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When do soapstone counter tops need braces?

11 years ago

I will have soapstone counters. 3 stools will sit at a breakfast bar. One stool on the small end of the run, 2 stools on the backside of the cabinets. The bar is counter height, one continuous piece of stone, 12 inch overhang.

The 2 stools share a 54" span of counter. The single stool is at a 36" end.

Will I need braces on the cabinets? Thanks.

Comments (5)

_sophiewheeler
11 years ago
Any stone counter overhang deeper than 9" needs support for that overhang. The choice of support is up to you, as that's engineering and aesthetics combined. But, you'll need 2 supports across the short section and at least 3 across the 54" length.
angel411
11 years ago
Usually in their early teen years.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. ;)
lalithar
11 years ago
There are some clever ways to recess the braces into the soapstone so that it does not show. I am sure I have seen some ideas on this forum.
itsallaboutthefood
11 years ago
My soapstone overhang has steel bars embedded in them. M. Teixeira did this for me when my countertop was fabricated. My contractor provided the steel bars.
From Soapstone
Buehl
11 years ago
In general...The 6 & 10 Rule [from AZStoneConsulting, IIRC]
If your stone is 2cm thick, you will need support for any overhang > 6"
If your stone is 3cm thick, you will need support for any overhang > 10"

With a 15" overhang:
- 2cm stone would need 9" of support (15" - 6" = 9")
- 3cm stone would need 5" of support (15" - 10" = 5")

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