DIY Breakfast Bar On A Budget - Quick And Easy

Wenhorse
by Wenhorse
4 Materials
This breakfast bar only cost around $40 for the wood parts and took a couple hours to do and we use it more than the kitchen table now. We plan to remodel all of the cabinets eventually and just didn't want to spend a fortune on a bar for now. It turned out so great though; we're very pleased with it.
Finished breakfast bar ready to enjoy!
We really wanted this eating area because the far seat is at the window where we can see the beautiful wild life where we live. The hardest thing was getting my hubby to agree on the placement. By the way...that's almost all he had to do with this; I did it all by my little ol' self. Go, Girl Power!
The 'Before' picture
This is what it looked like before...the bar stools had stood there for 3 months since we moved in; they were patiently waiting for their owners to make them official! You can see the shelf support laying there. I bought 2 unfinished from hardware store for less than $10 a piece and used left over Dark Walnut stain on them and the pine board for the top.
My cutting & staining work area..lol..
I measured the length of the counter & cut my board. I sanded the rough edges & then stained with the leftover Dark Walnut. It didn't take long at all before it was dry enough to work with.


I used to be terrified of using power tools but after 3 house remodels, I've discovered I really like it but I'm always watching to make sure I don't lose a finger!
The label that came on my board.
$20 for unstained Spruce pine board at Lowe's. I forgot, hubby did go get the board for me...gotta give him credit! lol
Positioning the shelf support on the board!
Attaching the shelf supports to the board...it's coming together!I held the bar in place since it wasn't very heavy; then I used a level and marked it where I wanted it. Used a drill to screw it in and I did stain & attach a cheap 4 foot leftover piece of 1"x4" furring strip on the wall directly under the pine board and between the shelf supports. This was to help support it in the middle since I didn't want to hit my knees on anything. I'd suggest another support in the middle also if you want it sturdier.
3 coats of this soap & water cleanup poly
Varathane Polyurethane in 'Matte' finish. I love this stuff and it's soap and water clean up! Gotta love that. The only place I can find it is Menards and it's usually around $10 to $15 a can there.


Cutting, staining & hanging only took a couple hours and was so easy. That evening, I put a quick coat of the Varathane & the next 2 days, I put quick coat before I went to work and it was done.


We can't believe how easy it was and love having coffee, eating & just hanging out here while I watch the birds at the feeder right outside the window...We are just love it!


Check out my full porch remodel if you want to see a transformation! This house is getting face lifts here and there a little at a time & there's more to come!
Suggested materials:
  • Spruce pine board   (Lowes)
  • Shelf support   (Home Depot (I think))
  • Varathane Polyurethane in matte finish   (Menards)
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5 of 7 comments
  • Tina Bates Butler Tina Bates Butler on Jun 11, 2016
    Well this is GREAT. I too have wanted this in my kitchen, but can't afford a Much needed kitchen remodel. This is a clever and nice looking way to get what you want now, without waiting years to get it! Thanks for posting. Tina
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    • Toi48982695 Toi48982695 on May 01, 2020

      Trying today...thanks for the Girl Power💪🏾💪🏾

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 12, 2016
    This is great! I love the way you are tackling small jobs. When I see what all needs to be done, I get overwhelmed. Please keep posting!
    • Wenhorse Wenhorse on Jun 13, 2016
      @Jewell Martin Thank you so much! This is our 3rd house remodel over the years & we learned as we go. I've already tiled the floor & repainted the cabinets & added a hickory wood plank laminate in one room. Again, this was all by myself. I would've been intimidated years ago but not now! Women (or men) can do more than we think we can sometimes...just got to try! And we have a great resource like HOMETALK to learn from and add to. This is an awesome website!
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