SWING-OUT COUNTERTOP

There when you need it, gone when you don’t

- BRAD HOLDEN

Most workshops just don’t have enough horizontal work space. Sometimes the fix is as simple as adding another bench or table, but in a garage, cars take up all the floor space.

This swing-out butcher block counter is a great solution. It pivots from under your current countertop, giving you more space when you need it. You’ll have to modify cabinets, which is easy if you’re installing new cabinets. For existing cabinets, you’ll have to remove them first.

1 CUT DOWN THE CABINETS

Pull out the cabinets and shorten them to accommodate the thickness of the work surface (A) plus 1/4 in. If you’re working with an existing bank of cabinets, you’ll also need to modify the width to create about a 6-in. gap. The gap allows space for the swingout to rotate and for the narrow leg cabinet that supports the end of the work surface.

2 REINSTALL THE CABINET TOPS

After you’ve cut down the cabinets, reinstall the tops to make the cabinets rigid again. The partial tops of these cabinets came out easily, so I was able to reuse them. If your cabinet tops cover the entire opening and you have to cut them out, you’ll need to make new ones.