If you are looking to improve the look of your kitchen, consider building an island. An island can be made of any number of materials. You can use natural stone, laminate, or medium density fiberboard. Your choices depend on your budget, your tastes, and the functionality you need in your kitchen.
When you build an island for your kitchen, you will need to make sure you plan for proper lighting. A kitchen island isn’t just a spot to prepare food, it can also be used as a breakfast bar, snack bar, or just for casual dining. The function you need will help you decide the size of your island.
When you are planning to build an island for your kitchen, you may need to measure the area and mark anchor points for cabinets. Once the cabinets are on site, you can begin building the island.
Some islands have built-in appliances. For example, you can have a microwave installed on the island, or a stove top. Make sure you check with your city to see if you need any permits before constructing an island.
Another important thing to consider when you are building an island for your kitchen is the type of counter. There are many options for countertops, including natural stone, ceramic tile, or MDF. Before you buy a countertop, make sure it is the same height as your cabinet.
If you want to have open shelving on your island, consider adding bead board. This will help protect the wood from moisture. Nails and glue can be used to secure the board to the back of your cabinets.
In addition to storage space, you will need to plan for a place to keep a trash can, and an area to hold cleaning supplies. If you are using a cooktop on your island, don’t forget to store the appliance behind it, if you don’t have a cabinet for it.
One easy way to add a decorative touch is by installing legs. This can be done with the back of the cabinet, or on the side of the island. However, you will need to ensure the legs are sturdy enough to support the weight of the cabinets.
You can even install a recessed light. These are easier to install with standard-height ceilings. It is important to make sure the lights are dimmable, however, so you don’t blind yourself with a high-intensity bulb.
A final consideration is the top of the island. While a stone or ceramic tile countertop is beautiful, it can be hard to clean. So, you will need to have a countertop contractor help you with this part.
After all your materials are on site, you can begin building the kitchen island. Depending on your style, you can have it finished by painting, or by sanding and sealing the wood. Finishing touches can be added once the island is built.
To finish off your island, you can use decorative pieces such as veneer. You can paint your island to match the rest of the room, or add a durable material such as cork.