Building a kitchen island can be a breeze. You can either buy a ready-made one, or you can build your own. Before you begin, take measurements of your kitchen and create a blueprint. If you’re not sure what type of island to choose, consult a professional designer. The design you select will help you achieve your desired results.
A kitchen island is a great way to provide additional storage and workspace. It also gives the kitchen a finished look. To create the perfect one, you’ll need some basic woodworking skills. For the most part, you’ll be able to find materials right in your home.
When choosing the materials for your island, consider the countertop’s function and your budget. Granite is popular and durable, but it can be expensive. Alternatively, you could purchase a laminate or tile countertop. Whether you choose stone, ceramic or wood, you’ll want to seal and coat it with a protective coating.
Base cabinets are an excellent choice for your kitchen island. These units offer custom-made storage space, and they match with your existing cabinetry. However, you’ll need to get them to fit the size of your island. In addition, you’ll need to shim the cabinets to keep them from being too tall.
You’ll need to attach the cabinets to your baseboards. The cabinetry can be finished with decorative paneling, beadboard, or a combination of the two. Use the appropriate screws to connect the face frames of the cabinets.
To make your baseboard padding more decorative, you can use a swag of construction adhesive to secure it along the far edges. Also, use a small nail-gun brad nail to secure it to the baseboard.
After the cabinets are finished, you’ll need to install your countertop. While most countertop types are relatively simple to install, it’s important to measure accurately and correctly. Using the wrong measurement can result in headaches.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to test-fit the counter to the cabinetry. This may require removing the drawer tracks or shelves. Afterward, you’ll need to make the necessary cuts to the wood. Ideally, the countertop will be cut to fit the width of the cabinetry.
Once the countertop has been fitted, you’ll need to finish the project by applying food-safe products to the surface. You may also want to apply a bead of construction adhesive around the top edge of the island.
Finally, you’ll need to add a decorative toe kick. One of these should fit into the front side of your cabinets. Another will go across the back of your island. The toe kick should be secure by using 1-inch nail-gun brad nails.
Regardless of your preferences, you’ll need to think about recessed lighting. This is an easy-to-install light fixture, but it can be tricky to set up with a high ceiling.
Other options for a kitchen island include a mobile butcher block station. This is a convenient solution if you need more prep space, but you don’t want to dedicate a large portion of your kitchen to a table.