How to Build a Counter With Shelves

Measure the breadth and length of the counter top you picked out, in inches. Label the breadth "B" and the length "L." Choose a durable hardwood for your counter top that goes with the look of your kitchen.

Cut two length of 2-by-4 that are each equal to "L" minus 12 inches. Cut two more that are equal to "B" minus 16 inches. Screw one short piece between the ends of the longer pieces. Screw the other piece between the other ends so that you have a wooden rectangle. Use two screws per joint.

Cut six lengths of 2-by-4 that are each as long as you want the counter to be tall. Set one of these legs into each corner of the rectangle and attach it with two screws. Attach the other two in the middle of the two long sides.

Cut two lengths of 1-by-6 plank that are each as long as "B" minus 16 inches. Attach these braces to the two legs on each end, about 4 inches away from the ends of the legs. Flip the counter over so that the rectangular frame is on top.

Measure the inside distance of the long sides of the rectangular frame on top. Label this distance "X." Cut six lengths of 2-by-4 equal to this length.

Screw one of these lengths to the bottoms of the legs on the inside, on one of the long sides. Screw another onto the other long side. These serve as both the support for the shelves and as extra braces for the counter.

Measure the length from the top of these braces to the bottom of the rectangular counter top frame. Divide this distance by three and label the result "A."

Measure a distance of "A" inches up from the tops of the lowest shelf supports that you just installed, on both of the long sides, and draw lines at this level. Screw one more length of 2-by-4 on each long side. The tops of these 2-by-4s should be even with the line you drew. Install the remaining two 2-by-4 lengths "A" inches above these new supports.

Cut three rectangles out of the plywood. Make each "X" inches long and "B" minus 16 inches wide. Put one of these on top of each pair of shelf supports, and screw them into place with one screw on each corner.

Measure the distance from one corner leg to the opposite one on either of the long sides. Cut out a sheet of decorative paneling to this height and width. Nail this panel to one of the long sides with small finishing nails. Cut two more sections of decorative paneling with the same height but only half the width. Attach them to the opposite long side with hinges to serve as the shelving doors.

Screw two eye hooks into the middle leg of the counter between the two doors. Screw a latching eye hook onto each door and place it so that the latch can reach one of the eye hooks in the middle.

Cut two smaller panels for the sides. Nail them into place. Screw the counter top on to the rectangular frame, using one screw for each corner. Stain and varnish the counter to suit your tastes.