I have installed a few granite counters as a DIY homeowner with no experience. Just applied a bit of common sense and observed pros in action a few times. Gravity and silicon or other adhesive always did the trick. In one case I floated a kitchen dining nook counter without any cabinet to support it, except for one end of the "L shape". I had some very hefty brackets fabricated and placed a 3/4" plywood sub base on the brackets, lag screwing them into the log walls and the plywood; solid as a rock. But now I am faced with something I have been somewhat fearful of; drilling into an artfully crafted gorgeous piece of stone, unless somebody has a better way. Here's the deal: I am floating a small shelf off a wall as part of a bathroom remodel. It's 38" long and has variable depth with a radius to match the curve of a tub it will mount in front off, ranging from 6" to 12." I'm going to use some stainless steel corbels, probably 2 at 9" and 2 at 7", spaced as necessary to spread the load with consideration for the curve. The corbels are pre-drilled for fasteners. Need advice on how to secure the corbels to the stone. It's a light duty shelf (think candles, shampoo, flower vase, etc.), but inevitably someone will put a hand on it for tub entry/egress. I know I'm a dumba$$ for not anchoring brackets to the studs prior to drywall, but it's too late for that. I have a 2" x 6" header between studs that should provide a good enough foundation for these 90 degree brackets.
I'm thinking of drilling and screwing into the bottom of the stone through the corbels, plus a bead of adhesive for good measure. The stone is 2 cm - 3/4" but the edge has an olgee mitre lam that makes it look twice as thick and should disguise the corbel mounting surface quite handily. So here are the bottom line questions:
1) Is screw attachment with some adhesive between the corbel and stone an appropriate fastening method?
2) If so, please suggest a drill bit that would be best suited, as well as a fastener.
3) How deep should I drill into the 3/4" slab without risk of fracturing it?
One alternative I have considered is using a plywood sub base, but I think anything thicker than 1/4" is going to show too much (although I would paint it black to blend with the stone) and 1/4" seems inadequate for running screws into to hold it in place.
Open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
I'm thinking of drilling and screwing into the bottom of the stone through the corbels, plus a bead of adhesive for good measure. The stone is 2 cm - 3/4" but the edge has an olgee mitre lam that makes it look twice as thick and should disguise the corbel mounting surface quite handily. So here are the bottom line questions:
1) Is screw attachment with some adhesive between the corbel and stone an appropriate fastening method?
2) If so, please suggest a drill bit that would be best suited, as well as a fastener.
3) How deep should I drill into the 3/4" slab without risk of fracturing it?
One alternative I have considered is using a plywood sub base, but I think anything thicker than 1/4" is going to show too much (although I would paint it black to blend with the stone) and 1/4" seems inadequate for running screws into to hold it in place.
Open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
