Blog / Home Renovation Tutorials: DIY Breakfast Nook

October 23, 2023

There’s something charming about a breakfast nook. It’s the perfect spot to start your day, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share meals with family and friends. While you might think that creating a cozy breakfast nook requires hiring a professional, it’s actually a project you can tackle yourself with some basic tools, materials, and a little bit of creativity.

Materials You’ll Need to Build a Breakfast Nook

Before you start your project, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Lumber – 2″ x 4″ for frame and 1″ x 4″ pine for trim (you can also use molding)
• Plywood: For the bench seats and backrest, use plywood that’s at least ¾ inch thick
• Screws: You’ll need various sizes of wood screws.
• Power Drill
• Circular Saw
• Miter Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Sandpaper and Sanding Blocks
• Wood Glue
• Clamps
• Paint or Stain
• Cushions and Upholstery

Building Your Breakfast Nook

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to start building your breakfast nook. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Measure and Plan: Measure the available space for your nook and sketch out a design. Consider the dimensions of your table and seating area, ensuring there’s enough room for comfortable seating and movement around the table.
2. Prep your space: To make clean up a breeze, install Trimaco’s X-Board temporary floor protection on the floors to prevent damage from dust and paint.
3. Cut the Wood: Use your circular saw and miter saw to cut the lumber and plywood to the required lengths and angles according to your design.



4. Assemble the Bench: Assemble the bench by creating the framework with 2×4 lumber. Reinforce with wood glue for added stability. Attach the seat and backrest using screws and wood glue and use clamps for a secure fit. Be sure to wipe away any excess glue.
5. Sand and Finish: Sand all surfaces to smooth out any rough spots or edges. Apply the paint or stain of your choice. Be sure to use painter’s tape to mask off the area you’ll be painting or staining to avoid mistakes.
6. Install Cushions and Upholstery: You can either create custom foam cushions or buy cushions and pillows from a home goods store.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to complete this project?
The time required depends on your skill level and what your design entails. With materials gathered, it could easily be a weekend project.

Can I customize the size of my breakfast nook to fit my space?
Absolutely! Customization is one of the benefits of any DIY project. You can create an L-shaped nook or a simple straight bench. Adjust the dimensions to fit your space and preferences.

Do I need advanced woodworking skills to build a breakfast nook?
While basic woodworking skills are helpful, this project can be done by beginners.

Elevate Your Dining Area with a Breakfast Nook

Creating your very own DIY breakfast nook can be a rewarding and budget-friendly project that adds warmth and functionality to your kitchen. With the right materials, tools, and a little patience, you can enjoy many mornings in this elevated eating area.

For more tips from Trimaco, visit our blog. Have more DIY projects lined up? Make sure to check out our catalog for all your jobsite protection needs, from temporary floor protection and PPE to masking paper, wiping cloths, and dust containment, Trimaco has you covered.