Corbels are known as architectural members that support weight. Wood Corbels have long been used in architecture as a structural piece jutting from a wall to carry a resting weight - a console piece applied to a structure.
Corbels are a staple throughout architectural history, dating back to ancient Babylonian times. Large, weight-bearing corbels were commonplace under balconies in Italy and France were great in size and richly carved.
Wherever weight-bearing wood corbels are required, there are several options for the installer. In some instances a block of wood may be used and tied into the substructure, then a thinner carved overlay is placed on the wood for a faux wood corbel.
Another possibility is to use a steel support bracket installed to support the weight. In this application, the wood corbel requires a routed cavity to cover the steel support bracket, which provides the desired decorative element.
In all cases, it is necessary to be
sure the portion of the corbel that is carrying the load is installed into a stud framework that runs into the
floor to disperse the weight and let the sleek or decorative aspect of the wood corbel be the facade to
disguise the support.
Federal Brace provides two mounting systems: our original corbel mount system, which is light duty and can be retrofitted or installed after final millwork completion, and the corbel rib system, which gives a weight-bearing capacity to a light-duty wood corbel. Whether you select one of our pre-routed corbels or select a mounting system to use on your corbel purchased elsewhere, you'll enjoy the traditional wood corbel look with the strength of metal.
Traditionally, a corbel’s design was projecting from
within the wall to provide support. However, times have changed and so has the corbel. Today, wood corbels are
fastened on as a simple decorative element with no weight-bearing capacity considerations.
Today’s wood corbels can be simple in design or ornately
carved but are almost exclusively used as a decorative element (without significant weight-bearing ability).
The majority of wood corbels available on the market have a keyhole mount on the back, non-visible, side of
the corbel. The keyhole mounting format provides very limited weight-bearing capacity and is most often only
sufficient for carrying the weight of the corbel itself. This keyhole also makes for a difficult mounting
process and can result in the wood corbel not lining up properly under the desired element.
Have you ever wanted a classic support look in your home but never really knew how to accomplish it without spending a fortune? 
Oak - Oak wood is very strong and durable. It is naturally an attractive lighter color, but has large pores which allows it to take stain very well. Oak wood has straight, prominent grain and is commonly used for making long-lasting furniture that is often passed down for generations.
Pine - Pine is a softwood that is often white or a pale yellow in color. It’s straight grain will take stain well, as long as the wood is first sealed. It is very easy to work with especially when carving, and resists shrinking or swelling, so it’s great for locations where temperature fluctuates.
Mahogany - Mahogany has long been a favorite for crafting furniture and cabinets, given the large girth of its trees. It is durable and strong, and is a reddish-brown color than shines well when polished. Some homeowners opt to stain their mahogany, but most prefer leaving it natural, as the wood tends to naturally darken over time, leaving a gorgeous patina.
Cherry - Cherry heartwood varies from a bright, poppy red to a darker red-brown in color, and, similar to mahogany, darkens with age. However, the sapwood of the tree is a creamy white. Both parts of the tree have a very uniform grain with a smooth texture, and can contain natural variations. Cherry is commonly used in furniture making and, like mahogany, finishes to a natural, beautiful sheen through polishing.
Fir - Douglas fir is used mostly in 2x4s or other construction materials, however its stiffness also makes it an excellent candidate for flooring. It varies in colors from light yellow to reddish brown, and is largely left unstained with a simple varnish to enhance natural beauty.
Birch - Birch is often mistaken for maple due to how hard it is, and is generally used as structural support only when a unique amount of force will be placed on the structure. It is hard to cut, and even harder to finish, so it is kept for special applications, such as butchers blocks and specialty furniture. However, birch plywood is largely used throughout the cabinetry industry, even to create complete sets of cabinets, removing the need for a lumber face-frame.
Poplar and Maple - Poplar and maple are both smooth feeling and won't warp or shrink. Neither one of these woods stain well, and it is more likely that one would find them merely finished or painted. Poplar is commonly used in upholstered furniture framing and in plywood, but it’s softness keeps it from being used elsewhere in the home. Maple, on the other hand, is used throughout homes in flooring, various kitchen utilities, and even recreational things such as bowling pins and musical instruments. The sapwood has a fine, even texture, often with an off-white color, sometimes with a gold or red hue.
