How to Build an Eat-At Countertop

Clear the area where the eat-at countertop is going to be built. Measure and mark the edges of the counter area on the floor with powdered chalk to make sure that your counter will not interfere with opening a door or block any cabinets.

Mark the desired top of the countertop on the wall with pencil, using a carpenter’s level to keep the line straight. This counter design will hook up to two adjacent walls for stability. Find the studs in the wall with a hand-held stud finder. Mark the studs on the wall to indicate the attachment points of the countertop brackets.

Cut a piece of thick particle board or plywood 2 feet wide and the desired length. Smooth the edges, top and bottom with sandpaper. This will give the counter a finished look when painted.

Attach heavy-duty shelf brackets to the wall at the stud marks, using screws and an electric screwdriver. Try to get the brackets spaced as close to 24 inches as possible along the long wall. Place two brackets along the short wall if there are two studs to screw them into. Use the carpenter’s level to keep the top of the brackets in alignment as they are installed.

Place the countertop on top of the brackets and push it tight against the wall. Have a partner hold the countertop in place and attach the counter to the brackets from the underside. Make sure that your screws are not too long, so they do not break through the top of the counter.

Paint the countertop with durable, washable paint in your desired color. This protects the surface of the countertop from food and drink spills. Formica laminate sheets can be attached to the top of the counter if desired.