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You’re planning a new bar – or giving your current space an upgrade. The goal is to create a space that feels stylish and original, where customers enjoy the atmosphere as much as their drinks.
Motion control solutions can bring strength and versatility to bar and restaurant design, supporting both modern and traditional concepts.
A flip-up countertop with motion control adds function and flair, leaving a strong impression on guests and making work easier for staff.
Is a Flip-Up Countertop Right for Your Space?
First off, maybe you’re still not convinced you need a flip-up counter top hinge in your establishment.
We’ve written extensively about lift assists and their:
As a refresher, counterbalance technology and motion control engineering make new countertop pass-throughs better than their predecessors.
These custom-engineered solutions make light work of lifting a heavy bar or countertop.
Hinged countertops improve safety, traffic flow, customer service, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to retrofit or completely overhaul your space, incorporating hinged countertops into your design could help take your business operations up a notch.
They stay secure, removing the need for awkward latches and keeping everyone safe.
From The Vault:Check out this demonstration comparing a counterbalance lift gate assistant hinge against a traditional hinge and one poor coconut: |
In a (coco)nutshell, the advantages of a Weber Knapp Lift Gate Assistant include:
- No dangerous dropping or slamming gates
- Smooth, consistent counterbalancing during the entire opening and closing range
- Minimum useful life of 100,000 cycles
- Designed to meet ADA requirements
- Field-adjustable
- Sturdy steel construction finished in durable powder coat
- Made in the USA
How Do You Plan for a Lift Gate Assistant Hinge?
You can easily add a lift gate assistant to a flip-up countertop in a new build or retrofit project.
Specifications we'll need to know to help you complete your project with a Lift Gate Assistant from Weber Knapp:
- Countertop/lid material
- Countertop/lid dimensions
- Countertop/lid weight
Countertop/Lid Material
The weight of your countertop/lid is going to depend on what it’s made of. Here’s a handy chart on typical countertop material weights and thicknesses:
|
Material |
Thickness |
Lbs./Sq. Ft. |
|
Formica |
¾” |
10-11 |
|
Granite |
¾” |
13 |
|
Granite |
1 ¼” |
18-20 |
|
Laminate with kraft interior |
⅝” |
4 |
|
Marble |
1 ¼” |
12-13 |
|
Quartz |
1 ¼” |
18 |
|
Wood |
Usually 1 ¾” |
Lighter than stone, but depends on wood species |
Countertop/Lid Dimensions
To be able to properly determine which lift gate assistant hinge you’ll need, measure your countertop’s thickness, width, and length.
If you’re not seeing your estimates on this page, head here for more precise measurements.
Countertop/Lid Weight
Now that you have some ideas on the pounds/square foot of your countertop or lid, and you have approximate dimensions, you can calculate its weight:
Length x Width = Square Feet
Square Feet x Pounds(per square foot) = Countertop Weight
Ready to get into the specifics and find your custom hinge? Check out our Lift Gate Assistant Lid Calculator!
What’s the Price of a Lift Gate Assist Hinge?
So how much will your new flip-up countertop hinge cost? You guessed it – that depends.
Cost is based on your bar, countertop, or lid’s weight, its length, and your desired torque.
Counterbalance mechanical-engineered motion control solutions are more expensive than traditional hinges. They’re also more expensive than gas-spring hinges.
But what you get in return for a higher up-front price is:
- Superior weight mitigation
- Industrial-strength durability
- Reliable safety
- Field adjustability
See what’s possible with a Lift Gate Assistant in your next hospitality design:
FAQs About Motion Control and Flip-Up CountertopsStill curious about how flip-up countertops and lift gate assistants work in real bar settings? Here are answers to a few common questions. Q: How much ongoing maintenance does a lift gate assistant require once it’s installed?A: These hinges are built for long service life and require very little attention. They provide smooth, reliable counterbalancing without frequent adjustments. Simple upkeep is usually enough. Adding quick checks during routine cleaning – like clearing debris and confirming stability – helps keep the hinge working as intended. Q: Will a lift gate assistant work with any bar layout, including irregular shapes or outdoor setups?A: They’re a good fit for most standard layouts with flat, hinged surfaces and predictable dimensions, making them well suited for both new builds and retrofits. Irregular shapes or outdoor bars may need extra planning. Custom options and material choices can help support dependable performance in unique or weather-exposed setups. |
How Does Motion Control Deliver the Wow Factor?
A lift hinged countertop is a great way to add value, safety, space, and a wow factor to your bar or restaurant.
Not only does it create an impressive visual effect, but the motion control engineering ensures that heavy lids won't fall down on customers or staff, making it much safer than traditional hinges.
With its field adjustability, industrial-strength durability, and superior weight mitigation capabilities, investing in a Weber Knapp Lift Gate Assistant will bring you long-term returns for years to come.
So if you're looking for ways to upgrade your existing establishment or designing something entirely new – consider incorporating a Lift Gate Assistant into your plans.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
See how motion control transforms a flip-up countertop in real life. Book a demo and watch the Lift Gate Assistant in action:
This article was originally published in April of 2023 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.
