How to Create a Raised Bar in Your Kitchen

A raised breakfast bar separates your work zone from your entertaining areas, plus it covers kitchen clutter or dirty dishes in the sink. Follow these steps to build a raised bar in your kitchen.

Highlights:

Step 1: Remove Old Countertops
Step 2: Cut Top Plate
Step 3: Cut Stud Spacers
Step 4: Build Wall Extension
Step 5: Install Countertops
Step 6: Attach Brackets for Support

Step 1: Remove Old Countertops

You can add a raised bar to your design if you have a section of your counter that is open on both sides. If this section also includes your sink, a raised bar is a great way to hide dirty dishes.

Step 2: Cut Top Plate

Start by measuring the length of the space you want the countertop to fit in. Next, cut one 2” x 6” board to fit the space as a top plate base for the final countertop.

Step 3: Cut Stud Spacers

Determine how high you want the bar to be above the countertop and cut 2” x 6” stud spacers. Figure in the 1.5” for the thickness of the top plate and also the thickness of the final bar material when measuring the height of these spacers. You will want enough stud spacers to have one spaced every 18” along the length of the new bar space.