We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Granite Countertop Corbels?

By B. Turner
Updated: Feb 11, 2024
Views: 6,366
Share

Corbels are a type of decorative support bracket used at building overhangs, balconies and countertops. Granite countertop corbels may be the corbels made from granite and used to support any type of countertop, as well as corbels made from other materials that are used with granite countertops. These architectural support structures are inspired by Gothic or Medieval design, though some units may feature a more sleek, modern look. Granite countertop corbels may be used to enhance countertop stability and strength, or simply as a decorative feature that offers little structural support.

Granite countertops and those made from marble or other types of stone tend to be very heavy. To support these structures, builders may need to add some form of corbel at the location where the underside of the countertop meets the base cabinets below. This allows the granite to extend horizontally over the floor forming an overhang, while still maintaining maximum safety and structural support. While traditional granite countertop corbels are common with stone countertops, a granite countertop can also be supported by corbels made from carved wood, lightweight composite materials, or metals ranging from steel to copper. Corbels made from marble or other stones can also be used with granite countertops.

When the countertop is made from materials other than granite, corbels made from granite can be used for both aesthetic appeal and structural support. For example, granite countertop corbels may serve as a decorative accent for wooden butcher block counters or those made from composites and solid surface materials. When the look of granite countertop corbels is desired, but no structural support is required, homeowners may choose composite corbels designed to look like granite. These composites give the countertop decorative appeal, yet cost much less than real granite corbels.

Classic granite countertop corbels feature an ornate design, and are often quite grand or elaborate. Many are carved with fruit, animals, plants, and vines. While countertop corbels in this classic design are popular, homeowners can also look for more modern corbels, including those consisting of smooth, sleek lines and curves. The mission style of design is also popular, and takes its cues from the architecture of the missions or monasteries built by the Spanish in California.

When choosing granite countertop corbels, buyers should consider not only the visual appeal and structural support they offer, but also how they impact the function of the kitchen. When corbels are used in an area with seating, it's important to choose units that don't take up too much space. Smaller corbels are less likely to serve as knee-bangers in this situation, and will allow chairs or stools to fit under the countertop when they are not occupied. Larger corbels work best on very large countertops where they won't get in the way of knees or seating.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-granite-countertop-corbels.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.