How to Build a Kitchen Column (page 1 of 2)

Learn how to build a column on a knee wall to separate the kitchen from the rest of the home.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Measure and Cut Base of Column current page
Router Base Edges current page
Cut a Rectangular Piece current page
Attach the Base current page
Measure for Height of Columns current page
Miter Cut the Four Sides of the Column page 2
Attach Interior Support to the 1x6 Pieces page 2
Assemble the Column page 2
Cut Through Column page 2
Place the Column page 2

Measure and Cut Base of Column

Measure the depth of your knee wall. Cut a piece of 1x8 pine to this length plus 4 1/2 inches. For example, if your knee wall measures 11 1/2 inches, make your cut at 16 inches. This piece will serve as a base for the column.

Router Base Edges

Using a router with an ogee bit, router the edges of the base piece. Leave one of the short edges un-routered.

Cut a Rectangular Piece

Measure the width of the knee wall. Using a jigsaw, cut a rectangular piece out of the base. The rectangle should be 2 1/4 inches deep and as long as the width of the knee wall.

Attach the Base

Put the pillar base on the knee wall and make sure it's level (Image 1). Use shims to correct the level, if necessary. Remove the base and apply construction adhesive to the knee wall. Re-insert the base and re-shim, if necessary. Nail the base into place using the nail gun (Image 2).