When are corbels needed to support countertops?
Question:
Answers:
Most corbels are decorative pieces and actually not needed at all. If you are extending a countertop more than a foot over the edge of the counter, a corbel will take some of the strain off the top and also add a downward pressure to keep from tipping the cabinet.
I agree with sensible above in that corbels actually aren't for structural strength, but more for decoration. I used them under my breakfast bar in the kitchen on the family room side to add visual interest not structural integrity. I used them in my living room to break up vast expases of molding at the ceiling. I used them in my master bedroom to accent the change from a flat ceiling in the retreat to a cathedral ceiling in the main bedroom area. None of these uses were to support anything structurally.
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