If you’re DIY-savvy (or even a novice DIYer) deciding to take on a DIY floating countertop is an exciting step!  These stunning upgrades are highly functional, beautiful to look at, and when done right will be very strong and safe.  Better yet, they can be done on your own, which means they’re a great opportunity to update the look of your home without needing to hire an expert.

So what do you need to incorporate a DIY floating countertop into your home?  It’s pretty simple.  For most installations, all you’ll need is the countertop, the right amount of brackets, the cabinet or structure you will be mounting your floating countertop from, and basic tools (Philips Head screwdriver, ⅛” drill bit, caulk, router, and wood chisel).

How to Install Your Brackets

To get started, you’re going to need access to the inside of the structure that will be holding your floating countertop. The bracket will be installed to the inside of this, which is how you’ll achieve a true floating countertop with no visible support.

The wall thickness will need to be at least ¾” thick for this project. If the wall thickness is less than that, you can add an additional strip of material to the inside of the wall that reaches at least 2” below the bracket.

Notch the top of the wall ¼” deep by 2 ⅛” wide, making sure that the depth of the notch is at least ¼”.

Use a chisel or a wood file to cut a radius on the inside of the wall so that the bracket fits tightly on the wall.  Make sure there is at least 1/16” gap from the top of the bracket to the top of the wall.

Using the bracket as a template, mark holes and drill two ⅛” pilot holes ½” deep each.  Attach the bracket to the wall using the wood screws provided (one in the bottom hole and one in the middle).

Turn the set screws to level the end of the bracket with the other parts of the counter.  Use a level to confirm and make sure both set screws are equally engaged.

Turn both set screws additional turns based upon Table 2 in the instruction book that comes with the brackets (this ensures that you are preloading your bracket just the right amount for the weight of your countertop).

Repeat this process to install all other brackets!

How to Install Your Countertop

Once you have set up all of your brackets, it’s time to install your countertop. Depending on the material you choose, your installation may be slightly different so be sure to pay attention to any special directions you receive.  But regardless of the material, there are a few things you want to be sure of:

• The measurements of your countertop need to be precise, so make sure you double and triple check the exact measurements.
• Your countertop needs to be level.  As long as you’ve properly installed your brackets, this won’t be a problem, but double check before you secure anything.
• Use caulk or special adhesive to make sure the countertop is secure enough that it will not slide around or budget.

After your countertop is properly secured it is time to caulk the edges and admire your beautiful work!  It’s that easy!

If you have any questions at all during your installation process, don’t hesitate to steeldesignsolutions.com team!