Create a Kitchen Island With Limited Space
An island in the middle of your kitchen can provide the extra counter and storage space you need; however, you may have a challenge if you don't have enough room for your typical island. By following these generalized guidelines, you can determine if there is adequate space for an island in your kitchen and if not, improvise to make an island work in the space you have.
Instructions
1. Check your measurements for adequate spacing of an island. Permit 36 to 42 inches between your proposed island and the cabinets, if near a regular wall, and a minimum of 36 inches if near an appliance, but 42 inches is best.
2. Mark on the floor with a chalk line your proposed island placement, and walk around the marked area to determine if you need to change edges or shorten the island.
3. Plan your island with placement of sinks, cabinets, appliances, bookshelves, snack bars, wine racks or other options, and decide if space allows for these. If the space feels crowded, it will defeat the purpose of the island.
4. Plan the height of your island to determine if it should be the same as the rest of the kitchen countertops (traditionally this way). Consider whether you want varying height levels with a snack bar, to take advantage of the limited space by building it higher instead of wider.
5. Choose your base material and countertops. Determine if you will do the work yourself or hire it out, and consider the required skills and tools for the job.
6. Measure the inside perimeter of the base cabinet and mark it on the floor. Set wooden cleats, or strips of wood, on the inside measurements on the floor. Find the appropriate method to secure the cleats to your type of floor (different method for tile than for wood, linoleum, etc.). Place a strip of construction adhesive to the outside edge of the cleats, and set the island cabinet over the cleats. Attach the toe kick at the base of the cabinet with a strip of construction adhesive and small finish nails every 6 to 8 inches. Attach your countertop of choice using the appropriate method (different for each type).
Related posts
Kitchen islands add a convenient work area plus extra storage space in your kitchen. An island can also be a comfortable focal point not only just for its eye appeal, but for gatherings of family...
Kitchen island cabinets are installed similarly to cabinets in the rest of your kitchen.Kitchen island cabinets are actually easier to install than the cabinets attached to walls. Some of the same...
The placement of the kitchen island should allow movement around it.A kitchen island is not attached to the walls and stands alone in the middle of the room. You should plan to place a kitchen isl...
A center island is a functional and attractive addition to a generously sized kitchen. It can serve as extra counter and storage room for cooking, cleaning or other tasks. Islands are also archite...
Having a kitchen cabinet that can be moved at will is a nice feature in any kitchen. It allows you to maximize the free space available, without giving up the space you need in the kitchen. You ca...
