Make A Kitchen Island Benchtop
To build this freestanding bench, flat-packed cabinets were joined to create the base and an 800mm square top was made from laminated camphor laurel boards then attached to a melamine backing.
DIY: $1330 (HAVE IT DONE for $1920)
SKILL: 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
TIME: 2 DAYS
MAKE THE BASE with two off-the-shelf cabinets measuring about 800 x 700 x 370mm, with 160mm legs.
Secure from each side using four 30mm x 8g timber screws, attaching a 600 x 50mm perforated metal plate to the base joint with 20mm x 8g screws.
FOR THE BACKING mark down the centre of 780 x 720 x 16mm melamine then 300mm either side, drilling 8mm diameter clearance holes 100mm apart along the three lines.
Step 1. Cut the biscuit slots
Position the boards on the backing to mark the setout then, starting in the centre, mark the biscuit positions 100mm apart on the edge of the boards. Set the biscuit joiner for #20 biscuits and make the cuts.
Step 2. Assemble the top
Secure the second board to the backing with 30mm buttonhead screws, apply adhesive to the slots, biscuits and edges then position the remaining boards. Add sash clamps and turn the top over to secure buttonhead screws through the holes.
Step 3. Secure the trim
Remove the clamps and mark the top to fit the backing with 10mm overhang on all edges, cut using a circular saw then drill screw holes using a three-in-one combination bit to secure the trim with PVA adhesive and 35mm x 8g screws.
Step 4. Attach the benchtop
Position the benchtop on the cabinets and clamp to secure. From inside the cabinets drill 2mm pilot holes 30mm deep into the backing, securing with 30mm x 8g timber screws. TIP Finish the top with hard-burnishing oil then polish with natural wax.
Click on the diagram
Follow the labelled diagram to build the kitchen island benchtop. It has the name of all the parts and the measurements to help you cut the components and assemble the island benchtop.
Click on the cutting list
Follow the cutting list to build the kitchen island benchtop. It has the name of all the parts and the measurements to help you cut the components and assemble the island benchtop.
Vote It Up:
Points: 0