How to Build a Kitchen Island Table

Most people could use a little more counter top space in their kitchen. Islands are a great way to go, but custom can be extremely expensive and kits don't always look so good. Here's an alternative that's equally functional and great looking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Graph paper
• 5 3/4-inch x 1 3/4-inch lumber for counter top
• 34 1/4-inch high table legs or lumber for legs
• 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch lumber for frame
• 5 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch lumber for lower shelf
• Wood screws
• Pocket screws/plugs or biscuit joiner/ biscuits
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Orbital sander
• Stain or paint and lacquer
• Bar clamps
• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• Tape measure

The Plan

1. Measure your kitchen. Translate the layout of your kitchen to graph paper, using the biggest scale possible that still fits on one page.
2. You must have enough room between your cabinets and the table to work. Thirty-six inches is nice, and anything less than 30 is too cramped. Also make sure you have enough room to open any appliances (e.g., refrigerator or dishwasher) and any doors.
3. Try it out on the graph paper. Think like the chef. If you're not the primary cook in your home, bring that person in on the process. It will save you grief later. Also remember, the kitchen island table should be at least 24 inches wide.
4. Now that you've agreed upon size and positioning, move on to section 2.

Building your Kitchen Island Table

5. Cut 5 3/4-inch lumber to length for top. For example: if your kitchen island table is 60 inches long and 35 1/2 inches wide, you would cut 6 planks to 60 inchs long.
6. Sand the long 1 3/4 edges of the planks you just cut.
7. Attach the planks together using either pocket screws or biscuits and clamp making sure all edges and both top and bottom are flush. If you are pocket screwing, clamp before screwing together. If you are using biscuits, clamp after. Set the top aside to dry/set.
8. Make cuts for the frame:
   - cut (4) legs to 34 1/4 inches high
   - cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (if your top is 60 inches x 35 1/2 inches and your legs are 3 inches x 3 inches make this cut 50 inches long).
   - cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (using the above example these will be 25 1/2 inches).
   - cut (1) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch plank to length (using the same example this will be 30 inches).
9. Sand all surfaces. If the top is ready, remove the clamps and sand the top and all edges.
10. Turn the legs upside down and attach (2) longer and (2) shorter 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks flush with the top. Using the above example you will now have a 56 inch x 31 1/2 inch box with the legs at the corners. Make sure you are square.
11. Attach the 30 inch-long 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch plank across the center of the frame (3/4-inch side up and down) using pocket screws. Make sure it is flush with the top.
12. Attach the other (2) longer and (2) shorter planks to the legs with the top the planks 9 1/4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Make sure you are level and square.
13. Cut the 5 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks to length for the shelf. Use the jigsaw to cut in around the legs. Make the shelf equal to the dimension of the frame. Sand the shelf planks. Attach using pocket screws.
14. If you are painting or staining the Kitchen Island Table one color, skip to Step 11. If the top and the frame are to be separate colors, stain or paint now. Let dry.
15. Set the top face down on the floor. Use cardboard or a sheet to prevent scratching the surface. Set the frame upside down on the top. Make sure you are centered and square. The top will be 2 inches longer and wider on each side. Attach using pocket screws. If you haven't painted or stained the table, do it now.
16. Flip the kitchen island table over and set in place.
17. Invite some people over so you can show it off.

Tips & Warnings

• You can attach your kitchen island table to your hardwood floor, but make sure it won't violate code in your state. Many states require attached islands to have electrical outlets.
• Try staining the top a lighter color than the bottom. This makes it look bigger.
• Use a hardwood for the top.
• Don't stain or paint without ventilation.

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