Tuesday, August 2, 2011

VIDEO: How to install Freedom Countertop Brackets for an Invisible Countertop Support




www.federalbrace.com
- In this video, Scott Toal and Broc Siefert of Federal Brace take us through the installation of the Freedom Invisible Countertop Support Bracket.

This video walks us through the features that make the Freedom an excellent selection when a countertop with invisible support is desired. Broc and Scott show us how simple and easy it is to properly route out the channels in your support structure and install your invisible countertop support bracket.

For further information on countertop brackets and the invisible Liberty Support Plates, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

VIDEO: Elevated Glass Bar on a Countertop Mounted Support





www.federalbrace.com
- In this video, Scott Toal and Broc Siefert take us through the installation of a Counter Mount Elevated Bar supported with the stylish Perrine countertop support bracket.

Countertop mounted support brackets give the ability to elevate a counter or bar with a bracket directly fastened to the sub-counter. There are some key points to consider when doing a countertop mounted bar application. This video will highlight the countertop mount features.

For further information on countertop brackets and the Perrine support brackets, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Thursday, June 30, 2011

VIDEO: How to Install the Liberty Countertop Plate for an Invisible Countertop Support

Liberty Installation Video




www.federalbrace.com - In this video, Scott Toal and Broc Siefert of Federal Brace take us through the installation of the Liberty Invisible Countertop Support Plates.

This video walks us through the features that make the Liberty an excellent selection when a countertop with invisible support is desired. Broc and Scott show us how simple and easy it is to properly route out the channels in your support structure and install your invisible countertop support plates.

For further information on countertop brackets and the invisible Liberty Support Plates, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Thursday, May 26, 2011

How To Change Out Your Corbels

At Federal Brace we believe in presenting solutions to problems faced in common countertop support applications. In this blog we will discuss the issues faced when attempting to replace wooden corbels with metal supports. So if you want to change out your wood corbels for decorative steel brackets we’re going to tell you how to do that successfully. Before getting into any corbel change out you will want to take the time to investigate your countertop. Make sure you are removing decorative pieces only. In Load-bearing installations the supporting brackets must be attached to solidly fixed material that is capable of holding the weight of the bracket and countertop. When replacing wooden brackets that are in a load bearing application you will want to remove them individually and replace immediately with the metal countertop supports.

The tools that you will need include a Cordless drill, a pry bar, a flat and heavy scraping blade and a reciprocating saw. First things first, you need to remove all the bolts, nails and/or screws used to fix the decorative corbel to your support structure. Look for small patches of mismatched grain. This will help you identify any wood plugs used in the fascia. Also, examine the inside of the cabinet or back wall for screws and washers. If your corbel happens to be secured to the support structure with fasteners screwed in from the cabinet or backside of the support structure this will make your corbel removing easier.

Once you have removed all metal fasteners and exterior “trim” pieces, you can take a pry bar or scraper and gently pry the corbel away from the support structure surface. Use the scraper to loosen any glued areas. In some cases you might have to use a saw for hard to remove corbels. Wood corbels have Keyholes that slide over bolts that are attached to the support structure. In instances where the countertop will not be removed but you want to replace the corbel a saw is likely needed to cut the bolts. You apply layers of painter’s tape on both sides of the corbel in order to protect the fascia next to the corbel. Once you have covered the area around the corbel you will need to get a saw blade behind it. Use a reciprocal blade to cut any nails or screws, but not the wood. If you only have a hacksaw blade, you can get the blade under the corbel and manually cut the screws. Be careful to not harm the fascia on the load bearing structure.


Once the wood corbel is removed the hard part is over. To install your Federal Brace countertop support brackets you can simply place your brackets in the desired location making sure they are snug against the under counter and over a supporting stud in the support structure. Mark your hole locations and drill a pilot hole for fastening the bracket to the structure. Make sure that your pilot hole is not larger than the fastener used (generally ¼”). You will want to space corbels every 12 to 18 inches if it is a un-gusseted bracket, and every 24 to 30 inches for a Federal Brace gusseted bracket. That is what Federal Brace recommends, which is dependent on not only the gusset but also the load weight of the countertop. The great thing about Federal Brace brackets compared to wood corbels is that you are able to remove the brackets very easily. Putting them on is easy and taking them off is just as easy. Also, there is the stainless steel and steel look of the brackets and the weight carrying nature of these brackets to consider.


If your particular application will require significant weight carrying capacity or there are special features in your countertop application we suggest consultation with a design engineer on site. Always make sure that the support structure of any countertop overhang is substantial and can support the weight of the counter being supported. For more information about the Federal Brace brackets please contact them at sales@FederalBrace.com or call them at 877-353-8899.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

How to Stain a MDF Wood Corbel | Federal Brace




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Cathy Morgan, General Manager at Federal Brace, shows you how to properly stain an Eva Reinforced Corbel. She shows the beauty and craftsmanship of treating your protective casing that attaches to your metal L-Bracket in an easy two-step process. The finished product shows off the beauty of a wood corbel and the polished support of Federal Brace.

For further information on countertop brackets and MDF Corbels, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

How to Paint a Bracket Backer™ | Federal Brace




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Cathy Morgan, General Manager at Federal Brace, shows you how to properly paint your Bracket Backer™ or backer board. The beauty and craftsmanship of painting your board to match the color of your sheetrock drywall or other fascia. Backer boards and/or Bracket Backers™ are used in applications to protect sheetrock drywall or other impressionable fascia.

For further information on countertop brackets, corbels, and Bracket Backers™, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Monday, March 28, 2011

How to Paint Your Steel Bracket | Federal Brace





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Cathy Morgan, General Manager at Federal Brace, shows you how to properly paint your steel bracket. You must have a steel bracket treated to prevent against rusting.

For further information on countertop brackets please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

How to choose your Shelf Bracket. Box-Store Brackets V.S. Federal Brace

When compared to shelf support brackets found at your local hardware store or from your large national box store the advantages of using Federal Brace shelf ­ brackets are obvious. Before even inspecting the details of the comparison brackets you will notice the difference in weight. You see, the Federal Brace shelf support bracket is made out of 12-gauge material thickness. Our brackets are also 1.5 half inch wide compared to the thinner box store type supports.

We provide the stainless steel option as well as the raw steel option. We figure you want and deserve options. ­When you look a little closer at the two comparison brackets you will see that our countertop brackets are free of dings and nicks. The care of craftsmanship is apparent on the finish of our brackets. Go a little deeper and you see that we have carefully designed our countertop support brackets so that there are no weldments on the face of the bracket. Plug welding is done on the reverse side to give a clean and sleek look.

Check out the way you receive your countertop supports as well. Federal Brace brackets will come to your doorstep, individually hand packed in boxes designed to secure the parts in shipping. The final comparison will come once the countertop support brackets are installed. You won ‘t need an engineering degree to know that the Federal Brace support bracket is providing a more secure support of your shelving unit.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Federal Brace How-to Video 4: Raised half-wall with backer board













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In this countertop bracket installation video, Federal Brace VP of sales, DJ Toal, and custom home builder,Trip Lipinski, of Louis and Sons take you through the steps to installing a granite countertop onto a raised half-wall with backer blocks.

This is an excellent illustration of a common countertop support application with the important areas to consider when doing a granite countertop extension with support brackets. The Federal Brace countertop support brackets used in this installation are the popular Brunswick Designer Countertop Supports with the curved gusset.

For further information on the brackets please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Federal Brace How-To Video 3: Raised half-wall & backer blocks













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In this countertop bracket installation video, Federal Brace VP of sales, DJ Toal, and custom home builder,Trip Lipinski, of Louis and Sons take you through the steps to installing a granite countertop onto a raised half-wall with backer blocks.

This is an excellent illustration of a common countertop support application with the important areas to consider when doing a granite countertop extension with support brackets. The Federal Brace countertop support brackets used in this installation are the popular Brunswick Designer Countertop Supports with the curved gusset.

For further information on the brackets please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Monday, January 31, 2011

Federal Brace How-To Video 2: Floating Raised Counter Top Bar Installation Project













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In this countertop bracket installation video, Federal Brace VP of sales, DJ Toal, and custom home builder,Trip Lipinski, of Louis and Sons take you through the steps to installing a floating, raised granite counter top bar. This video is a great example of how to expand your limited counter top space in just about any kitchen. Using our elevated support, we are able to add a raised bar to a standard counter top application, creating more space and a brand new look. For further information on the brackets please contact Federal Brace at www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Federal Brace How-To Video 1: Island Countertop Extension Project













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In this countertop bracket installation video, Federal Brace VP of sales, DJ Toal, and custom home builder,Trip Lipinski, of Louis and Sons take you through the steps to installing a granite countertop extention on an inland mounted countertop. This is an excellent illustration of a common countertop support application with the important areas to consider when doing a granite countertop extenuation with support brackets. The Federal Brace countertop support brackets used in this installation are the popular Brunswick Designer Countertop Supports with the curved gusset. For further information on the brackets please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

How to Provide Excellent Customer Service.


“It all starts with truly wanting to help people.” At Federal Brace we are proud of our excellent customer service. When you contact us, you will not be stuck in the everlasting loop of doom in an automated phone system. We hate those things! You’ll be speaking to a knowledgeable customer service professional whose main goal is to satisfy your needs as a Federal Brace customer.

For example, Victoria, a Federal Brace customer service rep will point you in the right direction for your product needs. While she cannot give you specifics for your project, she can guide you to available resources on our site that will assist you. Victoria will also give you Federal Brace recommendations for installations: place a gusseted bracket every 24 to 30 inches and every 12 to 18 inches for an un-gusseted bracket. “There should not be more than four inches of unsupported overhang” you will likely hear Victoria say.


When you’re ready to order you have the option of placing your order on-line or giving your information to a Federal Brace team member. We view communication with our customer as a key to getting the order right the first go around. When your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email that the order has been placed. Once the order is ready to ship you will receive an email that the brackets are shipping, and you will receive a third email giving the shipping and tracking information. At any point in the process you are able to discuss the progress with Federal Brace.

Reliability is important to any good relationship, and customer service is no exception. We will do our best to get your product out in a timely and efficient manner. If a problem does arise with your order we attempt to learn about it before you do! This helps us keep you updated on the status of your products. So in most instances when a job is delayed Federal Brace will notify you before you have to call us to find out what is going on with your order.

We pride ourselves on listening to our customers needs. When complaints arise we look at how best to alleviate your burden. If there is a way that we can assist in making a bad situation better, we work to make it happen. Our goal is to be helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable, 24/7.
Federal Brace desires to give the customer more than expected, excellent customer service and a great product. Having one without the other is not achieving our goals in the Federal Brace book. Our hope is that once you receive the product and install your supports you will see that you have chosen the best bracket on the market from the best company around.

You will find us always in our continue endeavor of providing Beautifully Crafted, Confident Support. That's support of your counters and of you as a customer! Here's to great service.