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

Miter Cut the Four Sides of the Column

Set the table saw to a 45-degree angle. Rip the 1x6 pine boards down each side of all four boards.

Attach Interior Support to the 1x6 Pieces

Cut two square blocks of wood that will fit into the interior of the column. This will be the extra support to hold the four sides of the column together. Lay one of the ripped 1x6 pieces face down. Put a square interior block on top of the end of the 1x6 piece. Measure out to the height of the column, and place the second square block at that measurement. Put another piece of ripped 1x6 on top of the two square blocks. Use a speed square to make sure the interior blocks are square (Image 1). Nail the top 1x6 piece into the interior square (Image 2).

- Image 1
- Image 2

Assemble the Column

Apply wood glue to a 45-degree edge of one of the 1x6s. Line up the edge of another piece of ripped 1x6 to the glued edge. Flush up the two pieces, then attach using the nail gun. Continue this process for the final two pieces.

Cut Through Column

Mark the column at its intended length (Image 1). Using a speed square, mark this length off on all four sides of the column. Using a circular saw or chop saw, cut through the column one side at a time (Image 2).

- Image 1
- Image 2

Place the Column

Place column on base (Image 1). Make sure it's level, and shim it, if necessary (Image 2). Toenail it into place using 16-gauge nails (Image 3). Apply crown molding to the top, if desired, and stain or paint.