7 Things You Didn't Know About Worktop Support Legs
In this article, we'll be discussing 7 things you didn't know about worktop support legs. From DIY enthusiasts to professional fitters, you'll want to take a look.
Worktop surfaces have become increasingly popular in recent times because they align well with the ever-changing standards of everyday life. Typically, living spaces have become a lot smaller, and we tend to sit down a lot less because we're constantly on the go. The worktop surface works well with this modern lifestyle alteration because of their versatility. And obviously, we can't use a worktop surface without its counterpart, the worktop support leg.
In this article, we'll be discussing 7 things you didn't know about worktop support legs. From DIY enthusiasts to professional fitters, you'll want to take a look. Let's get into it!
Related blog: Easy Ideas To Spruce Up Your Kitchen
Worktop Support Legs Fit (Almost) Any Worktop Material
Firstly, worktop support legs are extremely adaptable with almost every worktop material, which is crucial in the modern age. Homeowners are constantly looking for ways to make their home more modern, more retro, more bespoke... from laminate and timber, even to heavy stone, these legs will hold up your surface with pride. (We suggest a specialist fitter helps with some stone worktops as this material can be difficult.)
What worktop material should I avoid attaching a support leg to?
The three worktop materials we suggest steering clear from include glass, Corian and eco-boards. Glass is very brittle and has a high likelihood of cracking or shattering when pressure is applied. Corian is a solid surface material and isn't designed to hold structural loads at individual spots like a support leg would apply. Eco-boards are sustainable boards that are made from recycled materials such as wood fibres, plastic and paper. They're used for surfaces, not structure and would therefore be too weak to hold heavy objects. Overtime they would sag or crack.
There's a solution around this, however. Don't attach the leg directly to these materials but instead use a subframe or support rail system. This includes installing a strong subframe beneath the worktop, plywood and aluminium frames are the best options.
You Can Pick Between Various Colours
When it comes to choosing which support leg you'd like in your living space, the most important factor comes down to colour. Luckily at Rothley, we have numerous finishes available that will pair beautifully with your worktop surface. The main two design materials are steel and stainless steel, our finishes available in these two materials include:
Steel and Stainless-Steel legs both have great features about them. Steel legs can be more economical, which is ideal for new homeowners on a budget. But don't let this put you off our stainless-steel selection, these support legs are ideal for bathrooms especially as they are rust resistant and built to last for damper living spaces. If you're debating fitting or being questioned on a steel or stainless-steel choice, we suggest you take environmental factors well into consideration to avoid corrosion headaches down the line.
As we mentioned, what's great about these finishes is that they pair beautifully with all types of worktop materials. Below we've left our recommendation on which finish pairs well with what work surface:
- Oak - Antique Brass or Antique Copper. A warm, metallic tone is the best match.
- Quartz - Silver or Gun Metal. The silver/grey tones blend well depending on the colour quartz top.
- Carrera Marble - Gun Metal or Matt Black. Bold, darker contrasts that add visual interest.
- Laminate - Matt Black, Gun Metal, Matt White. These three options are the best choices. Dependant on the laminate colour.
You Can Use Adjustable Legs
As a fitter, you may face the issue of uneven floors during the installation process. This can be because of the layout of a building or simply the design aspect of the work surface. But there's two simple resolutions:
Can they be extended?
Firstly, adjustable support legs are great as you don't need to do any excess work, the Rothley adjustable legs give you 25-30mm of height travel to level your worktop perfectly. These legs are great if you're working with a couple of different levels in your work, maybe more of a big project.
Can they be cut?
But for the DIYers amongst us, our support legs can be cut down using a hacksaw. The worktop legs have a plastic foot insert; you would need to ensure you cut above this when cutting the leg. Then pop the plastic insert out the off-cut and insert it back into the leg. We advise allowing approximately 6cm. Or use a rubber mallet to tap around the foot. Make sure to use tape as a guide so you don't damage the surrounding finish. It's also crucial to smooth off any sharp edges afterwards.
Installation Is Simple
One of the main reasons people choose the opt for a professional fitter when it comes to installing a support leg is the fear of using the wrong screws and fittings or simply the difficulty of the installation process. But installing a support leg is very simple, especially with the Rothley Worktop Support Legs.
Rothley support legs come with bolt-lock fixing plates, which speed up installations and guarantee a rock-solid hold. They allow for a firm connection between the leg and the surface, preventing movement and improving stability of the table.
- The fixing plate is mounted onto the underside of the worktop. (It has pre-drilled holes than align with the support leg.)
- Bolts are inserted through the pre-drilled holes, locking the leg into place.
Worktop support legs require no special skills or fancy tools. Obviously, if you feel unsure about fitting yourself and would prefer the additional help of a professional, then go ahead. But with their fast-fitting process and straightforward design, they're ideal for everyday design-conscious homeowners.
What screws are needed?
At Rothley, most of our products will be sent out with the correct fixings to go alongside them. However, if you're looking for screws separately, we advise using furniture inserts that screw into a predrilled hole and bolts that match the inserts. In terms of the screws, rust-proof screws are very important to keep things pristine, especially around sinks, dishwashers, or utility areas.
There's A Standard Worktop Height To Follow
When installing your support leg, it's important to consider the standard worktop height. Most support legs (including the Rothley options) are designed for a standard kitchen height of around 34 inches/870mm. Typically, a worktop is about 30mm thick and 35.4 inches/ 900mm high. (You may need to check your own to be sure.) Remember, adjustable legs offer additional height to suit different spaces and styles.
What is the load bearing of the worktop legs?
870mm is 100kg. 710mm is 75kg.
Worktop Support Legs Hide In Plain Sight
Once in place, worktop support legs are sleek and cylindrical, which makes them perfect for blending into the background. Available in multiple other finishes like matt black, white and brushed steel, they can hide in plain sight in your living space. They keep everything sturdy without ever getting in the way - quietly doing their job behind the scenes.
They Aren't Just For Kitchens
But remember, you don't have to opt for the standard kitchen worktop support leg. They can be used in other versatile ways.
- Overhanging worktops
- Breakfast bars
- Kitchen islands
- Heavy worktops
- Standalone counters
- DIY workbenches
- Floating shelves
- Laundry room counters
- Retail displays
- Standing desks
Related blog: Streamline Your Kitchen: The Modern Rothley Utensil Rail Kit
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while worktop support legs may seem like a small detail within your living space, they offer a surprising level of versatility and functionality. If any of the features have caught your attention, our full range of support and adjustable legs is available on our website. We invite you to explore the collection.