How Do You Put a Breakfast Bar On Your Counter

First, measure the length of the countertop for the breakfast bar to be installed. Use a measuring tape for this purpose. Divide the length measured by 12 inches and identify the number of braces needed to support the bar. Get your preformed laminate countertop that fits the determined length. Since the installation process is the same, you can consider using a solid surface countertop as well.

Place a couple of countertop braces into the rear cabinet of the countertop with the above part of the brace set even with the bottom of the breakfast bar. Make sure that your breakfast bar has enough room under it for a comfortable seating. You can get braces in any size since they come in a variety of sizes to provide the necessary height. Place each brace about a couple of inches inside the side edges of the bar. Use c-clamps to clamp the two braces in place. Place the carpenter’s level on the two braces. In case the space is too long for a level, go for a flat board for spanning the distance and placing the level on the board. Make sure to adjust the braces in a level, and mark the right location of the mounting holes on the braces’ base against the cabinet using a marker. Now, remove the braces.

Then, empty the cabinets to attach the braces. Drill the holes into the marked brace mounting points using a ¼ inch drill. Drill it to a depth that is equal to the thickness of the wall and thickness of the brace, minus ¼ inch. Now, place the braces back and secure them through the holes using ¼ inch lag bolts. Tighten the bolts using a socket wrench.

Continue placing braces at the similar height every 12 inches for filling the space between the outside two braces. Make sure every brace is level relative to other installed braces before you mark the mounting points and drill the mounting holes.

Set the preformed countertop on the braces now. Make sure it is centered on the two outer braces while the rear edge of the countertop is set against the rear of the braces line. Now, mark the mounting points on the countertop’s base. Drill ¼ inch holes in the base and set the countertop on the braces using lag bolts.