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How to add panels to a kitchen bench
Overview
Adding panels to a kitchen bench is a simple and effective way to bring texture, depth and character to your kitchen. Whether it’s a sleek modern kitchen design, a classic style, or something bold and custom, panels instantly transform a plain surface into a feature. Here’s how it’s done.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Tools and materials
Steps
Measure your bench
Start by measuring the face of your kitchen bench where the panels will be installed. Be as accurate as possible - precise measurements are key to making sure everything lines up neatly and fits just right, especially around corners or edges.
Measure and mark your panels
Once you’ve got your measurements, transfer them onto the panel sheets. Use a tape measure and a straight edge to mark out your cuts clearly. Taking your time here helps ensure clean, accurate cuts and a professional-looking finish.
Cut your panels to size
Use a circular saw to cut your panels down to size. Make sure you measure carefully and mark your cutting lines clearly before you start - remember to offset your circular saw when measuring too. For best results, dry fit your panels by placing them where they’ll go to check that everything lines up just right.
Trace around the skirting board
If your bench has skirting boards, corners, or other obstacles, you’ll need to cut around these features for a clean fit. Carefully trace the shape of the skirting board directly onto your panel, or take precise measurements. Then, use a jigsaw or circular saw to follow the markings and create the cut-outs. This extra step helps your panels sit flush against the wall for a professional-looking finish.
Seal the edges
Before you fix the panels in place, it’s important to seal any exposed or cut edges with a coat of paint. This helps protect the panels from absorbing moisture over time, especially in a kitchen where steam and spills are common.
Apply adhesive and position panels
Apply construction adhesive to the back of each panel in a zigzag pattern for even coverage. When placing the panels onto the kitchen bench, leave a 5mm gap at the bottom to allow for natural movement or expansion. Press each panel firmly into position, starting from one end and working your way across. This ensures your lines stay straight and the finish is tidy.
Nail for extra hold
To help secure the panels while the construction adhesive sets, use a nail gun to add a few nails near the edges of each panel. These will help hold everything in place and are easy to fill and disguise later on.
Fill the gaps and joins
Once the panels are attached, run a bead of filler along any joins and in small gaps where the panels meet other surfaces. This gives you a seamless finish while still allowing for a little movement as the materials expand and contract.
Paint or stain to finish
If your panels are pre-primed, simply apply two coats of paint for a smooth, professional finish. If you’re using raw timber, you might prefer to stain the panels to bring out the natural grain and give your kitchen a warm, textured feel.
Now that you’ve learnt how to add panels to a kitchen bench
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.