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Federal Brace Countertop Application Types

Types of Countertop Applications (click for quick link)
  1. Cabinet Supported Countertop
  2. Elevated Bar Countertop
  3. Floating Bar Countertop
  4. Wall Mounted Shelf or Bar Countertop


Cabinet Supported CountertopTop
Elevated BracketThe Cabinet Supported Countertop is the most common application used with countertops. When a countertop is supported by a cabinet island or row of cabinets the floor to counter structure of the cabinets gives the countertop the best possible support. In these applications it is unnecessary to support an overhang of under 4 inches (by cabinet industry standards).

If your countertop has an overhang of over 4 inches from the edge of the cabinet, stress fracture is possible on your counters under point load situations. Owners choosing not to support overhangs of greater than 4 inches run the risk that a crack or fracture may occur in the countertop over time or do to a significant load event. Even overhangs of under 4 inches can succumb to heavy point load pressure but the chances of fracture greatly increase the further your overhang is extended.

Federal Brace uses the cabinet industry standard when suggesting supports for countertop overhangs. We recommend that the owner purchase a bracket that extends to within 4” of the end of their countertops. This will decrease the likelihood of point load fracture and increase the resistance to deflection.

Gallery Example: Freedom Countetop Bracket Gallery

Cabinet Supported Product Pages: Freedom Countertop Support, Liberty Countertop Plate
Elevated Bar CountertopTop
Elevated BracketThe Elevated Bar Countertop is generally supported by a knee wall (also called pony wall or stud wall). The knee wall can be of varying heights but it is made out of 2 x 4 wood or metal studs and generally covered with sheetrock or paneling. The knee wall will extend a specified distance about a base countertop below and form a backsplash on the interior edge of your cabinet support countertops.

To create the elevated bar countertop a solid or tile surface is placed on top of the knee wall and will generally extend past the edges of the top of the knee wall on both sides. The distance that it overhangs the top of the knee wall is determined by the owner or contractor but in most instances the bar top edge will be 1 to 2 inches past the edge of the wall on the interior side of the countertop (extending over the base counter below), it will be support by 4 inches by the top of the knee wall and will extend a distance equal to the remain width of the slab on the other side of the wall. The larger side is most often used for eating or serving.

It is important to understand that applications that involve a supporting wall that is not a 2 x 4 inch stud thickness are special circumstances and the owner should make sure that the supporting structure is significant enough to support the weight of the counter. Brackets attached to a weak wall will not support a countertop.

Elevated Bar Product Pages: San Marino Countertop Support, Lindi Arc Countertop Support
Floating Bar CountertopTop
Floating BracketThe Floating Bar Countertop application is similar to the elevated bar countertop application in that the supported bar is elevated above a base countertop. However, this application differs from the elevated bar in that the entire floating bar is supported entirely by the brackets.

In the floating bar countertop application a counter is elevated over the top of a base counter by using brackets that mount to back of the support structure under the base counter and extend above the base countertop to a determined height. Because the floating countertop application requires that the entire weight of the counter is borne by the brackets it is important that the own use a sturdy support that can handle the load. Brackets used in the floating countertop application tend to be larger and therefore more expensive than those used in other applications.

It is vital that the owner or contractor make sure that the support structure to which the countertop bracket will be attached is strong and secure. A floating countertop application requires excellent stability. Adding furring or wood bracing to the supporting structure can create additional support.

Most floating counters are used in commercial reception areas or serving bars.

Gallery Example: Alta Vista Bracket Gallery, Alpine Countertop Support

Cabinet Supported Product Pages: Alta Vista Countertop Support, Alpine Countertop Support
Wall Mounted Bar CountertopTop
Wall MountedThe Wall Mounted Bar Countertop is another application where the full weight of the counter is support entirely on the brackets hold up the countertop. These types of mounts may also be called shelves or mantles.

In the wall mounted application the countertop bar is mounted to a full or half wall so that the back edge of the counter is butted up against the wall. The supporting brackets are placed under the counter to hold the countertop up. The wall provides no support to the countertop.

It is very important that the brackets in a wall mount bar application are fastened directly to the wood studs or supporting members in the wall. Brackets that are fastened to the sheetrock or fascia on the wall will tear out of the wall when the load of the counter is placed on them. Short Run Pro recommends the use of gusseted (brackets will a cross brace between the supporting flanges – see example here) brackets in a wall mount counter application.

Gallery Example: Cafe Bracket Gallery

Cabinet Supported Product Pages: Cafe Countertop Support