How to Build a Simple Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands create valuable work space.

The kitchen generates the heartbeat of your home. Family occasions find everyone gathering around while food is prepared, and meal preparation goes more smoothly with extra counter space. Adding even a small kitchen island can give you valuable work space, and a professional carpenter isn't necessary to build one. Premade materials and common household tools form the foundation of what you need to build a custom island in your kitchen. Enlist a helper so you can complete the job in a day.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Base cabinets
• Wood shims
• Wood screws
• Power screwdriver
• Utility knife
• 4-foot level
• 1-inch x 2-inch boards
• 1 sheet 1/4-inch-thick cabinet-grade plywood
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Wood glue
• Finishing nails
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Measure the floor space where the island will stand. Allow 3 feet of open space on all sides of the island, notes expert Tim Carter of Ask the Builder. Base cabinets vary in length and depth, so take the measurements with you to purchase base cabinets for this project. Choose two or three cabinets of the same depth, but vary length as you desire to determine the finished length of the island.

2. Arrange the cabinets side by side on the spot you selected. Nudge them together until the face plates touch. Insert wood shims down into the gap between the cabinets behind the front face plate until the gap is filled. Connect the cabinets behind the face plates by inserting a wood screw through the interior side wall of one cabinet, through the shims and into the cabinet beside it. Turn the screws until the gaps are closed and the connection is tight. Trim any excess shim material by scoring it with a sharp utility knife and breaking the shim. Cabinet backs do not have a face plate, so the gap is uncovered. Insert shims into the gaps between the backs of cabinets, and then insert screws from inside the cabinet through the shims and into the opposing cabinet to connect them, explains carpentry expert Ron Hazelton. Place a 4-foot level along the front, back and side top edges. If the island is not level in any area, insert shims under the low end to raise the island until the level's bubble is centered.

3. Measure the length of the island after all the cabinets are connected. Measure, mark and cut and 1-inch x 2-inch boards to match the length of the island. Nail the boards continuously along the back of the cabinet at its top edge with finishing nails. Repeat this step for the bottom edge of the back. Measure the space between the top and bottom boards. Cut one board for each end of the back of the island and nail it into place between the top and bottom boards, completing a square frame attached to the back of the island.

4. Measure the length and height of the island on the back side. Measure, mark and cut plywood to those dimensions with a circular saw. Apply wood glue sparingly to the board frame attached to the back of the island. Align the plywood on the frame and secure it with finishing nails.

5. Don't order the counter until the island is built. Measure the top side to side, back to front and diagonally in both directions. Order your counter based on those dimensions.

Tips & Warnings

• Use upper instead of base cabinets if space is limited; height adjustments may be necessary.

• Trim molding covers a multitude of errors.

• Consult an electrician if your local code requires electrical outlets on kitchen islands.

• Don't insert screws too tightly to avoid splitting the cabinet.

• Open appliance doors to make sure they clear the island's space before you start building the island.

References

• Ask the Builder: Kitchen Islands
• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Design and Build a Kitchen Island
• This Old House: Building a Better Kitchen Island

Resources

• House Beautiful: Kitchen Lighting Ideas