DIY Network

Kitchen Overhaul: Breakfast Bar, Tile Floor, Cabinets and Backsplash A dated kitchen gets the Sweat Equity treatment with tile flooring, new cabinets and backsplash. Check out more value-enhancing projects from Sweat Equity From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-213

	Before
	After

Homeowners Eddy Koss and Joan Fanganello are sinking $20,000 into an update for their outdated kitchen. But, delays and complications turn this basic remodeling job into epic challenge.

Projects in this Sweat Equity transformation include:

• build a breakfast bar
  
• tile a kitchen floor
  
• install cabinets
  
• install a backsplash

Follow the project to the end to see how well this project faired in terms of adding to the home's equity.

The first project on the list: installing a breakfast bar. Following is a summary of the steps as seen in this Sweat Equity project, along with a list of tools and materials used.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	The finished breakfast bar, with countertop and cabinetry installed.

Project 1: Installing A Breakfast Bar

Having targeted their kitchen as their investment project, Eddy and Joan replace an interior wall with a small knee-wall breakfast bar, a great way to expand the kitchen and add value to the home.

Materials:

2x4's
measuring tape
level
framing gun
circular saw
compressor
safety glasses

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

Steps:

• Measure the space where the breakfast bar will be installed (figure A).

• Following your measurements, cut your 2x4's to the proper lengths (figure B) and build a simple frame that will form the skeleton of your bar.

• Set your boards into place, one board to form top, one the bottom and supports placed each at 16" on center. Secure your boards with a framing gun. For this part of the procedure, it will help to have an assistant hold the pieces in place as you secure them with the framing nails (figure C).

• Set your bar into place and check level and plumb (figure D).

• Shim, if necessary, to achieve proper level.

• Attach to your floor with a framing gun (figure E).

• Drywall your bar, and install your cabinetry and countertops to complete the project.

Page  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5