Kitchen islands are a great way to add extra counter space, a breakfast bar and storage space. Designing and building your own island is not difficult to complete in a weekend. Best of all, building a kitchen island gives you the advantage of having exactly what you want, quickly and for a fraction of the cost. Does this Spark an idea?
Important Considerations
There are two very important factors to consider when building a kitchen island. The first is height. Counters are traditionally 36 inches high. Because this is considered to be the optimum height for counters, a kitchen island needs to be built to the same height. This will make working at the island comfortable.
Any cabinet, carts or tables used to create a kitchen island will need to be at least 36 inches high and because most tables are not, height must be added. The easiest way to do this is to add casters to the table. This not only adds height but also makes the table more portable. Choose locking casters to prevent the table from moving when you need more stability.
You can also add height by replacing the legs of a table with longer ones that will bring the table to the appropriate height.
The second factor to consider when creating a kitchen island is the durability of the work surface. If you are using a table, protect the existing surface or cover it with a more durable countertop.
Traditional Island
For a traditional kitchen, you can use unfinished cabinets to make your own kitchen island. Select at least two cabinets, purchase drawer pulls and cabinet handles that match your existing cabinetry and have a countertop cut to size at your local home renovation center.
Paint the cabinets to match your walls, cover them with matching paneling or stain them to match your other cabinets. Bolt the cabinets together to form a single unit. Bolt or screw the countertop into place. Add door and drawer handles and your project is complete.
Modern Island
If you are looking for a more modern kitchen island, consider using an old science lab table as an island. These tables are the proper height, very modern in appearance and extremely durable. With the addition of a few stools you also have a breakfast bar.
Many science tables have shelves underneath. These shelves are a great place to store extra pots, pans and assorted kitchen items not in everyday use.
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