How to support counter top
 

I am converting a closet into a dry bar in my new basement media room. The countertop material is 1 1/2" laminate covered particle board - a flat slab not the type with the overhang and backsplash. I want to install the counter across the width of the closet, which is 38". There will not be cabinets below the counter so I have to build some sort of support for the counter. I plan to put a support piece across the back and one on each side. Do I need to put supports across the center? The counter won't have to support much weight - just a small microwave and a space to pour drinks. i guess what I'm really asking is if the particle board will sag in the center without support.

Hope this makes sense.

Yes, it will sag over time without support. But a simple knee bracket or an 'L' bracket at midpoint should be sufficient.

if there is no room for a knee brace, the front edge can be stiffened with a strip of wood being screwed to the underside.
An 'L' shaped piece might be better, or an angle iron???

You could glue a couple 2x4's to the underside of the countertop to stiffen it.

Thanks for the suggestions. The back wall under the place where the counter is going is a crawl space, so there isn't anything to attach a knee brace to, but I can run and extra piece or two across the width to stiffen it.

How deep is this shelf? The type of support would depend on the over all size. People tend to lean on these things, you need to take that into consideration.
Ron

I have used a 1X4 edgewise set back from the front of the top about 1 1/4 inches sort of like an apron. If you attach 1X4s to the walls on each end you can attach the apron (1X4) to them as an anchor. If you stain the 1X4 it looks good and will support your top.

X2 :thumbsup: