How to add support to benchtop?

Question

Hi,

We have this laundry set up which is great except the right side of the benchtop near laundry trough

isn’t attached to anything!

I presume that we can’t attach a bracket to the trough because of the sink?

How would you suggest adding some support?

TedBear · Answer

Hi @MCusch, as well the @MitchellMc 's suggestion, another option would be to add the front part of the end piece that normally would hold the bench top up. There is a space between the sink cabinet door and the machine where it could sit.

I would consider getting some melamine covered board (and some edge strips to keep water out of the cut edges). The board would fit at the end of the top, between the sink cabinet and the front of the bench.

I suggest cutting it a bit longer than the floor-to-top of the bench, then add the edge strip to the bottom edge and then glue a pair of velcro strips, one to the board bottom and the other to the floor. You will then know the height to trim the board to, allowing for the edge strip at the top (altho you could get this height dimension using a piece of scrap timber instead of the actual board. You could then cut the board to the right height first time). Melamine edge the exposed side near the sink to prevent splashed water damage.

Then add 2 small rt angle brackets (abt 25mm in from the board sides) to fit under bench top. Pull the washing out and screw the angle brackets under the bench top. Done.

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MCusch. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question on supporting a bench.

You could likely add support by fixing a bracket directly to the side of the sink cabinet, as it’s typically made of steel and strong enough to secure the front corner of the benchtop. In setups like this, the sink bowl is usually set back slightly from the cabinet wall, so there’s some safe space to work with. Using self-drilling metal screws into the white side panel can work well, as long as you’re careful not to use screws that are too long and risk hitting the inner bowl. Attaching to the sink itself is also an option, as it has a double-wall construction, but it looks like it might sit too high in your setup.

If the bracket doesn’t sit flush under the benchtop due to height differences, you can use washers or spacers on the screws to pack it out and ensure a snug, level fit.

I used this fixing method several years ago and have had no issues with it. My bench also meets my cabinet sink as per your setup.

Let me tag @Jewelleryrescue, @TedBear and @Noyade to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell