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Home > Products > Brackets > Info - Brackets > Choosing the Right Bracket

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Choosing the Right Bracket


  Our Brackets come in four standard thicknesses
  and a variety of natural and synthetic wood   types.
(See Product Options.)

  Sure that's a lot of choices, but it's really pretty easy!   Here are our simple guidelines:




Exterior
Combined length and width should equal at least 20" to avoid appearing skimpy. For example, our Parrot's Beak Bracket. (1102) at 11" x 16" equals 27" in length plus width. This size works well on the average porch.

In contrast, our smaller Quarter Circle. (1104n7) totals only 18 inches. If viewed from a distance, it won’t show very well. Its smaller size could disappoint if used outside.

cardboard To be sure, use this little trick of the trade: Just cut cardboard triangles to the same length and width as the Brackets you’re considering. First, cut one or more cardboard rectangles to the same length and width as the brackets under consideration. Cut each diagonally. Tape these cardboard “brackets” into place. View the effect from the street. (Actual wood Brackets may appear a bit smaller if they have open areas to the design.)


Interior
Inside, Brackets should be large enough never to appear as an afterthought, but not so large that they overwhelm your room. Let your own sense of proportion be your best guide. And again, cardboard “brackets” may prove helpful.

If used in an open doorway, you’ll want to plan for adequate headroom. Unless you have a very tall family member, 78" should be sufficient.

You can turn Brackets horizontally to increase available headroom, or if you just prefer this orientation.


Material Type
Brackets (except 1-1/2" thickness) are available in AZEK Brand Cellular PVC and High Density Polyurethane. These synthetic woods are impervious to moisture, salt, and insects - perfect for exterior use!

Poplar is a good choice for interior painted wood. It’s economical and stronger than Pine. However, some feel it's not as good for staining, due to color variations within a given board. Oak is great inside, particularly if you’re matching Oak you already have, but is not recommended for exterior use.


Thickness
We strongly recommend at least 1" thick Brackets for most applications. Although we’ve sold hundreds of thousands at 3/4", one inch or more in thickness really is nicer. Extra thickness costs a little more now, but isn’t your added pleasure and satisfaction over the years worth the difference?

Here’s our guideline for thickness of larger Brackets: If combined length and width of your Bracket exceeds 25", it will be nicer at 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" thickness.


Framing
Most of our Brackets are shown, priced, and sized with attached frames. A frame compliments the design and makes installation easier. Listed dimensions include the frame, and are correct for both 3/4" and 1" thick Brackets. For 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" thick framed Brackets, please add 1/2" to the listed dimensions.

On special request, we’ll frame 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" thick Brackets with moulded frames. These are 3/4" thick by 2" or 2-1/4" wide, respectively. Please add $4.01 to the standard framed price for Poplar and Pine Brackets. Other frame wood types carry the same percentage upcharge for wood type as the Brackets themselves.

To be correct, the frames of Brackets used beneath Spandrels should be no wider than the Spandrel rail.

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