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Most kitchens benefit from a little extra preparation room. This freestanding bench is a useful addition to any space-challenged kitchen. Don’t be put off by the woodworking. We’ve used lightweight, easy-to-work-with pine, notching the legs to make recessed joints using a mitre saw and chisel. If yours aren’t perfect, just fill and sand around them before painting. For the top we selected a timber panel with a food-safe finish.
Tip: Always use a chopping board when preparing food to avoid damaging the timber panel.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Using a mitre saw, cut four 880mm legs from 42mm-square pine. From 42mm x 19mm pine, cut four 385mm end rails and four 1180mm side rails. From the 1800mm x 405mm panel, cut a 1260mm top, plunge-cutting from one side then flipping the panel to finish the cut from the other.
On each leg, use a pine offcut to mark 42mm down from the top and a combination square to mark 10mm along the sides of the joint. On the same face, 150mm up from the base, mark either side of the offcut and 10mm along the sides.
Set the saw to cut 10mm deep, using an offcut as a test, then make close cuts within and along the marks. Clamp the legs to clean joints with a chisel.
Set out the legs, with the recessed cuts facing up. Apply adhesive and then position the end rails straight and flush with the sides. Prevent splitting by pre-drilling two holes into each with a combination countersinking bit, securing with 30mm screws so the heads sit below the surface.
Clamp the end frames sideways, positioning the front side rails between them, against the legs and lined up with the top and base rails. Secure with adhesive and screws into the legs.
Position the shelf panel over the base rails, with even gaps at the ends of about 10mm. Pre-drill and countersink holes through the panel, securing into the rails with 30mm screws. Position the backing panel 100mm up from the shelf, flush with the sides of the legs, pre-drilling and securing with screws.
Sand the frame with 120-grit abrasive paper, removing screw breakout and rounding over the edges. Fill the screw heads with timber filler, leaving to dry. Sand the frame with 180-grit abrasive paper, wiping away dust with a damp cloth. Apply two coats of water-based enamel paint with a brush, leaving to dry after each coat.
Position the top and frame upside down, with the backs flush and an even 20mm overhang on the sides. Evenly space two angle brackets along each side, securing into the top and rails with 15mm button head screws. Use a 4mm bit to pre-drill and attach pull handles to the top end rails.
Sand the cut end of the top with 180-grit abrasive paper, rounding over the edges and corners to match the rest of the panel, then wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Touch up the finish by using a clean cloth to apply food-safe benchtop oil over the raw edge, wiping away excess and leaving to dry.
*Timbers vary by state and territory, contact your local store for further information.
Take a look at our step-by-step guide to building a wood and concrete kitchen island.
Photo Credit: James Moffatt and Natasha Dickins
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
