How to Build a Mobile Kitchen Island
When entertaining guests, a mobile kitchen island cabinet is a great asset to have. Creating your own design and building your own will increase its usefulness. If you have experience working with power tools, then you are on your way to a satisfying project. Be sure to consider the weight of the island cabinet when choosing the casters. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2 pieces 22 by 34 by ¾-inch plywood (ends)
- 2 pieces 22 by 34 ½ by ¾-inch plywood (shelves)
- 3 pieces 4 by 22 by ¾-inch plywood (cleats)
- 8 pieces 1 by 4 by 37-inch lumber (top)
- 4 pieces 1 by 2 by 34-inch lumber (face frame ends)
- 2 pieces 4 ¾ by 33 by ¾-inch lumber (bottom rails)
- 2 pieces 3 by 33 by ¾-inch lumber (top rails)
- 4 pieces 17 ½ by 27 ¼ by ¾-inch plywood (doors)
- Wood Glue
- Bar Clamps
- Casters
- Belt Sander
- 100 Grit Sanding Belt
- 6d Finish Nails
- Skill Saw (or Table Saw)
- Hinges
Instructions
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1
Place all the lumber on a worktable. Apply glue to the edges of the 37-inch lumber and clamp them tightly with the bar clamps. Next, apply glue to the ends of the 33-inch lumber and place one of each width between the 34-inch lumber at the top and the bottom and clamp the tightly with the bar clamps. Let these dry over night.
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2
Place the ends, shelves and cleats on a worktable. Apply wood glue to the bottoms of the ends and secure the cleats to the ends. Measure to the center of one of the shelves and mark it. Apply glue to the long edge of the remaining cleat and secure it the center of the shelf.
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3
Apply glue on the tops of the cleats on the ends. Next, place the shelf with the cleat on top of the two cleats on the ends and secure it to the ends through the ends and into the edges of the shelf. Place the second shelf in the desired place and secure it to the ends with the finish nails. Install the casters at this time in the four corners of the kitchen island making it mobile.
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4
Remove the bar clamps from the lumber and clean off any excess glue. Sand the two frames and the top with a belt sander to smooth the joints.
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5
Apply glue to the edges of one side of the kitchen mobile island and secure one of the frames to it. Be certain the 3-inch rail is on the top. Repeat this for the other side.
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6
Cut the width of the 37-inch top down to 25 ½ inches. Apply glue to the top edges of the kitchen mobile island and secure the top to the cabinet with the finish nails. Set all the nail heads and fill the holes with putty. Install the hinges to the 17 ½ by 27 ¼ by ¾-inch plywood doors according to the manufacturer's instructions then install them on the island cabinet.
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Tips & Warnings
Sand the mobile island as needed before applying the finish. Paint or stain the cabinet before installing the doors.
Wear safety glasses when cutting lumber. Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.
