Creating a kitchen island with base cabinets is an easy project that can be completed in just a few hours. You will need to measure the opening in your kitchen, cut the cabinet pieces, and install the cabinets in the designated area. This post will walk you through the process step by step so you can have your own kitchen island in no time!
Measure your Opening for the Kitchen Island
Before you can start constructing the kitchen island, you need to measure your opening. Measure the height and width of the opening of your kitchen. You will cut the cabinet pieces to these measurements and install them in this designated area. This will create an open space below the cabinets which will serve as a large surface to place items that are typically in a kitchen such as dishware, cooking utensils, or appliances.
Measure Opening for Base Cabinets
The first thing you need to do when making a kitchen island with base cabinets is to measure the opening in your kitchen. You’ll want to measure both the width and depth of the opening. For this guide, we’ll use an opening that is 61″ wide and 27″ deep.
Install the Cabinets into the Designated Area
First, you will need to measure the opening in your kitchen. The opening should be wide and deep enough for the cabinets. Next, cut the cabinet pieces. You will need two cabinet faces and two base cabinets. If you have a 60″ opening, the cabinet piece measurements are:
Face A: 60″ x 18″
Face B: 60″ x 18″
Base A: 48″ x 12″
Base B: 24″ x 12″.
If you have a 36″ opening, the measurements are:
Face A: 36″ x 18″
Face B: 36″ x 18″.
Base A: 24” x 12”
Base B: 16” x 12”.
Finishing Touches to your Kitchen Island
Once you have the cabinets in place, it is time to finish them off. You can choose from many different finishes that will coordinate with your kitchen. One popular option is an oil-rubbed bronze for a rustic look or even a dark wood finish for a more traditional kitchen.
You may also want to consider adding glass doors to the front of the cabinets to hide any unsightly items. This will keep your kitchen looking tidy and clean at all times. A final touch maybe a door handle that matches the rest of the hardware in your home. And voila! You have created a beautiful new kitchen island with base cabinets!
What is a Kitchen Island?
A kitchen island is a multi-functional appliance that can be used as a place to prep food, eat meals, store dishes, cook, and more. It’s usually located in the center of the kitchen and may have additional features like a sink or stove.
One way to create your own kitchen island is by purchasing a premade cabinet. This might be an economical option for people who are not handy with power tools or do not want to make the investment in time that it would take to build one from scratch. However, if you’re looking for more customization options and want to save money by building your own DIY kitchen island, you have many different options. You could choose any type of base cabinets you like (depending on your design preference) and add legs or wheels to them so they become mobile. The other two popular options are installing cabinets into an existing wall or making your own base cabinet frame out of wood.
How to Create Your Own Kitchen Island
Measure the opening in your kitchen
Draw up a diagram of how you want your cabinets to be positioned.
Cut the cabinet pieces to size
Install the cabinets
Paint your kitchen island with an oil-based paint or stain.
Install Drawers and Countertop
Measure the opening in your kitchen to determine how long you want the base cabinet to be. Many kitchens have an L-shaped design with a wall on one side and an open kitchen on the other. This will require two cabinets on either side of the opening. Just make sure that each cabinet is at least as tall as what’s going on the wall so that it doesn’t look too short.
Next, install any drawer slides into the drawers before installing them into the cabinet. Then, measure your countertop and cut 45-degree angles from both corners of each corner piece at a 45-degree angle. Attach these pieces to the bottom of your countertop, but don’t attach them to one another just yet! You will need to install these pieces later once you have installed all of your base cabinets.
Add Electrical Outlets
Before you install the cabinets on top, you will need to make sure that they have proper electrical outlets. Make sure there is a minimum of two electrical outlets in the island area.
Finish with Paint or Staining
Once the cabinet is installed, you will want to finish it with paint or staining. You can paint the cabinets any color you want. Or you can any color as well. You may choose to make it match your home’s interior design, or have a fun and funky new look for your kitchen island area!
Conclusion
If you want to create an original and functional kitchen island, you can follow these steps.
Measure the opening for the island and the opening for the base cabinets. Install the cabinets in the designated area and make sure to add everything from drawers to electrical outlets. Choose between paint or staining for your final touch.