How to Build an Eating Nook

Building the Nook Benches

• 1

  Space out two 20-inch 2-by-4s on the working surface. Set them parallel to each other, with the large surface down. Space them 13 inches apart. Set two identical boards on top of them, perpendicular and overlapping in the corners, so the four boards form a 20-inch square frame.

• 2

  Set three 2 1/2-inch wood screws in each corner and tighten them in place to secure the four boards together. This creates one of the square leg frames. Repeat to create two additional square leg frames.

• 3

  Stand up the three square leg frames vertically. Make them parallel to each other. Space the square leg frames about 1 1/2 feet apart. Set five 48-inch 2-by-4s across the tops of the square leg frames. Space these long 2-by-4s evenly across the square leg frames side-to-side and front-to-back to form the seat of the bench. Adjust the front and rear of the 2-by-4s so they are even with the front and rear of the square leg frames.

• 4

  Drill two holes down through each of the long boards and into each of the square leg frames.

• 5

  Position a 3/4-by-36-by-48-inch piece of plywood up against the rear of the bench; it should be as long as the bench and extend a little more than a foot above the bench seat. Drill holes every 6 inches through the back of the plywood and into the square leg frames and the seat boards. Attach the plywood to the bench with two 1/2-inch wood screws.

Setting Up the Nook

• 6

  Build as many benches as possible to fill the nook space, customizing the dimensions to fit within the space perfectly and surround a table. Place these benches underneath windows when possible.

• 7

  Slide a large wood dining table with at least 30 inches of leg clearance up to the benches to complete the nook. Surround the table with the additional benches as needed.

• 8

  Remove the benches and dining table from the nook and position them on top of newspaper or sawhorses. Finish the wood of the benches and table by applying paint or stain in a smooth, even coat that follows the wood grain. Allow the first coat to dry for four hours, and then apply two additional coats following the same procedure.

• 9

  Apply multiple coats of sealant to protect the wood from the heavy use that nooks experience, using the same procedure as the paint or stain application. Let the nook furniture dry overnight. Reposition it within the nook area.

• 10

  Cover the finished benches with cushions, pillows and blankets to make the nook a comfortable and attractive eating area.