.

In instances where the brackets will be adhered directly to a granite counter we suggest only using adhesives and not drilling into the countertop.

Drilling during installation can weaken the stone or possibly crack the counter.

Federal Brace provides a fastener system. For details on this installation fastener system Click Here.

Mounting of Countertop Brackets – in installations of granite countertops supported on islands and bar tops the countertop supports should extend to 4” from the end or edge of the counter. Each span should be supported at every stud location available and not to exceed 18” for a Freedom Countertop Bracket Style bracket and 30” on a Gusseted Style (Brunswick Countetop Support) with granite up to 2” thick.

For example: a 16” wide x 96” long x 1” thick open granite bar top will use the following Federal Brace brackets: 6 pieces of 12” Freedom Brackets or a like sized gusseted bracket. The brackets will each be mounted to a stud (Stud mounted from shelf to floor) with three 1/4” diameter lag screws. If the installation is mounted into concrete masonry then it is important to use concrete bolt anchors or stud anchors. Adhesive may be used on the vertical support flange of the bracket to provide added strength to the fastener system in the installation.

As a general guideline countertops that are mounted to the wall or have no support other than the brackets are a heavy loading installation for brackets. In instances where the bracket is supporting the entire load of the countertop, gusset type brackets are highly recommended.

Note: It is important to insure that the fastener is tied into the support structure (stud, block or other structure) as close to the centerline of the support member to provide for the best possible support.

*Finishing of Countertop Supports – in some instances a raw steel countertop bracket is purchase for an installation. Brackets made of raw steel (cold rolled steel or CRS) will rust over time. It is important to finish off these brackets with a paint coating. You can choose to prime and paint the bracket on location. Most hardware store or paint retailers will have paint that can be used on metals in their selection. If you desire to have prefinished brackets for your installation Federal Brace can provide these services for a charge. Check out our finishing services by Clicking Here.