Wood Counter Display Units
Wood Counter Display — A Step-by-Step Guide
Counter display units don’t get enough credit. They hold your merchandise, add character to your space, and—when designed right—make customers say, “Ooo, nice setup.” At Handyman and Designs, we put just as much focus on style as we do on strength, which is exactly what we delivered for Milton B, a restaurant located in Montréal. Curious about other projects? Then check out our renovations project of a Gallery Studio – Here.
Ready? Let’s dive in before your coffee gets cold.
Table of Contents
Step ##: Requirements for a Functional Wood Counter Display Unit
Since these two units were built for a commercial restaurant, we kept the following in mind during the design phase:
- Each compartment needed to fit a standard chocolate bar.
- Compartments should be reconfigurable to accommodate various item sizes.
- A tiered layout so shoppers can easily see each item on display.
- Aesthetic match with the counter: natural wood exterior, white interior compartments, and a black base for contrast.
With the above specs in mind, we got to work! If you’re considering a broader refresh, our cabinet & renovation services showcase more custom builds.
Step #1: Step 1 – Sketch and Plan Your Custom Wood Counter Display Design
As highlighted in our Custom Wood Counter build, sketching is the first and arguably most important step. It maps your design, validates dimensions, and lets you iterate. Try a quick pencil sketch or a rough 3D pass with 3ds Max or Blender. When planning, think about traffic flow and reach; our studio renovation gallery has examples of ergonomic layouts.
Step #2: Materials List for a Durable Wooden Countertop Display
After choosing the location and planning the design, gather your materials. Beyond assorted wood, you’ll need screws, nails, varnish, paint, and adhesive. If you’re new to stores like Réno-Dépôt or Home Depot, plan a little extra time to find everything. For bigger projects or custom cabinetry, see our handyman services.
Step #3: Cut Boards and Parts to Size with Clean, Accurate Edges
With measurements locked, start cutting to size. Use a sharp blade for cleaner cuts and fewer splinters. Assemble according to plan.
If using adhesive, clamps help maintain alignment while curing. Take your time and be precise so the display is sturdy. Heavier builds might call for screws or nails, but for smaller shelves and compartments, glue-only assemblies can be sufficient when clamped properly.
Step #4: Fill, Sand, and Prep the Wood for a Smooth Finish
Inspect for cracks or gaps and fill with wood putty. When cured, sand the entire surface for a smooth, clean finish. Take your time — nobody wants splinters. Sand progressively until the surface is buttery smooth and ready for finishing.
Step #5: Apply Stain, Sealer, or Varnish for Protection and Pop
Finally, if you prefer a different tint, apply a stain. Most stains can be applied with a cloth; wipe the excess for a streak-free look. Once fully dry, it’s time to seal your work. Ideally, use a stain and sealer from the same brand for compatibility. Some sealers require light sanding between coats — follow the label and you’ll get a great finish. You’ll end up with a water-resistant, often scratch-resistant showpiece. Nice work!Final Note: Quick Summary and Next Steps
That’s it! A quick step-by-step guide to building a wood counter display. With smart planning and a little patience, you can create a professional-looking unit. Remember: take your time and double-check measurements. As the saying goes — “Measure twice, cut once.” If you’d like help or a turnkey build, contact us, or check out Woodwork101 for structured learning.
Tool Recommendations
Outils recommandés
Note: When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn commissions from Amazon, ClickBank or other retailers at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on our personal and professional experience using products we suggest, and we recommend them because we believe they are genuinely helpful, not because of the small commissions we may receive. Please only purchase a product if you believe they will help you achieve your goals.
Note : Lorsque vous effectuez un achat via nos liens, nous pouvons recevoir des commissions d’Amazon, ClickBank ou d’autres détaillants, sans frais supplémentaires pour vous. Nos recommandations sont basées sur notre expérience personnelle et professionnelle avec les produits que nous suggérons, et nous les proposons parce que nous croyons qu’ils sont réellement utiles, pas à cause des petites commissions que nous pourrions toucher. Achetez seulement si vous pensez que ces produits vous aideront à atteindre vos objectifs.
BOSCH GCM12SD 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw
Let’s be honest: this Bosch isn’t the kind of saw you pick up on a whim. It’s an investment. But it’s the saw pros brag about—clean, accurate cuts every time, compact enough to park against a wall, and dust collection that saves you hours of sweeping. We don’t own it yet (our workshop’s still under construction), but it’s already reserved a spot in our future tool lineup.
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Scie à onglets coulissante BOSCH GCM12SD 12 pouces
Soyons honnêtes : cette Bosch n’est pas le genre de scie qu’on achète sur un coup de tête. C’est un investissement. Mais c’est la scie dont les pros se vantent : des coupes propres et précises à chaque fois, assez compacte pour se placer contre un mur, et une collecte de poussière qui vous épargne des heures de balayeuse. On ne l’a pas encore (notre atelier est encore en construction), mais elle a déjà une place réservée dans notre futur arsenal d’outils.
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WEN VC4710 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Don’t let the size fool you—this compact WEN shop vac pulls with 5hp of suction that surprises everyone the first time they hear it roar. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and fits in the van without a fight. We haul it around to job sites all the time, and it handles dust, debris, and even the occasional puddle like a champ.
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Aspirateur sec/humide WEN VC4710 5 gallons
Ne vous laissez pas tromper par sa taille—cet aspirateur WEN compact offre une puissance d’aspiration de 5hp qui surprend tout le monde la première fois qu’on l’entend rugir. Il est léger, facile à transporter et se glisse dans la camionnette sans problème. On l’amène régulièrement sur les chantiers, et il gère la poussière, les débris et même les petites flaques d’eau comme un vrai champion.
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LePage Pro Carpenter Glue
Ask any carpenter: good glue makes great projects. Lepage wood glue might not make noise like a saw, but it’s the silent strength behind every joint. High tack, solid grip, and dependable drying—this is the bottle that earns its keep on the workshop bench. Cabinets, tables, chairs? This holds it all together (literally). It's a must for both pros and DIY'ers!
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Colle à bois Pro LePage
Demandez à n’importe quel menuisier : une bonne colle fait de grands projets. La colle à bois LePage ne fait peut-être pas de bruit comme une scie, mais c’est la force silencieuse derrière chaque joint. Forte adhérence, prise solide et séchage fiable—c’est la bouteille qui mérite sa place sur l’établi de l’atelier. Armoires, tables, chaises ? Elle tient tout ça ensemble (littéralement). C’est un incontournable autant pour les pros que pour les bricoleurs !
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Tool Purchases to AvoidAchats d'outils à éviter
Not every tool on the shelf is worth a spot in your precious toolbox. Skip the ones that slow you down, break too soon, or test your sanity more than your skills—the list below highlights a few worth avoiding.
Tous les outils sur la tablette ne méritent pas une place dans votre coffre. Évitez ceux qui vous ralentissent, qui cassent trop vite ou qui mettent plus à l’épreuve votre patience que vos compétences—la liste ci-dessous en présente quelques-uns à éviter.
Mastercraft Sliding Mitre Saw
The Mastercraft sliding miter saw often shows up on sale, and just as often, it shows up back at the returns counter. The problem? Those sliding rails. Instead of gliding smooth, they tend to stutter and stick, which makes precision cuts feel more like guesswork than craftsmanship. If you’re serious about woodworking, you’ll end up frustrated fast. We’ve seen it, we’ve tested it, and honestly—we don’t recommend any of Mastercraft's miter saws.
Scie à onglets coulissante Mastercraft
La scie à onglets coulissante Mastercraft apparaît souvent en rabais… et tout aussi souvent au comptoir des retours. Le problème ? Les rails coulissants. Au lieu de glisser en douceur, ils ont tendance à accrocher et à bloquer, ce qui transforme les coupes de précision en approximations. Si vous prenez l’ébénisterie au sérieux, la frustration viendra vite. On l’a vue, on l’a testée, et franchement—on ne recommande aucune des scies à onglets de Mastercraft.
Fixed Miter Saws
A Fixed Miter Saw can chop, but when you try to cut anything wider than a 2x4, you’ll hit the brakes HARD! The lack of a rail means your projects will feel stuck in “Start Game” mode forever. Investing in a sliding rail model gives you flexibility, cleaner cuts, and fewer regrets down the road. Spend the few extra bucks, and save the headaches!
Scies à onglets fixes
Une scie à onglets fixe peut couper, mais dès que vous essayez de trancher plus large qu’un 2x4, vous allez freiner SEC! Sans rail coulissant, vos projets resteront coincés en mode « Débutant » pour toujours. Investir dans un modèle à rail coulissant vous donne plus de flexibilité, des coupes plus propres et moins de regrets à long terme. Dépensez quelques dollars de plus et épargnez-vous les maux de tête!
Mastercraft Drill Press
On paper, the Mastercraft drill press looks fantastic: solid specs, adjustable speeds, and the promise of clean, accurate drilling. But specs don’t drill holes—machines do. And when we tested this one, the chuck wobbled like it had too much coffee. Precision holes? Forget it. You can line up your workpiece perfectly, but the bit will wander anyway. We wanted to like it, but after a few shaky attempts, we packed it back up.
Perceuse à colonne Mastercraft
Sur papier, la perceuse à colonne Mastercraft a l’air fantastique : bonnes spécifications, vitesses réglables et la promesse de perçages propres et précis. Mais ce ne sont pas les spécifications qui percent des trous—ce sont les machines. Et quand on a testé celle-ci, le mandrin branlait comme s’il avait trop bu de café. Des trous précis ? Oubliez ça. Vous pouvez aligner votre pièce de bois parfaitement, mais la mèche va quand même dévier. On voulait l’aimer, mais après quelques essais tremblotants, on l’a remise dans la boîte.
Your Counter Questions, Our Handy Answers
We don’t just build counter display units—we give them personality. From the first sketch on a coffee-stained napkin to the last screw tightened, every project gets a dose of precision and a sprinkle of attitude. Counters don’t have to be boring, and yours definitely won’t be.
- Want to see more real-world builds? Explore our Custom Build Projects
- Curious about pricing and process? Check out our Handyman Rates
- Looking for everyday DIY know-how? Browse our Blog
- Thinking of your own custom project? Reach us via our Contact Form
At the end of the day, a counter isn’t just a surface—it’s a stage for your products, a reflection of your brand, and the detail that tells clients you care. Ours are crafted strong, clean, and built to transform “cluttered” into “captivating” every single time.
