A corbel is a protruding support element built into or attached to a wall, typically made of wood, stone, brick, or cast iron, and designed to carry the weight of structural or decorative features above it. Unlike simple ledges, corbels transfer loads through their mass and geometry into the wall substrate, allowing them to support beams, arches, balconies, or window hoods without the need for additional posts or columns.
In practice, corbels appear in both residential and commercial construction, where they serve both functional and aesthetic roles. In a home’s interior, you might see wooden corbels beneath kitchen countertops, fireplace mantels, or shelving, providing sturdy support while adding visual interest. In commercial or historic masonry buildings, stone or brick corbels often create dramatic overhangs, support parapets, or form the springing point for arches. Unlike decorative brackets that rely on fasteners alone, true corbels are integrated into the wall’s structure and must be sized to handle compression forces, making their design and installation subject to building code considerations for load capacity and material compatibility.
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