Corbels – Exterior & Decorative Polyurethane Corbels

Exterior & Decorative Corbels

Spectis decorative corbels: white scroll corbels supporting a fireplace mantel shelf, polyurethane, primed and ready to paint. Shop corbels below.

Polyurethane Corbels for Exterior and Interior Trim

A corbel is a bracket-shaped piece that projects from a wall and looks as if it carries what sits above it, such as an eave, a porch beam or a shelf. Spectis corbels give that look in high-density polyurethane, which cuts, nails and glues like wood and is used inside and outside. Most of these exterior corbels are used under an eave. Nearly all ship double primed in white and ready for latex paint; a few come in rough-sawn, pecky cypress or concrete-finish textures.

The collection runs from 1½ in to 18 in wide, 1⅝ in to 54 in tall and 2 in to 38 in in projection. Browse by style, from scroll corbels and acanthus corbels to fluted, panel and smooth ogee and cove profiles. For a sloped soffit or rake, 36 corbels come in left- and right-pitch versions cut for 5/12, 6/12, 6.5/12, 7/12, 8/12, 10/12 or 15/12 roofs.

These are decorative corbel brackets, not structural supports. Check the width, height and projection on each PDF drawing against your overhang, then install with ADH100 polyurethane adhesive and screws or finish nails, as shown in our corbel and bracket installation guide. Every piece is made to order. For larger pieces that fill the peak of a roof, see gable brackets.

Porch Corbels

On a porch, corbels sit where a beam or header meets a post or wall, and they make an open span look finished and supported. Polyurethane suits a porch because it does not rot, warp or crack the way untreated wood can when it is exposed to rain and humidity. Pick a corbel whose width is no wider than the post or beam face it sits against, and whose height reads well from the street. Pair porch corbels with porch brackets for wider spans, and finish the post with decorative pilasters.

Eave Corbels and Corbels Under a Sloped Soffit

Most Spectis exterior corbels go under an eave, spaced along the fascia line to give a plain overhang more depth and shadow. The projection (how far a corbel extends from the wall) should be a little less than the depth of the overhang so the piece tucks under the soffit. Where the soffit or rake follows the roof slope, choose a left- or right-pitch corbel cut for that slope. You can also shop by roof pitch or by eave depth.

Large Exterior Corbels

For tall walls, deep overhangs and grand entries, a small corbel looks lost. Large exterior corbels such as the Grand Acanthus Scroll Corbel (BL2783, 54 in tall), the Tall Moulded Eave Corbel (BL3001, 48 in tall) and the Curved Decorative Eave Corbel (BL3181, 38 in projection) keep their proportions at a distance. Use the shop by height filter to see everything over 24 in.

Decorative Corbels for Interior Uses

The same polyurethane corbels work indoors under a fireplace mantel, a floating shelf, a kitchen island overhang, a range hood or a doorway header. Because they are decorative and not load-bearing, the shelf or countertop must be supported on its own; the corbel adds the look. Smaller acanthus and scroll corbels suit traditional rooms, while smooth corbels and panel corbels fit simpler, modern interiors.

Corbels vs Brackets: What Is the Difference?

The words are often used interchangeably. In general, a corbel is a solid, taller-than-deep piece that projects from a wall, often with a scroll or carved face, while a bracket is usually more open or triangular and projects further, as with knee brackets and gable brackets. Blocks, such as eave and cornice blocks, are compact and boxy. Choose by the look you want and the size of the space under the overhang. See all corbels and brackets.

How to Choose the Right Corbel Size

Projection: measure the overhang, beam or shelf depth; the corbel's projection should be equal to or slightly less.
Width: match or stay just under the width of the beam, rafter or post face above it.
Height: taller corbels look stronger and suit higher walls and deeper overhangs; check the height on the PDF drawing for each item.
Slope: for a sloped soffit or rake, pick the left- or right-pitch version that matches your roof pitch.
Spacing: under an eave, space corbels evenly, typically lining them up with rafters or the corners and openings below.

How to Install Polyurethane Corbels

Clean the mounting surface and make sure it is solid. Apply ADH100 polyurethane construction adhesive to every bedding face and joint, press the corbel into place, and secure it with the recommended screws or finish nails into solid backing. Fill nail holes, then paint promptly with a quality exterior latex paint; every Spectis corbel is polyurethane, primed white and ready to paint. Our step-by-step eave corbel and bracket installation guide covers layout and fastening in more detail.

Corbel FAQs

What is a corbel?

A corbel is a bracket that projects from a wall to support, or appear to support, something above it, traditionally a beam, eave, shelf or mantel. In older masonry and timber buildings corbels were often structural. Spectis polyurethane corbels are decorative trim that recreates that look.

Can polyurethane corbels be used outside?

Yes. Most Spectis corbels are used under an eave, and the same high-density polyurethane is used indoors. Installed properly, it will not rot, warp or crack. Do not set a corbel over wallpaper.

Are these corbels load-bearing?

No. They are decorative, not structural supports. Do not use one to carry a beam, a porch swing or any other load.

How do I attach a corbel?

Fit it to a clean, solid mounting surface. Use ADH100 adhesive on every bedding face and joint, along with the recommended screws or finish nails. ADH100 adhesive is urethane based, and other adhesives can damage the product. Paint promptly after installation. Fasteners and paint are sold separately.

How do I choose the right corbel size?

Each listing gives width (across the face), height (top to bottom) and projection (how far it extends from the wall). Compare all three, and the PDF drawing, with the overhang or beam it will sit under. If the soffit or rake is sloped, choose a left- or right-pitch version made for your roof pitch. Some corbels may have hollows in their tops or backs.

What is the difference between corbels and brackets?

A corbel is usually a solid piece that is taller than it is deep and projects from a wall, often with a scroll or carved face. A bracket is usually more open or triangular and can project further. Both are decorative trim at Spectis.

Are Spectis corbels primed and ready to paint?

Yes. All Spectis corbels are high-density polyurethane, primed white and ready to paint. Paint them promptly after installation with a quality latex paint.

Polyurethane, PVC or wood corbels: which is better outdoors?

Wood can rot, split and warp outdoors and needs regular upkeep. Spectis corbels are high-density polyurethane, which will not rot, warp or crack when installed properly, and it cuts, nails and glues like wood. Spectis does not make PVC or wood corbels.

Can I use corbels on a porch?

Yes. Corbels are often used where a porch beam or header meets a post or wall. They are decorative only, so the porch beam must be supported by its own structure.

What adhesive should I use to install a corbel?

Use ADH100 polyurethane construction adhesive on every bedding face and joint, together with screws or finish nails into solid backing. Other adhesives can damage polyurethane.