All the vertical surfaces in my kitchen are custom cabinets, rough stone, or appliances – nowhere to mount magnetic knife bars. Conveniently, the refrigerator surround is exactly 23 7/8″ deep – the same as a piece of “two-foot” plywood.

I built a simple wooden mount that sits on a counter and leans against the refrigerator surround.

Supplies

• Wood
  • Sanded plywood
  • Poplar board
• Wood treatments
  • 150-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
  • Wood stain
  • Water-based interior polyurethane
• Hardware
  • 2 in. steel zinc-plated corner braces
  • #8 x 1/2 in. Phillips flat head zinc-plated wood screws (14)

Steps

1. Cut the poplar board to 23 7/8″ (actual width of the plywood)
2. Sand both pieces of wood with 150-grit and 220-grid sandpaper. Remove dust with a wet cloth and let dry.
3. Apply a coat of stain to each side of both pieces of wood.
4. Apply three coats of polyurethane to each side of both pieces of wood. Between coats, sand with 220-grit sandpaper and remove dust with a wet cloth.
5. Drill holes for the corner braces.
6. Attach corner braces with 1/2″ screws (the included screws are too long).
7. Attach knife bars with 1/2″ screws (the included screws are too long).