Hidden Brackets: When You Need Them (and When You Don’t)
Hidden steel brackets are popular for modern kitchens and floating designs — but they aren’t always necessary, and sometimes they just don’t match the decor. Knowing when to go with invisible support brackets, and when not to, saves money and can avoid overengineering projects.
Let’s look at some factors influencing the use of hidden brackets.
What Are Hidden Steel Brackets?
Hidden brackets are designed to be installed inside walls or cabinetry. Their features allow them to be concealed in supporting substructure, while at the same time providing adequate support to work surfaces and overhanging counters. When fully installed a construction project utilizing hidden support brackets will have a floating appearance with loads being carried without visible hardware.
Invisible support solutions put the focus on structural elements rather than decorative hardware elements.
When Hidden Brackets Are the Right Choice
Invisible support can be used in a variety of kitchen, bath and office applications. However, it is not the best solution in all instances. Hidden steel brackets are ideal for floating countertops, kitchen islands with stone overhangs, modern, floating shelving, minimalist designs, and clean architectural lines.
When Exposed Brackets Make More Sense
When planning out the project is the best time to determine what type of support brackets will be used. In the planning and design phases adjustments can be made to incorporate invisible supports. However, some application will inevitably need brackets that are visible outside of the support structure. These types of situations may include:
In traditional or rustic designs - this type of decor has historically used brackets and corbels that appear decorative outside of the structure.
Highlighted decorative hardware - when the design calls for hardware to accentuate the overall statement being made.
When access to framing is limited - hidden brackets need solid attachment to the substructure.
Heavy load bearing projects - when a lot of weight is being carried, it is best to have a bracket that is braced between its supporting flanges.
Invisible Support Installation Considerations
The floating counter and shelf installation is a specialized solution requiring preplanning and deliberate design. A hidden bracket application should be planned before construction on the supporting substructure is started. Consider how the brackets will fit into the overall system and what additional blocking or support is required to bolster the solid construction.
Make sure to plan on where exactly the hidden support brackets will be placed in the system. These brackets will need to be specifically selected and installed within the structure to accomplish the support desired.
Coordination is going to be needed between the various contractors involved in the construction. Fabricators of counters and surfaces will need to understand how the system will work. Cabinet makers and installers need to know how the hidden brackets will be installed.
When proper planning is done, hidden brackets reward the design with exceptional results.
Bottom Line
Use hidden steel brackets when aesthetics demand it. Planning and preparation with the design and selection of the support is key. When you accomplish a strong finished support struction with floating counter, satisfaction!
Federal Brace is first in floating stone. Check out our line of hidden countertop support brackets or use our quote request to get pricing on your custom application.