How to Build a Kitchen Nook With Dining Seating

Position two 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-18-inch boards parallel to each other with their largest surfaces against the working surface. Spread them about 1 foot apart, and set two additional 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-18-inch boards on top of them to make a square. Keep these boards perpendicular to the original boards and with the corners all adjusted so they are even.

Drill 3 holes into each overlapping board section so there are a total of 12 holes which go through the top boards and into the bottom boards without poking out the other surface of the bottom board. Attach the boards by inserting 2 1/2-inch wood screws in each hole and tightening them down so the screw heads are flush with the surface of the wood. Repeat with an additional four 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-18-inch boards to make two identical leg supports.

Prop up the two leg supports so they are parallel to each other and about 2 feet apart. Have an assistant hold them in place, and place four 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-36-inch boards on top of them, evenly spaced so there are small gaps between these long boards, which are the seat boards. Adjust the seat boards so that the front and back seat boards are flush with the ends of the leg supports.

Drill 2 holes down through each seat board and into each leg support, for a total of 16 holes. Set 2 1/2-inch wood screws in each of those holes, and fasten the seat boards securely to the leg supports with a drill.