What is a Corbel?

A corbel is a type of accent, a carved design element that can add an air of sophistication and craftsmanship to your cabinetry. Corbels were originally conceived by classical architects as load-bearing elements, used as right-angle platforms to hold the weight of heavy pieces such as roofs or ledges. In these cases, however, corbels were made of stone and designed for purposes different than those typically fulfilled by modern varieties.

Though modern corbels still enjoy some usage as weight bearers for cabinets and countertops, their primary value is aesthetic. Typically made of wood or resin, corbels are generally applied to cabinets after they've been constructed and are then painted after application.