Helpful Information On Choosing And Installing Iron Brackets
* Sizes
and materials
* Not
just for the workshop or garage
* The
right place to mount your iron brackets
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The Iron Artistica Iron Scroll Bracket
is one of our most popular countertop support brackets.
It is a medium-sized model and is forged iron as opposed to cast iron.
Note:
Unless otherwise indicated, all Carolina
Rustica brackets are priced and sold as a pair. When
we refer to brackets, typically we are talking
about a pair of brackets.
Sizes and materials
Iron brackets basically come in three sizes: Small, Medium and
Large. Smaller brackets like our Small
Curl Bracketsare great for minimal overhangs of 4-6 inches and also have a variety of ornamental applications. Customers have used these brackets for corner decoration, bookends, and for
mounting small signs.
Medium-sized brackets like the one pictured above, our popular Iron
Artistica Scroll Bracket, or our new Iron Artistica Rope Brackets are used to support countertop overhangs of 10 to 16 inches and work especially well for building shelves. They are also used in purely decorative applications as well. These hand-forged solid iron brackets are used in other heavy-duty applications besides holding up overhanging stone countertops, such as supporting mailboxes, or exterior uses. Countertop
brackets are being used much more often to support
stone or granite countertops. As these types of kitchen counters
have gained popularity, so has the need for stylish and functional
countertop iron brackets. Always carefully measure the estimated
overhang before deciding on a medium or large bracket. You
should have at least 1/2" from the end of the bracket
to the edge of the counterop. Also consider where people will
be sitting at the counter and space the support brackets accordingly.
You want to leave plenty of leg room while still adequately
supporting the countertop.
We sell two types of brackets: Forged
Iron and Cast Iron Brackets.
Forged iron brackets are the strongest. The forging process
creates a more rigid stucture that is very robust. Forged
iron brackets may have a little "give" to them under
extreme conditions, but we have not know one ever to break.
The
Iron Artistica Paisley Iron Brackets are a good example of how sturdy design can also be flowing and aesthetic, while offering tremendous support.
Cast iron is more brittle than forged iron. When lateral
pressure is put on more elaborate cast iron brackets, they
can break. Cast iron brackets have more specific applications.
We recommend them for holding up
countertops provided they are adequately secured. There
is no lateral pressure on brackets when used in this support
application so they will provide excellent performance. One
advantage of cast iron brackets over forged iron brackets
is that cast iron is more elaborate and decorative.
Not just for the workshop or garage
Iron brackets are one type of home accent that can completely
change the look and feel of an area. Decorative iron wall
brackets are useful throughout your home. They provide a striking
alternative to more traditional shelving. Used singly, they
also make for a creative way to hang a plant, bird feeder
or hanging candle holder.
Our iron shelf brackets come in a variety sizes and styles
(see above for size options). No matter what style of decor
you choose for your home, we have an iron bracket that will
add a tasteful yet functional accent. Wall brackets are perfect
for areas where traditional shelving may not be practical,
allowing you to utilize otherwise empty wall area to create
your own unique look to your living spaces. As we noted above,
the single most popular application is as a countertop bracket. Remember that all of our Iron Artistica bracket designs are totally original and you will not find them anywhere else!
Iron brackets come in a variety of finishes, including unfinished
cast iron for a natural iron look. Can't decide what style
and finish would work best for you? Give us a call, we're
happy to help you choose the right iron bracket for your needs.
The right place to mount your iron brackets
* Always anchor weight-bearing brackets directly into
a wall stud. We cannot guarantee weight loads despite the
sturdiness of our iron brackets.
- As a rule of thumb, you should use support brackets every
24 inches. For very light loads, you can get away with 36
inches between supports.
- Consider the weight load the shelf will bear. The weight
of common everyday objects can be greater than you realize.
A cubic foot of magazines weighs over 55 pounds. Put a few
stacks of those and a few books or a plant on a shelf and
you have a fair amount of weight.
- The easiest way to find your wall studs is to use an electronic
or magnetic studfinder. If you don't have a studfinder,
study the baseboard for nails. The studs should be right
behind them. Another hint: studs are generally placed 16
inches apart. Lightly tapping on the wall with a hammer
or your knuckles should produce a distinctly more "solid"
sound over the stud.
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