Making a kitchen island out of base cabinets can be a great way to maximize your counter space and add some functional shelves or cupboards. By removing the upper cabinets, you can create enough space for a range, oven, and fridge, while still having areas for storage. You can also choose to add a countertop, which will give your kitchen the look and feel of an upgraded unit.
Table Of Content
- How To Install A Kitchen Island Yourself To Skip The Expensive Contractor Fee?
- Can You Make A Kitchen Island Out Of Base Cabinets?
- Determine The Placement & Size Of Your Kitchen Island
- How Much Space Should Be Around A Kitchen Island?
- How Many Overhangs Should A Kitchen Island Have Without Support?
- Secure A 2×4 Into The Floor & Put The Base Cabinets Overtop
- Do You Lay The Floor Under Kitchen Island Cabinets?
- Screw The Base Cabinets Together & Into The 2×4 Support
- Install Back Panel, Toe Kick, Kitchen Handles, & Countertops On Kitchen Island
- Conclusion
How To Install A Kitchen Island Yourself To Skip The Expensive Contractor Fee?
Do you want to install your own kitchen island, but dread the thought of hiring a contractor? Check out our tips below on how to make a kitchen island out of base cabinets. First, measure the width and depth of your cabinets and subtract 1 inch from each dimension. This will give you the minimum cabinet depth you need to cut your island platform from. Next, use a jigsaw or saw to cut the desired height and width of your island platform from the base cabinets. Finally, attach the platform to the cabinets using wood screws or anchors. You’re done!
Can You Make A Kitchen Island Out Of Base Cabinets?
Is your kitchen feeling cramped? Do you have limited counter space? If so, consider making an island out of some of the cabinet space! This can be done by removing one or more of the cabinets and using the extra space to create a standalone kitchen area. There are many different ways to make an island out of base cabinets, so explore some ideas below.
- Use a butcher block as your foundation. This will give you plenty of countertop area and can be easily customized with cookware, dishes, and even a sink.
- Create a small peninsula out of one cabinet by removing just enough material to create a usable surface. You can also use shelves and drawers to organize your cooking supplies on this smaller island.
- Transform another unused cabinet into a breakfast nook by installing shelves and seating for two people.
Determine The Placement & Size Of Your Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few key factors to keep in mind when determining where to place yours.
First, consider the layout of your kitchen. Do you have a lot of counter space? If so, you may want to opt for an island that’s closer to the stove or sink. Alternatively, if you have limited counter space, consider a smaller island that sits farther away from the appliances.
Second, think about how much food you’ll be cooking at once. If you’re feeding a large family or entertaining guests often, go for an island with more cooking surface area. On the other hand, if you just cook for yourself most of the time, opting for a smaller island will save counter space.
How Much Space Should Be Around A Kitchen Island?
A kitchen island can be a great addition to any home. It gives you more counter space and can double as a workspace when you need it. But before you make the decision to buy one, there are a few things you should think about.
When designing your kitchen, make sure there is enough space around the island for cookware, dishes, and appliances. A good rule of thumb is to have around 2 feet of clearance on all sides. This way, you’ll have plenty of room to move around and work in comfort.
Another consideration is what type of island to buy. There are three main types: base cabinets with a top made out of solid wood or laminate, mid-sized islands that fit between standard-sized cabinets and dining tables, and full-sized islands that stand alone.
How Many Overhangs Should A Kitchen Island Have Without Support?
Kitchen islands are a great way to increase the usable space in a kitchen. While they can be very versatile, it is important to consider how well the island will hold up when used as a platform for cooking. Many kitchen islands are supported by beams or columns, but if these support structures are not present, the island may be unstable and prone to tipping over. If this is a concern, then it is important to consider whether or not an overhang should be included on the island.
The overhang should be designed based on the weight of the cabinets. That will be placed on it and the type of flooring below. If the flooring is concrete or tile. Then an overhang should not be necessary as the weight of the cabinets will support them.
Secure A 2×4 Into The Floor & Put The Base Cabinets Overtop
Secure a two-foot-by-four inch piece of plywood onto the underside of one of the kitchen cabinet’s top shelves. The plywood in place with screws or nails. This will be your kitchen island.
Stack the remaining cabinets on top of the plywood. Make sure that their bottoms are resting on the screws or nails holding them in place. The result should look like a makeshift kitchen island.
Do You Lay The Floor Under Kitchen Island Cabinets?
Do you lay the floor under kitchen island cabinets? It’s a common practice to do this in order to protect the flooring and to keep the cabinets from shifting. Laying the floor also makes it easier to clean under the cabinets.
If you don’t want to lay the floor. You can attach downright or shelf brackets to your cabinets in order to support them. You can also choose a countertop that is specifically designed for kitchen islands.
Screw The Base Cabinets Together & Into The 2×4 Support
Creating a kitchen island out of base cabinets can be a great way to increase usable counter space in your kitchen. By screwing the cabinets together and into the support. You’ll create a sturdy platform that you can use for cooking or entertaining. You can also choose to paint or finish the cabinet units to give them a unique look.
Install Back Panel, Toe Kick, Kitchen Handles, & Countertops On Kitchen Island
Making a kitchen island out of base cabinets is a great way to increase the space in your kitchen. By installing a back panel, toe kick, kitchen handles, and countertops, you’ll have all the extra countertop space you need. You can also choose to add cabinet doors and drawer fronts to complete the look of your kitchen island.
Conclusion
Making a kitchen island out of base cabinets can be cost-effective. The efficient way to create more counter space in your kitchen. By attaching the cabinets together with hinges or clamps. You can create a large work surface that is both sturdy and portable. Plus, if you opt for butcher block or other unique countertop materials, your kitchen island will be one-of-a-kind.
