In my kitchen I would like to give myself some more worktop space by filling a gap (of approximately 55cm/21.5in) between two cupboards with an additional piece of countertop. The cupboards either side of the gap already have a worktop installed which I don't want to replace as I'd like to keep this as a simple job, not replace my entire worktop).
I've attempted to recreate an image of the scenario (with the gap to be filled in the middle) below (sorry for the low quality, today was the first time I've ever used SketchUp!). To the left is a cupboard which is joined onto a wall on its left side. To the right is a small wine rack and then a cupboard to the right of that. Behind both is a wall.
I don't wish to add a cupboard in this gap since it will be used for a tumble dryer, I just want to make the work surface semi-continuous (I am okay with using joint trim either side of the new piece of worksurface).
My main issue is that the existing sections of worksurface are flush to the panels either side of the gap, so there's nothing for my new section of worksurface to be supported with. I had thought about using "L" brackets, but was concerned about which size brackets I would need and how strong it would actually be.
I had also thought about perhaps adding two or three pieces of wood (e.g. 2x1in) equally spaced across the gap at the top of the panels and fixing them with screws to the cupboards either side so that the worktop could sit on them instead, although I wasn't sure if this would be any stronger than using "L" brackets.
Is there a easy-ish way for me to do this? I'm not a DIY expert by any means, but I am happy to give things a good crack.
Best Answer
Battens screwed to the side (and possibly the back if you want belt-and-braces) is what I immediately thought of as I started to read your question.
It probably won't be stronger than L-brackets, but it will be a lot prettier (and probably cheaper too).
Make sure that you use the right sort of screw to screw into the cupboard sides - if they are chipboard, you need a chipboard screw)