Here is what I built for fold down shelves, one on each side, to provide an extension to the countertops. The entire shelf assembly is attached to the cabinet and not to the countertop. I used a continuous hinge and a folding shelf bracket. As you can see in the photos, I modified the shelf bracket to allow the continuous hinge to go full width. If I were to do it again, I would not modify the shelf bracket. I would keep it intact and use a continuous hinge on each side of it. The important thing to be aware of is that the pivot axis of both the hinge and the folding support must be in line. You could also use two folding shelf brackets and not need a continuous hinge, however, it would then require two hands to lower the shelf. I prefer it to be a one hand operation. I made the shelves out of plywood with an oak border. Blocking was required to get the pivot at the bottom of the countertop. One other caution; make sure there is no interference when the shelves are stored and the heads of the beds are being raised. The support brackets used are from Woodworkers Supply, Part Number 936-890.
We are very pleased with the added surface the shelves provide and they fold down and are not in the way otherwise.
Virgil
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_________________ 2006 22 ft BFT diesel
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