How to Build a Kitchen Bar Around an Existing Counter

Measure your kitchen to see if you have room to add an overhang to a counter. Remodel an island bar top by adding 12 inches of space on one side. Transform a galley kitchen by extending the bar on the living room side by just 12 inches.

Take off the old laminate countertop by removing screws inside the cabinetry. Lift off the countertop and set it aside to use for a template for the new countertop material.

Use a circular saw to cut unfinished bead board paneling to cover the island base. Remove any cabinet doors with a screwdriver, taking off hinges and hardware. Nail the beadboard into place with paneling nails, caulk all seams and add wood trim on the unit. Roll doors and the beadboard with satin enamel paint using a high-density roller. Cut heavy crown molding to fit around the island perimeter at the floor level, mitering all corners of the molding. Paint the crown molding before you nail it in place.

Use the old countertop section to trace a new countertop on 3/4-inch fiberboard. Trace the new overhang for the bar, adding a small rectangle the length of the counter or a curved bar top. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved areas and a circular saw to cut the fiberboard. Place a metal straightedge for guidance using the circular saw to ensure a sharp edge. Use 2-by-4-inch boards to raise up the fiberboard for cutting.

Glue any sections of fiberboard to make a unified piece. Cut the laminate panels for the bar countertop by using the fiberboard as a template. Allow a 1-inch border around the edges.

Score the laminate using a carbide-tipped knife to make cuts. Break the laminate at the score lines to trim it up. Apply two coats of adhesive to the fiberboard blanks and one coat of adhesive to the laminate panels. Allow to dry to a sticky stage and use a J roller to press the fiberboard to the laminate.

Allow to dry to a sticky stage and use a J roller to press the fiberboard to the laminate. Use the same process to cut and apply edging for the sides of the larger bar top.

Rehang island cabinet doors, adding door trim as needed to support the newly positioned hardware. Cut door trim, mitering the corners. Paint all trim to match the beadboard covering and door fronts.