Every day more and more people are choosing quartz for their countertops due to a variety of reasons. It is a good investment because of its great features including, a wide array of colors and designs, less maintenance, uniformity, and affordability. If you have not read it yet, this webpage tells you why quartz can be a great alternative to epoxy in the countertops department.
While it is a preferred countertop by many, there is a question that keeps on popping in many conversations. Many are asking whether support brackets are necessary for installing this countertop since it already is a strong material. It is a valid question, especially for those installing quartz countertops the first time, and this article will try to explain why you should use them.
What Quartz Countertop Support Brackets?
Installing a quartz countertop is not easy. No surprise there because they are heavy. But installation comes with a specific set of instructions that you need to follow. If this job is not done right, you will end up with disastrous results. Some of which may include cracks, looseness, and sagging.
This is why you need countertop support brackets to install quartz countertops. These brackets are made from heavy-duty steel designed to support heavy countertop materials made from natural stone, hardwood, concrete, quartz, and any other solid surface material.
Any avid DIYer or professional installer must know how to install these countertop support brackets. Whether it is for the powder room, bathroom, kitchen, or any other part of the house that needs a countertop, support brackets are a necessity. If you are worried that these brackets will be an eyesore, well, don’t be. Most of these brackets are inconspicuous and perfect for supporting whatever material you chose.
Quartz countertop brackets come in different designs. Some of the most common types that are used not only on quartz but on another countertop material as well include:
- Hidden Brackets- This is the most commonly used support bracket because they remain undetectable. Some of the conventional uses for hidden bracket supports are reception counters, breakfast bars, and knee walls.
- Low Profile Brackets – It is another popular countertop support used for large overhangs on islands, vanities, and wall-hung counters.
- Elevated Countertop Support – This type of bracket support is perfect for small spaces.
- Countertop Standoff Brackets – Like the elevated countertop support, this is also good for small spaces. They are attached to the walls, cabinet base, or at the top of the counter creating a raised eat-in area.
- Island Legs – It is another countertop support bracket that can reinforce quartz countertops of varying heights and even large overhangs.
Whatever type of countertop support bracket you choose, they all have the same purpose. They are installed to provide adequate support to the countertop so that it will not fall or break.
When Do You Install Support Brackets for Your Quartz Countertops
For the quartz countertop support bracket, the weight and size of the stone will determine the type of support you need. Some stones are more durable than the rest, and since quartz is one of the hardest countertop materials we have in the market today, it needs much less support than fragile stones like marble, granite, or soapstone countertops. Nevertheless, it still needs the most appropriate bracket.
Another determining factor in choosing the right bracket is the measurement of your overhang extension. These extensions need all the support it needs to prevent them from sagging. You can select to install legs, corbels, or brackets. Without being biased, we recommend installing support brackets because they are mostly hidden from plain sight.
The last determining factor on the type of quartz support bracket you will need is the thickness of the countertop. In some cases, if the quartz overhang is not thick, it does not require overhang support. As a general rule, the overhang requires support when it exceeds six inches.
Even if the quartz countertop can support up to 14 inches in an overhang, it still needs a support bracket to prevent damages. It is worth noting that support brackets are required when the overhang is more than one-third of its total width.
How to Install Quartz Countertop Support Bracket
There are two ways on how you can install your countertop support bracket. The first method is simple and you only need the following tools, a saw, wood chisel, and level.
Step 1. Measure and mark the best mounting location on the cap of the knee wall. Start at 6 inches inwards from the edges and give 18-24 inches space between the brackets.
Step 2. With a T-square, mark two diagonal lines at 2 and 9/16 inches apart at each mounting location.
Step 3. With your hand saw, cut along each line of ½ inch.
Step 4. With the wood chisel, remove the material between the lines you cut, creating a clean and level mounting channel. Remove all the excess material from the mounting channel.
Step 5. Place the bracket into the mounting channel and attach the bracket to the knee wall using the screws included.
Step. 6. Ensure that all the brackets are level with the knee wall. Do this by using the level. Adjust the bracket level if needed.
The second option requires more sophisticated tools, including the router, router bit, and level. The process is almost the same as the first one, only a little complicated.
Step 1. Measure and mark the mounting position on your knee wall.
Step 2. With your T-Square, mark the diagonal lines at the mounting locations
Step 3. Working from left to right, align the inner edge of the 4 X ¼ inches strip wood router guide with the horizontal line.
Step 4. Remove any excess wood on the mounting surface with the router bit. Create a clean and level channel to contain your bracket. Clear away the excess dust or chips.
Step 5. Place the support bracket on the channel and affix it to the knee wall.
Step 6. Using the level, check if you need to adjust the bracket.
Conclusion
Your quartz countertops need support brackets to prevent damages. These brackets are installed between the horizontal surface of your stone countertop and the vertical surface of the cabinet. They offer good support by extending the surface area of your countertop. Use these brackets to keep your countertop investment and your family safe and secure.