Building a Kitchen Island in Four Easy Steps

by Dave Donovan

When I purchased my home a few years ago, there were a couple of things that I instantly knew I was going to have to focus on. One was the lack of closet space, and the other was the lack of kitchen counter space. The closet space issue was quickly resolved when I installed some closets in a downstairs room that was large enough to accommodate them, but the kitchen counter issue was a little more difficult to handle. Because the kitchen sided up to the dining room, there was no way I could extend the counters out. So, I figured it was time for a kitchen island.

Kitchen islands, if you have visited the home improvement store anytime recently, can cost quite a bit of money. But, if all you're looking for is some additional countertop space with some extra storage beneath, then here is a simple way to build your own kitchen island in just four easy steps.

Here's what you'll need:
(2) Bathroom vanities
(1) Length of countertop
(1) Backboard of your choice
Wood screws
Finishing nails
Liquid Nails adhesive

The first thing you will have to do is head to your local home improvement supply store to pick up these items. When you're there, measure the length of the bathroom vanities when placed side by side. In the area where you can purchase the pre-made countertops, choose the one you like and have the professionals at the store cut the countertop to your measurements.

Next, when you are ready to assemble the kitchen island, line the vanities up side by side. Use the wood screws to secure both vanities together. You will want to screw them in on the inside of the vanities, ensuring that they sink into the thickest areas of the other vanity. This will help secure the vanities better and prevent sharp screws from entering the storage area were they can cut someone.

Measure the total length and width of the backside of the full unit. Cut your backboard to those dimensions. The backboard is needed to provide your kitchen island with a finished look, so it doesn't look like two vanities secured to each other. You can use bead board, faux wood board or whatever type of board you like. When you have it cut to size, use Liquid Nails to glue it to the backside of the kitchen island. Then use finishing nails around the perimeter of it to keep it in place.

Lastly, use the Liquid Nails to secure the countertop to the top of the kitchen island. Allow it to fully dry for about 24 hours, and that's all there is to it!

You can use your imagination and customize your kitchen island by replacing the countertop with a pre-cut length of plywood topped with kitchen tiles of your choice or you can add casters to give your kitchen island some maneuverability. When you build your own kitchen island, the choices are endless.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.