Empty the cabinets where the braces are to be attached. Drill holes into the brace mounting points using a 1/4-inch drill bit to a depth equal to the thickness of the cabinet wall plus the thickness of the brace minus 1/4 inch. Reinstall the braces and secure them through the mounting holes with 1/4-inch lag bolts that do not extend through the back of the cabinet wall.
How does one construct a breakfast bar adjacent to a counter?
Instead of leaving the space under your breakfast bar empty, you can install a row of cabinets for additional storage. If you do, mount the breakfast bar to the cabinets rather than using table legs for support. Remember to leave a small overhang on the back of your cabinets so that you can sit comfortably at the breakfast bar.
Another simple way to add a breakfast bar to your kitchen is to create a peninsula off your existing countertop. Because this breakfast bar will sit flush against your countertops, it looks best when it is constructed from the same material as the remainder of your kitchen counter. Also acceptable is the use of a butcher block countertop.
Again, you may need a professional to cut and shape the edge of the breakfast bar if you’re using natural stone, cement, or another material that requires specialized cutting equipment. 
Cut the breakfast bar top to the desired length and width. If using wood, sand and seal the surface as necessary. Purchase a kitchen cabinet, preferably one identical to your existing cabinets. Install the cabinet adjacent to your counter so that it fits snugly against the cabinetry beneath your existing countertop.
If necessary, use 2x4s to build up the top of the cabinet so that your breakfast bar will sit even with your current countertop. Install the table legs by placing the breakfast bar upside down on the floor. Always ensure that the screws do not protrude through the top of the breakfast bar, and add additional legs if the bar requires additional support.
Place the breakfast bar in position and mount it to the new cabinet. This can be accomplished with construction adhesive or by screwing the bar top in place from underneath at a 45-degree angle. If necessary, apply a bead of clear caulk to the seam between your countertop and breakfast bar to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
If you plan to leave your breakfast bar as a freestanding table, you can also choose a wall-mounted shelf with two brackets on the underside. Purchase table legs in the color of your choice that have been prefabricated. The legs with a top flange are the easiest to use and require no additional brackets or hardware to attach to your breakfast bar.
The IKEA ADILS table leg with part number 537.43 is a fantastic option. Turn the shelf upside down and screw the legs into the desired locations, ensuring that the screws do not extend through the top of the shelf. Place two table legs near the front of the shelf if you are attaching the breakfast bar to the wall.
If you are constructing a freestanding bar, place a table leg in each corner. The IKEA ADILS legs include the necessary screws. Measure the height of your breakfast bar with the legs and install the bracket for the shelf according to the instructions included with the shelf.
- Shelves are constructed in a variety of ways, but installation typically entails mounting the bracket at the correct height and ensuring that it is level.
- The bracket should be secured to as many wall studs as possible.
- Use heavy-duty drywall anchors, such as toggle bolts, if some of the screws won’t hit studs.
Adjust the table legs as needed and slide the shelf over the mounting bracket. Since floors are not always level, the majority of table legs should allow for minor height adjustment. An island can be converted into a breakfast bar with a wide countertop.
View More Images If you have some unused wall space in your kitchen, you can use it to build a peninsula. In contrast to the IKEA hack, which mounts the breakfast bar parallel to the wall, the peninsula method mounts the breakfast bar perpendicular to the wall. Choose the type of top you want for your new bar as the first step.
You may choose to match your existing countertop surface, select a complementary color, or utilize a wood surface. Remember that natural stone and other surfaces are difficult to cut and may necessitate the assistance of a professional who possesses equipment that you lack. 
Choose and prepare the breakfast bar’s toppings. Cut the bar to length and width specifications. If you are using a wooden countertop, sand the top and edges and apply polyurethane. Mark the wall with the thickness of your breakfast bar’s countertop. Mark with a pencil where the top of your breakfast bar will be on the wall.
- Create a new one where the bar’s base will then fall.
- Align a wall-mounted cleat with the line you drew for the bottom of your breakfast bar.
- A cleat is simply a 2×4 mounted to the wall on which the breakfast bar will rest.
- When installed properly, the narrow side of the 2×4 will form the top of the cleat.
Ensure that you are screwing into studs, not just drywall or plaster, when installing the cleat, and keep it level during the process. Install the table legs beneath your breakfast bar by inverting it on the floor and placing it there upside down. Place the legs on the opposite end of the breakfast bar from the wall.
If your breakfast bar is long or heavy, you may wish to install two additional table legs in the middle for additional support. Before screwing the table legs to the breakfast bar, ensure that the screws are not long enough to poke through the bar’s top. Reverse the breakfast bar’s orientation. Place the bar’s end atop the cleat and secure it with screws or construction adhesive.
You desire for the bar’s end to be flush with the wall, but the wall may not be perfectly straight. If not, sand away any excess material from the breakfast bar’s end to make it fit. Adjust the table legs’ feet as necessary to compensate for an uneven floor and maintain a level breakfast bar.
What are the measurements for a breakfast bar?
The IKEA Breakfast Bar Hack – If you have a small kitchen or are relatively inexperienced with DIY projects, this breakfast bar hack is ideal for you. The project begins with a store-bought shelf and flanged table legs, thereby eliminating the need for any cutting or measuring.
It also eliminates the need to manually finish the breakfast bar’s top. This project allows you to mount your breakfast bar to the wall or leave it freestanding, which is ideal for renters who cannot always drill holes wherever they choose. Visit your preferred home furnishings retailer and purchase a floating wall shelf.
If you plan to leave your breakfast bar as a freestanding table, you can also choose a wall-mounted shelf with two brackets on the underside. Purchase table legs in the color of your choice that have been prefabricated. The legs with a top flange are the easiest to use and require no additional brackets or hardware to attach to your breakfast bar.
The IKEA ADILS table leg with part number 537.43 is a fantastic option. Turn the shelf upside down and screw the legs into the desired locations, ensuring that the screws do not extend through the top of the shelf. Place two table legs near the front of the shelf if you are attaching the breakfast bar to the wall.
If you are constructing a freestanding bar, place a table leg in each corner. The IKEA ADILS legs include the necessary screws. Measure the height of your breakfast bar with the legs and install the bracket for the shelf according to the instructions included with the shelf.
Shelves are constructed in a variety of ways, but installation typically entails mounting the bracket at the correct height and ensuring that it is level. The bracket should be secured to as many wall studs as possible. Use heavy-duty drywall anchors, such as toggle bolts, if some of the screws won’t hit studs.
Adjust the table legs as needed and slide the shelf over the mounting bracket. Since floors are not always level, the majority of table legs should allow for minor height adjustment. With a substantial countertop, an island can become a breakfast bar. View More Images If your kitchen has unused wall space, you can use it to construct a peninsula.
- In contrast to the IKEA hack, which mounts the breakfast bar parallel to the wall, the peninsula method mounts the breakfast bar perpendicular to the wall.
- Choose the type of top you want for your new bar as the first step.
- You may choose to match your existing countertop surface, select a complementary color, or utilize a wood surface.
Remember that natural stone and other surfaces are difficult to cut and may necessitate the assistance of a professional who possesses equipment that you lack. Determine the length of your breakfast bar once you have determined its appearance. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may not have enough space for this plan. Choose and prepare the breakfast bar’s toppings. Cut the bar to length and width specifications. If you are using a wooden countertop, sand the top and edges and apply polyurethane. Mark the wall with the thickness of your breakfast bar’s countertop. Mark with a pencil where the top of your breakfast bar will be on the wall.
- Create a new one where the bar’s base will then fall.
- Align a wall-mounted cleat with the line you drew for the bottom of your breakfast bar.
- A cleat is simply a wall-mounted 2×4 that will support the breakfast bar.
- When properly installed, the narrow side of the 2×4 will form the cleat’s top.
- Ensure that you are screwing into studs, not just drywall or plaster, when installing the cleat, and keep it level during the process.
Install the table legs beneath your breakfast bar by inverting it on the floor and placing it there upside down. Place the legs on the opposite end of the breakfast bar from the wall. If your breakfast bar is long or heavy, you may wish to install two additional table legs in the middle for additional support.
- Before screwing the table legs to the breakfast bar, ensure that the screws are not long enough to poke through the bar’s top.
- Reverse the breakfast bar’s orientation.
- Place the bar’s end atop the cleat and secure it with screws or construction adhesive.
- You desire for the bar’s end to be flush with the wall, but the wall may not be perfectly straight.
If not, sand away any excess material from the breakfast bar’s end to make it fit. Adjust the table legs’ feet as necessary to compensate for an uneven floor and maintain a level breakfast bar.
