DIY For Rhode Island Homeowners: Build A Kitchen Island

Upgrading the kitchen in your Rhode Island home is a smart way to bring in more appeal and personality that reflects your lifestyle. Why not start with the addition of a kitchen island?

Designing and building an island is a great way to give your kitchen an instant makeover. A kitchen island can also provide you with more storage space as well an informal dining area for family and friends. Even on a small budget, with a bit of planning and time, you can build your own DIY island and transform your kitchen into a room you want to spend more time in. Here’s how.

Step 1: Design and Planning

Think about how you want to use your new kitchen island:

Additional counter space for food prep and storage

Having extra counter space means you’ll have more room to bake and cook. Consider adding extra cupboards and drawers to the island to store dishes, pots and pans, and cooking utensils. Search online or at your local home improvement store for some unique storage options.

Additional cooking area

If you’re planning on using your island for cooking, you’ll need to allow at least 18 inches of free space along the sides of the cooktop. You’ll also want to choose countertop material that’s resistant to heat, such as metal, stone, or tile. Another requirement if you’re going to be cooking on your kitchen island is a ventilation system to eliminate cooking smells. Install a downdraft fan behind the cooktop along with a ceiling exhaust fan.

Informal dining

Having an island with seating provides you with an informal area for dining or having your morning coffee. To fit chairs or stools along the countertop you’ll need to build the countertop at just the right height:

• Kitchen chairs – 28 to 30 inches high
• Low stools – 36 inches high
• Bar stools – 42 to 48 inches high

Build a kitchen island with the help of a HomeAdvisor contractor in Rhode Island.

Island size and placement

Islands can take up a fair amount of space in your kitchen depending on the size. Plan for a minimum size of 4 feet long and 2 feet wide for both comfort and functionality. Install your island in an area where it doesn’t obstruct foot traffic and where any cupboards and drawers can be easily accessed.

Island Lighting

Kitchen islands require adequate lighting. Choose recessed lighting for average height ceilings, which will provide enough illumination over the entire counter space. For higher ceilings opt for pendant lighting, which can be installed directly overhead.

Step 2: Building Your Kitchen Island

Once the design and planning stages are complete, you’re ready to build your kitchen island. Search online for detailed instructions to build the right island to fit your kitchen and style. You can DIY in a weekend for a basic small island and take longer for more complex projects that require more planning and work. Follow instructions when assembling pre-manufactured cabinets and make sure to paint or stain before installing the countertop. Leave the installation of kitchen hardware until last.

If you’re not an experienced DIYer, you can call a professional for expert help. A kitchen remodel contractor has the expertise needed to install cooktops, sinks, and electrical outlets.

For help building the perfect kitchen island contact a HomeAdvisor design and remodel expert in Rhode Island.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.