How to Install a Free Standing Counter

A free standing counter top can be an excellent and durable way to free up some space for working or eating in your home or office. It's a fairly inexpensive project that you can do in just a few hours.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Countertop
• Counter or shelving brackets capable of supporting the weight of the counter
• stud finder
• level
• lag bolts

1. 
    
   Mark level line

   Decide the height you want to install the counter at and mark a line with the level. Make sure to take the height of the counter into consideration.

2. 
    
   Locate and mark studs

   Use the stud finder to locate and mark studs in the wall. It is important to locate the center of the stud so that the weight of the counter is fully supported.

3. 
    
   Secure brackets to the wall

   Use the drill and lag bolts to secure the brackets to the wall. Brackets should be no further tahn 24 inches apart.

4. 
    

   Set the counter on top of the brackets and use drill and bolts to secure brackets under counter. Make sure your bolts are not so long that they will go through the top of your counter.

Tips & Warnings

• Shelf brackets can be used in place of counter brackets if the counter is not a heavy counter.
• Brackets are usually marked letting you know how much weight each pair can support. If you think a bracket is big enough but don't see support information, ask a store associate to look up the part number for you.
• Do not guess at anything. Failure to find exact figures and locations can result in serious injury.
• Bolts drilled into the wall need to be drilled into the center of the stud.
• All stud finders are not created equal...do a test drill with a drill bit to make sure that you are hitting the center of the stud, don't rely solely on the stud finder for this project.