Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
BUILT-IN BUFFET
Here’s how
STEP 1 Cut and fit length of MDF to act as a kickboard. Make height of kickboard 100mm so benchtop will be 920mm high. To support back of cabinets near wall place 2 timber blocks there that are level with top of kickboard.
STEP 2 Assemble flat-pack cabinets. Clamp together so front faces are flush, screw together with 28mm screws. Lift cabinets onto kickboard, predrill and screw through back of cabinets into wall studs with 75mm screws. STEP 3 Cut up the pantry end panel to create the open shelves below benchtop. Make the overall height of this section 100mm putting uprights at each end and in the centre
of the section. Slide onto the top of the base cabinets then screw up through cabinets into the panels using 28mm screws.
STEP 4 Cut the benchtop to length and width to suit your area. Apply 1 coat of limewash to the benchtop and leave to dry. Spread PVA glue to the top edges of the open shelf upright and sit benchtop on them. Leave glue to set.
STEP 5 Cut decorative panel to suit distance between benchtop and wall cabinets, here 1 metre. Also cut to width to suit width of space. Make distance from wall at each side to nearest groove equal at both sides. Apply 2 coats of acrylic paint to panels, allowing to dry after each coat.
STEP 6 Apply construction adhesive to backs of wall lining and press against wall. Use straightedge to make sure sheets are firmly against wall and are all flat.
STEP 7 Assemble and join slimline cabinets. Lift into position so back of cabinets sits on top of lining sheets. Predrill and screw cabinets to wall studs.
STEP 8 Attach doors to flat-pack cabinets, drill for and fit knobs. Cut skirting that matches existing and fix it to kickboard for builtin look. Have electrician install light fittings.