Need some more space in your kitchen? Instead of adding onto the room, maybe an island can help get you organized. With these tips and instructions find out how to build your own!
The first step, as with any successful project, is to plan out how big your island is going to be, and what your island is going to be used for. For example, do you want yours to be permanently built in, or do you want it to be built on wheels? How long and wide should it be? Keep in mind that a smaller kitchen won't accommodate a large island; it would just be in the way. You should allow three feet on each side of your island for traffic flow. Do you need just storage and preparation space? Or, do you need a range top to cook on? What about an additional sink?
After you have decided how your kitchen storage and counter island is going to look, and what it's going to contain, it's time to head to the lumber yard to select and purchase materials. Most any type of wood will do, but a hardwood, such as Cherry, Oak, or Maple will hold up better in the long run. You'll also need some two by two's for building the base of the counter with.
In order to begin the actual construction, measure and cut two- two by two's to make the longest sides of the base with. Then, measure and cut two more pieces to make the width. Lay these pieces in a rectangular shape, and screw the ends together using wood screws. Set this assembly aside for now, and repeat the process to make another base.
Depending how tall your storage counter island is going to be, you'll need to measure and cut four more two by two's this length. Insert these pieces into each corner of the rectangular base, and secure them by using wood screws. Place the second base on the top, and secure it down with wood screws too.
Now that you have the base made, it's time to start building the cabinet. Measure and cut pieces of wood to cover the back and top, as well as the sides of your kitchen island. Secure each piece onto the base with wood screws.
Before you finish the front, you'll need to either install wheels on the bottom of the base so you can move your counter island around your kitchen, or, secure it to the floor. You'll need the counter island to be stationary, of course, if you want it to have a sink or a cooking space. And, if you're going to add a sink, for example, now is the time to cut out a space for the basin in the top.
You'll also need to run the plumbing pipe, et cetera. If the top of your kitchen storage and counter island is only going to be a simple countertop, you can install tile or a counter material onto the top.
You'll now need to finish the front of your island. To do this, measure and cut two- one by two pieces of wood that measure the width of the island. Then, measure and cut two more pieces that are as long as the island is. These pieces of wood will make up the frame of the front. Position them and secure them inside the front by using wood screws. Finally, cut out two pieces of wood for the slab doors for your kitchen island. Attach the doors securely onto the base frame with metal hinges.
You can stain or paint your kitchen storage and counter island, or, you can leave the wood natural and just apply a couple coats of a clear protectant on it.
