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Before you do anything you'll need to measure your space – as these will be the specs you'll be working to, so make sure you get them right. Check and double check!
Once you've done this, it's time to cut your timber. First up, measure and cut your plywood. You can ask a team member at your local Bunnings store to do this for you. While you're there you can also ask to have your dowel cut – we are using a gorgeous Tasmanian Oak Semi-Circle dowel. This usually comes in long pieces, so chances are you'll need to get them trimmed to match the size of your plywood backing board.
When you've got everything measured up and ready to go, it's time to glue your dowel down – we used liquid nails and a corking gun for this. Make sure you use slow and controlled movements when you're gluing – and don't go overboard with how much you use. Attach your first piece of dowel to the board and make sure it's flush to the edge so it's nice and straight. A good way to make sure it's straight is to nail that first piece of dowel to your board – that way it won't move as you're fixing the rest. A hammer and nails works well for this, but we used a brad gun as it was quicker and easier (make sure to use eye/ear protection when using this power tool – it's loud!).
Once you've affixed that first piece, you're good to glue on more of your dowel (they won't need nails, but just make sure you keep them straight). About a third of the way down, hammer in more nails into a piece of the dowel to keep you on track.
Your dowel feature should be almost complete – all that's left is to nail that final piece in and plug any holes with wood filler – use a steel filling blade to do this.
After you've filled any holes with putty, sand those areas back and make sure they are as smooth as the rest of your feature – a 180-grit sanding block should do the job. Clean away any excess filler with a damp cloth. Once this is done you're ready to coat with a layer of varnish. Use a paintbrush, or 100mm roller and apply with long, even strokes.
Make sure the underside of your bench is clean and free of dust. Use a caulking gun to apply construction adhesive liberally to the back of the plywood. Position against the bench and apply some pressure until it's stuck. If you're using more than one plywood backing board, repeat the process until all your panels are secure.
Yes, it was THAT easy! Your kitchen doesn't have to be the only room this feature is used in – it also looks great in bedrooms as a feature wall or decorative headboard above your bed. The options are endless!
There's plenty more where that came from in out Make It Yours series or check out more projects from episode one.
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.
