Making a Kitchen Island With a Small Counter Bar

Design & Materials

To make an island with a small counter bar for your kitchen, first measure the overall size of the island and bar combined. For an island measuring 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep with a small counter coming out 20 inches, you will need on overall space of 4 feet wide by 3 feet, 20 inches deep, plus room for seating. Your island can include storage by adding shelving inside with an opening on the opposite side of the counter bar. Doors are not necessary, but they will add a tidier look as well as closure. Once you have measurements, make a materials list and have a home improvement store cut the plywood to size for you. For an island without storage, you will need two pieces of plywood measuring the width and the height of the face and back, and two pieces measuring the width and height of the sides. You can leave the top open and have a piece of granite or other solid surface installed. For storage, cut an opening in the plywood to size. You can purchase pre-made doors and shelving at a home improvement store, so check the measurements before you have the opening cut. If you plan to tile the top, add a piece of plywood to the top as a surface for your tile. Plan your countertop by purchasing metal braces appropriate for whatever surface you use on the island. Have a separate piece of wood or solid surface counter material cut to the dimensions of your small countertop.

Construction

Make the box for your kitchen island by joining the side pieces to the front and back of your kitchen island, using waterproof adhesive followed by wood screws. If you planned for storage, install the shelving brackets and shelving, then attach the hinges for the doors. Finish the kitchen island with primer and paint or stain. Remember to finish the doors as well, back and front, before adding them to the island.

Counters

Install the countertops and the counter bar to your kitchen island to complete the project. Place the brackets for the counter bar at the desired location on the back side of your kitchen island. Install the counter bar material to the brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are installing tile countertops, apply tile adhesive to the wooden top and press the tile firmly into place. Let the adhesive dry and apply the grout and grout sealer.