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How to install a countertop

gernblandston | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 10, 2015 12:36pm

I have a two level island in the kitchen. The main counter is granite. The upper level (breakfast bar) is going to be wood and will be 18″ deep and 74″ wide (5/4 thick).  The top of the island on which the counter will sit is about 5″ deep. I’m planning to mount some brackets on the face of the island which will stick out for the countertop to sit on, but I don’t know how to attach the countertop to the top of the island itself.  I don’t want to drill screws down through the counter into the island.

How do I secure the countertop? Do I just screw a bracket down into the island and then up into the countertop?  

Thanks!

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  1. gfretwell | Aug 10, 2015 01:19pm | #1

    Use brackets and screws for the wood, the granite is usually glued down with RTV silicone.

    Typically the granite is levelled with drywall screws, screwed into the frame. When you get them at the rigfht height the granite will sit level on the heads. Then lift ff the granite, lay down a bead of silicone and bed the granite back down until it is setting on the screws.

    1. gernblandston | Aug 10, 2015 06:42pm | #2

      Thanks, Greg. The granite is already installed; it's just the top section. 

      What kind of bracket should I be using to keep the board attached at the top of the counter? I have brackets that the overhang will be sitting on, but I didn't think this would be enough support and won't keep it from lifting off the top of the island.

      1. gfretwell | Aug 10, 2015 09:11pm | #3

        I am having trouble visualizing what you are trying to do.

      2. calvin | Aug 10, 2015 10:18pm | #4

        You could certainly drill plugs from the backside of you wood top, use them to plug surface screw holes.  Sand, finish and tho not invisible, could complement the install.

        or

        dowels set in glue on the underside.

        or

        keyhole bracket or slot on bottom so you set on top, slide back to secure the keys and then screw from the bracket into the underside.  Would allow easy removal at a later date.

  2. gernblandston | Aug 14, 2015 03:50pm | #5

    Do you think the bracket attached to the face of the island will be sufficient support and that I don't need to worry about attaching it from the top? Your image is correct for what I'm trying to do.

    1. finefinish | Aug 14, 2015 09:59pm | #6

      I would screw the vertical leg of the bracket to the island wall and screw the horizontal leg up into the underside of the counter.  As for attaching the counter to the top of the narrow wall - can you toe screw through the wall and hit the underside of the counter?  Or better yet, do you have access to screw straight up through the top of that wall and into the underside of the counter?  If not, a good adhesive and the bracket should do - but do allow for movement where the counter is attached to the bracket.  The edge of the counter that lands on the wall can be solidly anchored.  

    2. calvin | Feb 26, 2020 04:30pm | #8

      Update to old post.

      You can go to a steel supplier and have them make up brackets similar to the ones shown below. Get the right size etc. We’ve been doing this for years on granite installs and with some modification, can work well with your top. No angle bracket makes what’s holding it up, almost invisible.

      1/4” x 4” flat steel is usually enough.

  3. User avater
    Homebuilder32 | Feb 26, 2020 01:53am | #7

    I'm sure this project is complete, but if anyone else has a similar issue, checkout countertop support brackets here:

    https://rightonbracket.com/product-category/countertop-support-brackets/

    All brackets allow the countertop to lay on a supported platform. The brackets can be installed before or after the countertop is installed. We recommend 3/8" and 1/2" thicknesses for applications, as it will create the best/strongest support.

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