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How to Build a Kitchen Island in Seven Easy Steps

Add workspace to your kitchen with an island. Try more high-speed projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It.

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-203 -- More Projects »
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Before: Lots of Unused Space
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After: An Island Adds Seating and Work Areas
Materials:

Two 30-inch base cabinets
Four 1x4 toe kicks
One countertop
One Sheet 1/2-inch MDF for back panel
40 1-5/8 inch screws

Tools:
Click on the links in the list below to shop for these items on the Lowe's website.
cordless drill with battery and magnetic screw tip
level
measuring tape
pencil

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Figure A
Steps:

1. Sketch out a plan for your island (figure A). This project used two 30-inch cabinets to serve as the base for the island. This will make a 24 x 60-inch base that was topped with a 39 x 73-inch butcher block counter. This provided an overhang on the back and one end for stools.

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Figure B
2. Assemble the cabinets according to the manufacturer’s instructions (figure B).
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Figure C
2. Build the toe-kick as a separate piece (figure C). Build a box out of 1x4s sized 21 x 54-inches.
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Figure D
3. Set this box into place in the kitchen, and attach it to the floor using L brackets (figure D). This will make it safer, in case the kids decide to climb onto the counter and stand on one of the cantilevered ends. If you have a tile floor in the kitchen, insert the screws into grout lines to avoid damaging tiles. If you decide to remove the island later, you can fill in the holes with grout.
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Figure E
4. Set the cabinets on the toe kicks and secure them with screws. Also secure the cabinets to one another using screws (figure E).
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Figure F
5. Set the counter on the cabinets (figure F). On the door side, you want a 1-1/2 inch overhang. There will be about 15 inches hanging over on the back side.

6. Attach the counter by screwing up thru the cabinet using 1-5/8 inch screws.

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Figure G
7. Attach the doors using the included hardware (figure G).
Also in this Episode
Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-203
•Installing Kitchen Tile Backsplash
•How to Build a Kitchen Island in Seven Easy Steps
•Build a Hanging Pot Rack
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