Granite and other stones or heavy surfaces will crack and sag if not protected against it.

You may think that a surface like granite is tough and does not need protection against cracks or warping, but you will find that if it is not protected properly, you will need a very expensive replacement repair of your granite.

Granite is the choice of countertops, bookshelves, sink countertops and more for interior and exterior use today. It is a beautiful natural stone and can provide lasting enjoyment and appreciation.

If you are installing granite that has an overhang in your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor countertop, you will need, or your granite installer will need, to evaluate or determine if the overhang needs support underneath to protect your granite from cracks or warping.

Granite can crack or sag under the sheer weight of the protruding granite. Cracking or sagging can also occur from applying weight to the surface. For example, if you have a granite bar overhang and people are sitting on the bar and leaning on it with their elbows; it is causing stress on the granite surface. Some people think that granite can support its weight and will settle on the granite ledge. Children love to hang from things and swing from things, like countertops. These are things that can present a problem for your granite or other heavy counter surfaces.

Yes, granite is strong, hard, and beautiful, and it will provide lasting beauty and enjoyment, but at the same time, when suspended beyond a supporting surface, you will need a support bracket in the form of squares, clamps, or corbels.

Determined by your granite installer, you will know if you need support and, if so, what type of support or reinforcement is required for your particular situation.

There are several types of braces or brackets that will support a hanging surface. They are known as brackets or angled support brackets. Angle brackets or corbels come in various materials such as plastic, wood, thin metal, cast iron, and heavy duty wrought iron along with other materials.

With a heavy surface, you want to get the best support available. You don’t want to settle for inferior materials, such as plastic, cast iron, or thin metal. Wood is available for indoor use, but will eventually deteriorate from the elements and weather in outdoor conditions. Heavy-duty wrought iron is a good choice for indoor use and is ideal for outdoor use as a countertop support, pergolas, pergolas, or other reinforcement needs.

You will find that wrought iron angle brackets or iron corbels, as some call them, come in various sizes and styles that will really accentuate your surface and enhance through your design style.

It is important to determine the size and quantity of angle support bracket required for correct coverage and support. This is established through the depth of the surface and the length of the surface. It is best to bring the depth of the stand within 2 to 3 “of the depth of the granite or countertop surface. The number of stands is determined by the length and spacing of the stands. Stand Spacing 24″ – 30 ” Clearance is a general rule of thumb. Again, your installer or professional can make this determination for you. Sometimes installers will place a sheet of plywood underneath the granite and sometimes not. This can also affect the size and spacing of the brackets.

With all of this information in mind, you will find several great websites with great heavy duty support products for home improvement and commercial use of granite or other heavy surfaces. Do some research and buy the best quality, on granite backing, and you will enjoy your granite, worry-free, worry-free for years to come.