next cabinet question

[Kmac15]

If I want a 3 foot long counter with a 4 1/2 foot long top do I have to have a brace under the other 1 1/2 foot? Or would the weight of the rest of the counter keep it stable?

[Darren]

Part of it depends on the counter top material. A built up wood counter top could be cantilevered depending on the thickness. I don't think 18" is beyond reason. Check with someone that installs or arranges for the installation of kitchens like a Home Depot or Lowes for the counter top material you're considering.

[FoxyWench]

i would personally add some form of bracket or brace under the unsupported by cabinate end just as a backup, but thats just me, i tend to lean on my counters and im a big girl lol

[dennis60]

Yea, i think in the long run putting a brace under the overhang is a good idea. Mainly through useage the screws that hold it down will get loser over time i suspect.
Dennis

[GoldenCityMuse]

A brace is definately suggested.

[Kris in MI]

Is your top going to be centered on the counter--in other words, hang over by 9" on each side? Or is the 18" all going to be on one side?

If centered, you shouldn't need a brace. My island has about a 10" overhang on one side, the top is 2" butcher block. In the 6.5 years since it was built, we've never had problems with the top shifting or tipping or cracking.

However, if all 18" are on the same side, you should definitely brace that up, especially if your top is not thick/solid/hard material.

[Kmac15]

Nuts, there goes another design idea LOL

[ronbre]

if it is a preformed countertop it might do ok without bracing under it but anything breakable or very heavy should be braced..you might be able to cantilever the brace out from the cabinet if it is screwed to the wall so it won't tip

[Kmac15]

Originally Posted by ronbre

if it is a preformed countertop it might do ok without bracing under it but anything breakable or very heavy should be braced..you might be able to cantilever the brace out from the cabinet if it is screwed to the wall so it won't tip

OH OH I really like that idea
I wanted the area on the end of the counter to slide a short bar stool under, to be able to sit and peal taters or chop onions.

[Macybaby]

Go visit the kitchen forum at Garden Web, there are lot of different types of braces discussed from time to time.

Mostly it depends on what your counter top material is, but for 18" just about anything will need some support.

Cathy

[watcher]

As has been pointed out, it depends. If you are talking about your standard counter construction then I think you'd have problems with 18" of over hang. But if you used a thicker/stronger counter then you'd have no problem. I'd think if you used 3/4" plywood as your base then you should be able to hang 18".

One thing to watch our for, as you apply downward force farther out on the over hang the more upward force will be applied on your attachment devices. So I'd use screws AND glue to attach the counter to the cabinets but then you'd never be able to remove the counter.