DIY Kitchen Prep Table Tutorial

Amateur chefs, party hosts, or big families will love this DIY kitchen prep table for a number of reasons:

• The tabletop and feet are fully customizable, making it a breeze to match the design of any room.
• The adjustable legs allow this table to convert from sitting to standing height in a matter of minutes.
• Assembly is fun and easy, even if you don’t have any DIY experience.

Satisfied DIYer Jeff B. of Charlotte, North Carolina learned all this and more when he built this amazing kitchen prep table using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe. The stainless steel tabletop and the brightly colored metal stools complement his minimalist space.

In this post, we’ll share the simple kit that Jeff used to build his table. We’ll also walk you through how to choose a unique tabletop and the right feet to suit your needs.

Take a look:

Jeff’s Kitchen Prep Table - Project Details

There are several ready-made adjustable height desks and tables on the market, but by opting to build his with Kee Klamp fittings, Jeff was able to repurpose a commercial kitchen prep table top he already had on hand. He then quickly built the base of his kitchen prep table using our basic table frame kit.

However, if you want to create a table that is adjustable in height, you can choose our adjustable height table kit.

In addition to easy assembly, this base has several details that make it such a good option for DIY novices.

For starters, assembling the base only requires a few tools that most homeowners already have on hand. These tools include a measuring tape, level, Allen wrench, and a drill.

Research shows that there are numerous benefits to standing at your workspace, such as weight loss and lowering your risk of heart disease.

By going with the adjustable height kit, it’s possible to test out such a lifestyle change without making a long-term commitment. Plus, adjusting the height of the table is as simple as turning an Allen wrench.

Finally, building a table that is adjustable in height opens up the possibility of countless other uses. The same design would work well for a coworking space, laundry folding station, workbench, family study area, or staging area for parties and gatherings.

How to Build and Customize Your Kitchen Prep Table

Building your own fully customized table requires only three main steps. We’ll walk you through and list suggestions for each step:

1. Choose a Unique Tabletop

Before ordering a table frame kit, you’ll want to decide what to use as a tabletop. There’s no shortage of options out there, so we’ve narrowed down our top three picks to get you started.

Jeff built his table using a stainless steel top with rounded edges. Stainless steel is a good choice for people who plan to use their table for projects that may cause more wear and tear than average. It’s also ideal for spaces designed with an industrial style.

To get the same look, go for a stainless steel top with a wood core, which makes attaching the base a breeze.

For a more conventional style, consider a solid wood top with light grain. This tabletop by Ikea mimics a butcher block countertop but with a more reasonable price tag. It’s also popular with Kee Klamp customers who have made their own desks and workspaces.

Finally, reclaimed wood can give your table a lot of character with the added bonus of being eco-friendly. Reclaimed wood is widely available but may take more digging to find the right piece.

Start your search at reclaimed lumber dealers, architectural salvage yards, or demolition sites. Big box stores like Home Depot sometimes have local deals that are worth checking out too.

2. Order and Assemble the Table Frame Kit

Once you have your top ready, it’s time to order a table frame kit.

Ordering is easy: simply input the length and depth of your tabletop, as well as what you would like the desired sitting height of the base to be. The maximum standing height of the table will be automatically calculated depending on the sitting height you choose.

Our Kee Klamp table frames typically ship within one day after order and can be assembled within minutes of receiving your shipment. For more details and assembly instructions, watch the video on this page.

3. Select the Right Feet

Jeff finished his kitchen prep table using Plastic Plugs to seal off the pipes. Plastic plugs are ideal for people who like a clean, minimalist appearance while being easy on any budget and a snap to put in.

For those who want the feel of a sturdier base, considering using Flange fittings. Flange fittings are commonly used in Kee Klamp projects as feet for tables and desks.

If you’re worried that Flange fittings may scratch your wood floor, cut out a piece of adhesive felt padding the size of the fitting to add as a buffer.

Another option is to use casters for the base. While many casters require an additional plug in order to attach to pipe, our casters come with a stem that is designed to fit the pipe size of your choosing. You can also opt to add brakes when you order.

After you’ve attached the table top and feet to the base, you’re ready to start using your adjustable height table.

Need Help Building Your Unique Kitchen Prep Table?

We hope by now you’re excited to start building your own kitchen prep table using one of our table frame kits. If you want to build a table but you’re interested in making something with a different style, take a look our list of 51 DIY table ideas for inspiration.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’ve provided free design assistance to countless Kee Klamp customers and would be happy to help you complete your own unique project.