There are many ways to place nontraditional countertops in 20-20 software. This month we focus on scaling a pony wall using a method that involves fewer steps and does not require a corner miter.

Often we place a wall behind an island or peninsula at a finished height equal to about 6 inches above the corresponding cabinetry. Framers call this a pony wall, and typically the rough frame height of the wall is 40½ inches.

  • Pony wall: Begin with a pony wall placed behind cabinetry, shown here in an island configuration. Reduce the wall's height to 40½ inches by clicking on Edit, Wall Properties.
  • Add countertop: With the wall height adjusted (and the angled corner built to correct offsets), add the countertop via Design, Countertop and Trim.

Next, scale the countertop to the display grid. Because the countertop depth on this wall will be 18 inches (12 inches overhang, plus 4½ inches of wall, plus 1½ inches of interior overhang), we will change the display grid output from 12 to 18 inches.

  • Scale display grid: Right click away from the plan and pick Display Settings. Switch to the Work Area tab and change the Grid Spacing to 18 inches (be sure that Display Grid is checked).
    Choose Apply and OK at the bottom of the Display Settings dialog box.
    When you return to the plan, your display grid will be spaced as 18-inch squares.
  • Select countertop: Relocate your drawing on the screen to give you plenty of room to work within white space. We will size the new top in this area.

From the Catalog Browser box select Room Top in the drop-down menu. Double click Countertops and then double click Pre-Defined Tops. Choose the CRNR135R top and drag and drop to the plan.

  • Set top: Right click the top to rotate; right click to move and set the top to vertical with an interior line aligned with the grid.
  • Align top: Right click the top to enter Edit Shape. Right click the top again and choose Surface Item, then Scale. Left click and hold in the point inside the top at the junction of the 135-degree angle. By moving the mouse up or down, the top will re-apportion itself. Click when the left edge is aligned with the grid.

You have created a scaled 18-inch deep top without the need for interior joints. You can now use the Up/Down command to raise the top to 40½ inches, rotate it to the correct angle, and place it on the wall where the edges can be stretched.

The Stretch command can also be used on an auto-designed counter-top. Practice this unusual command sequence to master countertops in 20-20. —Nick Ritota, CKD, is senior design and software trainer for Merillat Industries. He is a featured speaker throughout the country on product, design, and CAD software; [email protected].