Installation Instructions

View or download installation instructions.

FAQ

We have been building our brackets/corbels since 1998 and have encountered many installation situations and related questions.

1. Can the average homeowner install your brackets properly to studs, cabinets or drywall?
   Yes. No problem. Click here to view the instructions in a new window.


2. Can I use them if my countertop is already installed?
   Yes you can. Will they be mounted to cabinets? If yes, there is the potential that you can sneak into the cabinets and screw them securely from the inside. If you can't do this or you are mounting to a wall, you still can use our brackets. BUT, unfortunately, you need to screw them through the front of the brackets. From a cosmetic standpoint you should then plug the screw holes. Wood plugs are available at most hardware stores.


3. Do your brackets come with instructions and hardware?
   Yes, we include the necessary hardware for attaching to wooden studs or cabinets. If mounting to drywall, we suggest our drywall installation kit. Click here to go to Drywall Kits.


4. What size brackets do I need?
   The general rule for granite is no more than 6" of unsupported depth. We feel that this applies to other countertop and shelving materials as well. A common situation is to have a 12" overhang. Should you buy our Model 10 or our Model 8? Both will support your countertop or shelf sufficiently. The choice should be made after you ask yourself, "How much bracket do I want to be seen?"


5. How many brackets do I need?
   Another good rule for granite is no more than 30 unsupported inches in length. We feel that this applies to other countertop and shelving materials as well. If the brackets are placed too far apart you may encounter some countertop/shelf deflection or sag.


6. How much weight can they hold?
   We rate all of our brackets at 250 lbs when mounted properly and loaded uniformly. Click on the picture to see our bracket supporting 500lbs.


7. How much weight can they hold when mounted to drywall only?
   We have tested this situation and have concluded that 1/2" drywall will fail at 220 lbs. Make sure to add some drywall kits to your cart if you think you will need them. Click here to go to Drywall Kits.


8. What style brace should I use: Straight, Convex or Concave?
   Each brace is equally strong. However, an important thing to consider is that the concave brace will allow for maximum knee clearance when supporting a countertop.


9. Do you sell your brackets/corbels pre-stained or finished?
   No. But, they are sanded and ready for stain or finish.


10. Should I finish/paint them before or after installation?
    It will be easier to finish them prior to installation, because you eliminate the need for masking the wall. The brace (diagonal support member) may be unscrewed for ease of finishing. We advise you to number and identify matching parts for ease of assembly later.


11. I want to paint my brackets. What wood do I choose?
    Maple, because of it's tight grain. It's the best wood in the world to paint.


12. Can they be used outdoors?
    Yes. However, they will require a properly maintained exterior paint or finish.


13. Besides countertop and shelf support, what other applications can TMW brackets be used for?
    They can also be used for desktops and mantels.


14. Where are your corbels manufactured?
    We manufacture all of our corbels as well as our other products at our 3 - person, 2500 square foot shop in Fort Collins, Colorado.