Wood Brackets

Wood Bracket or Wood Corbel?

Merriam-Webster defines the corbel as, "an architectural member that projects from within a wall and supports a weight; especially: one that is stepped upward and outward from a vertical surface." However, the bracket is defined as, "an overhanging member that projects from a structure and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle." In woodworking the terms are used interchangeably but the emphasis on each term is very important to understand, for the cabinet and furniture business as well as the homeowner.

 

When defining the piece as a wood bracket, the emphasis is placed on structural integrity and build, used in assuring the consumer the product is capable of holding the weight and abuse of heavy materials such as granite, marble, etc. The wooden corbel, hopefully designed with structural equivalence, places an emphasis on design. Today, as well as in the past, the term "wood corbel" is most often describing wood brackets that have been hand carved or designed intentionally for the viewer's pleasure. Interestingly enough, the word corbel is derived from a Latin word meaning "crow", which personifies the piece geometrically as it appears to literally perch from the wall from which it is attached. As is assumed, bracket is a term with much less poetic background that instead points more to practicality and functionality for use in architectural design or for many wood workers today; state building codes.

 

In architecture the medium plays a vital role in that it will not only determine the quality of the structure but also the endurance and visual aesthetics of the carving or design. Wood is an excellent medium in that it does not simply allow a variety of grain distinction or color. It also gives a plethora of options to the artist or designer in the areas of density, rarity and cost, and of special importance today; environmental conservation. Whether it is softwood or hardwood, there are unique options across the market and across the globe. The result is cost effective wood brackets, as they can be made from local and indigenous species such as Soft Maple, Pine, or Alder, earth friendly options like Lyptus or Rubberwood and even rare and exquisite selections including Walnut, White Oak, Cherry, and Red Birch.

 

Wood is fantastic in that it allows the artist to extend their creativity and interpretation into their custom designed and carved corbel while meeting the architects needs to design structurally adequate designs. Here at Osborne Wood Products, Inc. we realize the struggle of both the artist and the designer; that in today's market people are looking both for beauty and strength. Our wood brackets are hand craved with superior quality yet engineered to support the weight endured throughout a lifetime. This is why at Osborne Wood Products, Inc. our website is quick to use wood corbel and wood bracket synonymously. We are confident that our wood brackets will meet your needs and stand by it with a satisfaction guarantee.