DIY Network

Upgrading a Family Room: Finish Bar Top and Install Cabinets From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-105

Put the finishing touches on a new bar top.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project is a 3.

Install Half Wall Top = 3 hours
Remove and Install Vinyl Floor and Replace Bar Top = 5 hours
Finish Bar Top and Install Cabinets = 5 hours
Install Crown and Moldings and Light Fixtures = 5 hours

Total hours spent on Part 2 = 18 hours

We spent approximately $1,900 on supplies. If you were to hire a contractor to do this job, you would probably spend around $3,100. (Instructions continued below)

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Materials:

vinyl adhesive remover
vinyl flooring
heavy-duty vinyl scraper
vinyl adhesive remover
vinyl adhesive
maple bar top
maple top for half wall
router
2" finish nails
maple wood filler
sandpaper
sanding block
heavy-duty scraper or rented power scraper
face mask
floor fan
1/4-inch concrete nails
3/4-inch plywood
2-inch wood screws
3/4-inch piece maple
wood clamps
1-1/4-inch wood screws
120-grit sandpaper
light fixtures
polyurethane
painting supplies
crown molding
baseboard molding
2 x 4 x 8 studs

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

1. Rout out the top edge of a 1 x 2 piece of maple (figure A). This will make all the difference in the look of the top once you have it installed. Cut the corners at a 45-degree angle.

2. Place the routed trim to the edges of the plywood that make up the bar top (figure B). Using clamps will help as you attach the trim. Use 2-inch finish nails all the way around. Take your time and make sure everything lines up straight.

3. Use maple wood filler to fill in the nail holes and then sand the top with a soft sanding block.

4. Give the top the finishing touches by applying a clear polyurethane sealer. Brush it on with the grain of the wood. Once the first coat has totally dried, give it a light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply a second coat of sealer and let it dry.

   Expert Tip: Before you begin applying any stain, you should use a conditioner on the wood, especially porous woods. Using a conditioner first will allow the stain to soak in evenly and it gives you time to wipe off any excess before it is too late.

   Expert Tip:It is always a good idea to test your sealer on a scrap of the same wood you are using in order to make sure the color is what you want.

5. To install the additional cabinets on the right side of the fireplace, locate and measure any wires or outlets that need access through the cabinet. Transfer those measurements to back of the cabinet. Cut out an access hole (figure C) and run your cables through it.

   Expert Tip: If you can't find ready-made cabinets to fit your space, use your yellow pages for a company that specializes in storage solutions. Usually they will come right to your home and help you identify what your specific needs are.

6. Identify where your studs are and attach the base cabinets to the wall (figure D) using 2-1/2-inch wood screws.

7. On the show, the countertop for the base cabinet was a little long. If that happens, you will need to measure the depth of the fireplace and the width of the overhang. Transfer those measurements to the top. Score the marks with a knife to keep the laminated surface from splitting or cracking when you cut it. It is a good idea to put some heavy-duty tape along the edges that remain to keep them from scratching. Cut out the notch using a jigsaw (figure E). We also had to notch out the new half top wall in order for the top cabinets to fit..

8. Attach the countertop to the base cabinet using 1-1/4-inch wood screws and attaching them from underneath. Measure to make sure the screws will go deep enough but not go through the wood.

9. To clean up the edges, we added corner round trim to the half wall (figure F) and another piece at the fireplace.

10. Add the top cabinets.

RESOURCES :
Flooring Basics (Basic Series)
ISBN: 0806958979
Author: Rick Peters
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Paint (Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co.)
Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-525-2222

Fireplace Doors (Hearth and Patio)
Hearth and Patio
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-693-0770

Light Fixtures (American Lighting)
American Lighting
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-694-0028

Cabinets and Upper Units (Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators)
Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators
Knoxville, TN Phone: 865-389-0542

Vinyl Flooring (Broadway Carpets)
Broadway Carpets
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-525-5511

Couch Slipcovers (Waverly Fabrics)
Waverly Fabrics
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-7900
Fax: 212-213-7682
Email: waverly@fsco.com
Website: www.waverly.com

Sunset Ideas for Great Floors
ISBN: 0376011785
Author: Sunset
Order this title from Amazon.
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com

Lighting Design and Installation
ISBN: 1589230957
Author: Editors, Creative Publishing
Order this title from Amazon.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com

Walls and Ceilings: Build, Remodel, Repair
ISBN: 1580110304
Author: Christopher Hoolihan
Order this title from Amazon.
Creative Homeowner Press
Website: www.creativehomeowner.com