The granite countertops can't be bolted, drilled, or screwed on. The floating granite tops should be glued onto large 1/4-inch steel brackets by using adhesive. This type of bracket, also famous as a floating bracket, bolts onto your back of an existing island peninsula. Your bracket has a large and flat platform on top that supports your granite while cantilevering it over the edge of your countertop. Almost anyone can easily install the granite by using a drill/driver and an assistant to help you while lifting it.
4 Easy Steps And Items Needed For Attaching Granite Countertop To Island
If you want to attach a granite countertop to the island by yourself then you need to gather all the required items and follow the given steps. Here is the list of required items and steps for this process:
Things Needed For This Project
- Floating Countertop Brackets
- Drill/Driver
- 1/8-Inch Drill Bit
- 1/4-By-1 1/2-Inch Lag Bolts
- 1/4-Inch Nut Driver
- 1/4-Inch Socket
- Ratchet
- Silicone Caulk Adhesive
Steps For This Process
- First of all, you need to divide your island into 24-inch sections & mark it. Make sure that every 24 inches must have one bracket. If the spacing doesn't work out constantly on the ends then you need to move your spacings to the left or right & split the difference on both ends.
- Now you need to place the brackets centered on your marks. After that, you need to slide your bracket up until the top of it squares against your lip or fascia on your existing countertop. Now you need to drill through your 6 predrilled holes in your bracket, into the back of your island peninsula by using your drill/driver and 1/8-inch drill bit.
- Then you need to place 1/4-by-1 1/2-inch lag bolts in your holes. Tighten them reasonably by using your 1/4-inch nut driver on your drill/driver. Finish by tightening them by using a 1/4-inch socket & ratchet. Do this with all of the brackets.
- Finally, you need to apply clear silicone caulk to the platformed tops of your brackets. By using an assistant, place your granite countertop centered on your brackets. Now you need to apply a bead of silicone to the perimeter around your base of the platform where the granite top contacts your bracket. Then you need to smooth the silicone with a wet fingertip. Allow your silicone to dry overnight before using your countertop again.
Tips & Warnings
- The floating brackets require 1 1/2-inch thick plywood to secure them. If your island base doesn't have a 1 1/2-inch plywood, you can screw small pieces of plywood to the back on the inside of your cabinet for backing.
- The floating brackets come in different heights. Choose the one you prefer.
- Never attempt to handle granite countertops by yourself. Always try to use an assistant for this purpose.