We have many customers that come to us every day asking for a way to support a lengthy overhang with minimal interference. Traditionally, these types of overhangs, while sacrificing less floor than a counter-supported area and having the added benefit of lots of surface area on which to work or serve, are generally supported by a hefty wooden apron and sturdy, sizable wooden island legs. This is decidedly not the most modern look and is also complicated to remove or retrofit, should the desire arise. In this resource we’ll cover why you should consider a leg versus another support, why metal beats out wooden kitchen island legs, and how you can achieve a more open, modern look with Federal Brace.

The first consideration when creating any countertop is support. Without proper support during installation and long-term, your costly countertops could crack or break, leading to damage to other parts of your kitchen or possibly even personal injury. This is particularly true in the case of overhangs, where a lack of support is nearly inherent due to the lack of a substructure. Additional support is needed, in the form of braces, brackets, and legs, in order to keep your residence or commercial space safe. Most overhangs can be supported with braces or brackets, provided quality ones are selected and the overhang is less than 30” in length. Beyond that depth, even most gusseted brackets become ineffective due to the strain placed on the extremities of the flanges. It is at this point that one must consider adding legs, possibly in addition to smaller braces, that will assist in supporting the whole of the overhang.

Now wood versus metal. Part of this is personal design, of course. Are you going for a bulkier, more traditional look? If so, then wood columns may be the right choice. Metal is sleeker, more modern, and gives the overall design a more open, streamlined look. It’s also much simpler to install or retrofit than wooden island legs, which generally require framing, shimming, and other techniques better left to an expert. Metal island legs involve a less complex installation—measure, level, glue, and screw—and are nonporous, a key consideration in an environment like outdoor kitchens, where humidity can cause wood to swell, or a restaurant, where porous surfaces can be a health and safety hazard.

More than just these added benefits, metal islands legs are a lot more universal than wooden legs. They can be used indoor or outdoor, which allow you to tie together your design, perhaps in an entertainment setting where outdoor and indoor bar seating is available or in a home with an outdoor living area. A new area of interest in metal table or island legs is banquette tables in restaurants and cafeterias, which give a more elevated look than a traditional leg and provide the ample support that is needed in a high-traffic space. Many of these spaces are also made more accessible through the use of a metal leg—less bulky means more streamlined, allowing for easy wheelchair access and more versatility in seating—and, given their adaptability, can be made ADA compliant in spaces like bathroom vanities, work spaces, and much more.

Federal Brace’s Island Ready Kitchen & Table Legs are available online. The Anteris Countertop Support Leg and the Trajan Countertop Support Leg are both available to be a kitchen island support leg or column, while numerous other profiles are more fitted to desk and table legs. Making this look yours is simple, as our legs are in stock and readily available for your newest project. Whether for a large countertop overhang, kitchen island or peninsula, or even a commercial space such as a restaurant prep space, office reception desk, or university computer lab, metal island legs would be a modern, smart selection.

Join us at www.FederalBrace.com for more residential and commercial innovation. Call toll-free at (877) 353-8899 for more information on how to finalize your home or commercial project.