Making a removable counter-bar top
I’m looking for some good brainstorming ideas here and any would be appreciated.
I have a customer in which I am going to remove the top half of an 8′ 2×4 wall down to about 43″ of remaining wall height. I am to then put on a custom made counter top. The effect here is that the full wall becomes a half wall for a bar-counter top, sorta like a pass thru.
The custom top will be rectangular with the one corner being cut at a very sharp angle to the long edge. Why? Because the countertop as it cantilevers the wall will be out too far in front of the fridge such that if the fridge was ever needing to be removed the angled top would allow room to maneuver it from its location. I was going to permanently install this top to the half wall, then.
But the customer called and asked if there is a way to make the top a full top without having to do the diagnonal cut and if there is a way to make the counter top strong and sturdy, yet devise a system that makes it quickly removable so that if the fridge ever needs to be moved out they can quickly remove the bar top.
Any ideas on a good system to allow the top to be removed, yet will provide years of sturdy strong service?
Edited 8/13/2005 12:05 am ET by WillieWonka
Replies
Why quickly?
"Oh no! the salad dressing in the fridge will self destruct in five minutes! Just toss the whole fridge! NOW!"
A piece of 1/2inch by 3 inch steel 18 inches long routed into the top plate of the knee wall, with a 3/8 inch leg welded down a foot or so each side, countersunk screwed into the kneewall stud.
Thats the bracket. Need a few of them. Attached permently to the counter and unscrew from kneewall and lift, or vicey-versy.
I think a little extra effort in removing the counter on the rare occasians when needed trumps looking at a odd shaped counter all the time.
Steve
I think a little extra effort in removing the counter on the rare occasians when needed trumps looking at a odd shaped counter all the time.
True you are. I was just thinking in terms of trying to make it the least amount of effort. I mean if the fridge needs serviced for some reason I wouldn't want it to be a major headache hassle to get the couintertop out of the way. I was thinking of a system where a few screws could be zipped out as you're suggesting. If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Willie
Mr. Steve has a good point, building a hinged or removeable counter top for the possible event of moving the fridge?
Consider
- how far you cantilever is, solid attatchment, flex, hardware, most people do lean or bartop/countertops with food stuff
- the surface material, tile or stone or even hardwood butcher block will be crazy heavy and awkward at 8 ft long by ??? even 24" x 8' HEAVY !
You probably already fingered the above in your "plan" but has the HO? a little talking can go far
how about a soft radius on the end(s) enough to clear the fridge?
or.. tell him to sell the house when the fridge dies