View Full Version : Raised bar countertop using posts
teran
Dec 20, 2008, 06:54 AM
I will be having quartz (Dupont) countertops installed and want a raised bar countertop supported by metal posts that I purchased from IKEA for this purpose. I have several pictures showing this done and spoke w/the individual who installs these raised bar countertops using IKEA's Capita posts. He said he has never had a problem w/the installation. The proposed top level of the bar will be approx. 5'0"x15.5" over a countertop base of 6'5". I want to know if quartz has enough tensile strength to sit on top of the posts or if I need to use a lighter material such as wood or laminate. The installer says this can't be done, but if he does find he can do it there will be a substantial upcharge. Thoughts, help?!
21boat
Dec 22, 2008, 12:01 AM
spoke w/the individual who installs these raised bar counter tops using IKEA's Capita posts.
He said he has never had a problem w/ I am a bit confused you already found an installer that " installs/bar/problem with them
A little confusing 'Top LEVEL of the bar 5'0"x 15'5" so is that 5 feet high and 15'5" long
OR 5' wide by 15'5" long which makes more sense if bar cabinets under part of the 5' and the excess is for the legs and post to carry the remaining difference of approx 30" of overhang. Is this your idea of how you are going to set this up or or is it all on posts?
Note: by my calculations this bar at approx. 2" thick by 15'5"x5'0" = 11,100 square inches and 22,200 cubic inches so by mass and density of weight which is very close to concrete make this piece about 1,898 pounds and it has no tensile strength and only compaction strength. Just like concrete overhangs with out the rebar. Watch the overhangs spans and post support. This is coming from a concrete and mason expert me.
The biggest misconceptions is they say LOOK its good and hard and tuff. That's for chipping not hanging. Its HARD makes it very brittle to crack ,brake and it adds the weight.
Talk with the other contractor and at least get the specks on what the manufacture recommends or call the supplier/manufacture and they can let you know without a doubt the limits of clear spanning this slab/counter top and find out the post rating in capacity to support weight. Bad calculation her cold hurt or even kill ( Not trying to scare you )
Happy Holidays
teran
Dec 24, 2008, 03:11 PM
Raised bar countertop -- thanks for the response, 21boat. I did not mae my dimensions very clear. The countertop that the raised level will be sitting upon is 73"Lx27.5"W. I don't know how thick the quartz is; I think 2mm? As you may know, the capita angled posts are 6" high. I would like to use the quartz as the material on top of the posts, but I think it may be too heavy. My alternative material is a laminate; much lighter. The raised bar top will be 5'Lx15"W and I have 4 support posts. I believe the directions w/the capita show the angles to be drilled in 6"from the edge. I couldn't get any info from the a DuPont fabricator @one of their plants here in Va. He said have the installer send him the specs. I think the installer does not want to take the time to find out how to do this. I did get feedback from them yesterday that if they do this, there will be a substantial upcharge. I thought, for what, them learning a new skill --boring 4 holes and installing posts.
21boat
Dec 24, 2008, 11:32 PM
Sorry Teran I was trying to get a mental picture and ran with it, hey Better something than nothing. I tried to help and give good answerers to the weight and overhang on post. Don't feel bad about your dimn. It happens even with prints. Have a happy Holiday and Merry Christmas.
Signed 21 boat
teran
Dec 26, 2008, 09:05 AM
Thanks 21 boat and a happy new year (upcoming) to you! I may post the outcome of my installation next month. teran