Yes, it is possible to make a kitchen island with base cabinets. A kitchen island is a great way to add more storage, counter space and seating to any kitchen, and using base cabinets is a cost-effective way to do it.
If you plan ahead, you can buy ready-made cabinets that match your kitchen decor or you can be creative and design your own island.
Start with some basic measurements of your kitchen and build an island that fits the space. Take into account the countertop and overhangs. Your base cabinets should be between 34 inches and 36 inches tall.
Consider how bulky your countertop will be and make sure you have at least 18 inches of workspace past each side of the island. Once you have your dimensions finalized, decide what kind of base cabinets to use.
You can design an island with multiple cabinets around the perimeter, one long cabinet on the side and a sink or cooktop in the middle, or incorporate a counter turned into a breakfast bar on one end.
You can also stack cabinets or hang floating shelves on the walls. Consider what type of materials you want to use for the island. This may mean using new cabinets, or scavenging from another space. You may already have some unused base cabinets in the garage or basement that you can repurpose.
Once your cabinets are in place, consider how you want to customize the look. You can put in countertop overhangs and supports, add a crown molding, add a few coats of stain, or even tile and add some decorative accents.
You can also paint or refinish the cabinets and drawers for a completely new look. Finally, add some stools or chairs to create a breakfast nook, or just a place to relax with a cup of tea.
Can you add an island to an existing kitchen?
Yes, it is possible to add an island to an existing kitchen. Depending on the size and layout of your kitchen, there may definitely be options for adding an island. You’ll have to consider the available space, and any existing cabinetry, appliances, or other obstacles that you may need to work around.
You also need to think about utility lines, and where they will need to be rerouted in order to accommodate your island. Plumbing and gas lines in particular are important to think about, as well as electric lines if you plan to add appliances to your new island.
Additionally, any material you plan to use for the kitchen island needs to be durable and safe, as this area of your kitchen is likely to get a lot of use. Depending on the size of the island, you may want to consult an experienced contractor or interior designer for help in laying out and creating the best possible design.
When should you not have a kitchen island?
You should not have a kitchen island if you do not have enough space in the kitchen to accommodate it. Kitchen islands are large pieces of furniture and can take up a lot of the space within the kitchen.
If you have a very small kitchen, it might be best not to have a kitchen island as it would take up too much room within the kitchen, leaving little to no space for preparing or storing food. Additionally, if you are mostly using the kitchen for small tasks such as heating up meals, adding an island could be a waste of both space and money.
What can I do instead of a kitchen island?
If you don’t have room for a kitchen island, there are many alternatives that can give you the functionality of an island without taking up a large amount of space. Consider adding an additional workspace to one of the walls with a fold down table, which can be easily folded up when not in use.
A breakfast bar can also be a great option. Place two or three barstools around a smaller table or countertop, giving you more counter and workspace without sacrificing too much space. Portable kitchen carts, or utility carts, can also provide additional workspace – they can be easily moved around the kitchen and store away easily.
Shelving units and storage drawers are also great options for adding more storage and workspace. If you are short on counter space, you could also consider looking into one of the many countertops designed to fit over existing kitchen cabinets.
What are the disadvantages of island kitchen?
The main disadvantage of an island kitchen is that it can take up a lot of space. If you have a small kitchen, an island might take up too much of the available space, making it difficult to fit in other furniture or appliances.
Additionally, adding an island could be a rather expensive undertaking, depending on its size and the materials used in its construction. It is also important to consider the amount of counter and storage space it will take away from the existing counters and cupboards.
When adding an island, access to the kitchen may also become a problem. Depending on the shape and size of the island, the kitchen may be difficult to navigate. This can make it difficult, especially if there are a lot of people in the kitchen.
An island may also limit the seating area and cause traffic problems when people are trying to access other areas in the room. Lastly, an island might make it more challenging to clean, since it is in the middle of the kitchen and has more edges and corners that need to be reached.
Is 10 inches enough of an overhang for an island?
Ten inches may be enough overhang for a kitchen island, depending on how you are planning to use it. Considerations such as seat height and foot traffic might mean you need more or less overhang. If you plan to use the island as a seating area for a breakfast bar or small dining table, for instance, then 10 inches will likely be enough.
However, if you plan to use it for a more comfortable bar with taller barstools, then you may want to increase the overhang to 12 or 14 inches, or even more. Additionally, 10 inches may be enough to accommodate foot traffic near the island, but if your kitchen is designed for more than one cook, you may need more overhang to prevent people from bumping into each other.
Ultimately, it depends on how you plan to use the island and how much space you need for people to comfortably access it.
How much overhang is needed for island?
A minimum of 3 feet of overhang is recommended for an island. This allows plenty of space to rest your arms while eating or working. However, if you plan on incorporating bar stools or other seating at the island, the overhang should be around 12 inches.
If you have high ceilings, opt for higher overhangs for a more dramatic look. When considering overhang size, also factor in the size of the island and any additional appliances that may need to be accommodated.
Additionally, if the island is near a window, make sure you take into account the window ledge measurements to ensure the island overhang does not block the light.
How much does it cost to add an island to a kitchen?
The cost of adding an island to a kitchen can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project. The main costs associated with adding an island include the materials, installation, plumbing, ventilation, and appliances.
The cost of materials will depend on the size and type of island materials you are using, such as cabinets, countertops and islands themselves. Installation costs will depend on the complexity of the project, the size and number of cabinets, the size of the island, and the type of materials used.
Plumbing and ventilation may need to be added to accommodate a sink, stove, or bar if desired. Appliances will also need to be considered, depending on the purpose of the island. For example, if you plan on using the island for food preparation, you might need to purchase a sink, stove, or dishwasher.
Generally, expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more for a kitchen island.
What do you do if your kitchen doesn’t have an island?
If your kitchen doesn’t have an island, there are many ways to maximize your space and create a functional kitchen. One way to do this is to install a built-in bench or breakfast nook. This can provide additional counter space and often has storage underneath the bench.
Additionally, you can install additional cabinets on any open walls and add drawers or shelves. If you don’t have the space or budget to install new cabinets, you can rework the existing ones by making changes such as removing the doors and converting them into open shelves or adding a fresh coat of paint.
You can also swap out old tired and out of date cabinetry pulls and knobs for more updated hardware. Lastly, you can create a peninsular countertop, which uses two walls to create a break between the kitchen and the living area.
Can you put casters on base cabinets?
Yes, you can put casters on base cabinets. Casters are a great way to make your kitchen and bathroom storage more mobile without compromising stability. They allow you to move your base cabinets around easily, making them great for kitchens or bathrooms with limited space.
Additionally, casters make cleaning up underneath a breeze. All you have to do is roll your cabinet out and you can easily reach anything behind it. When putting casters on your base cabinet, make sure to choose a sturdy and reliable caster, as it will be supporting the weight of the cabinet.
Additionally, if you choose the wrong size of caster it could ruin the aesthetics of the cabinet and the floor. When installing casters, you’ll need to drill holes in the bottom of the cabinet so the casters can screw in.
While this process may look intimidating, it’s actually pretty easy to do and can be completed in a short amount of time.
When should you not use a roller?
You should not use a roller when you are painting a surface that is not of a flat or uniform texture. For example, if you are painting a brick wall or stucco, a roller is not the best tool to use. Because of the uneven texture on these surfaces, a roller may not provide an even coverage or an attractive finish.
In these cases a brush or a type of sprayer may work better and provide a more even, professional-looking finish. Additionally, when painting a surface that is excessively porous, a roller will not be able to provide an even coverage as the excess paint will soak into the porous surface.
In this case, it may be best to use a primer to help prevent this problem.
Is it better to roll or spray cabinets?
Whether it’s better to roll or spray cabinets depends on a number of factors, including cost, ease-of-use, and desired finish. If you’re looking for a high-gloss finish with no brush marks, then using a spray gun can be the best option.
However, you may need specialized equipment and a little practice to get the job done correctly. Rolling cabinets can be more cost-effective and can still deliver good results, especially if you use quality paint and materials.
Generally, rolling cabinets is easier than spraying, and can be done much quicker. However, it may be hard to get a completely smooth finish without brush marks. Ultimately, the best choice between rolling and spraying cabinets depends on the results you’re looking for, and your budget and experience.
What paint roller gives the smoothest finish?
The best paint roller that gives the smoothest finish is a microfiber roller cover. They have very fine fibers that provide an even finish without leaving behind any lint or stipple. Microfiber roller covers hold more paint than traditional covers and release it more evenly, so you don’t get any streaking or lap marks.
They are also very durable, lasting up to 20 times longer than traditional covers. When shopping for paint rollers, look for a roller base with a 2. 5-inch-wide roller sleeve with a 1/2-inch nap. This size is perfect for most wall surfaces.
For the best coverage, choose a roller cover with a cage frame, which will help keep the cover from slipping off the roller during use. Additionally, many microfiber roller covers come with an antimicrobial finish, which helps prevent bacteria and mold from growing on the fabric.
Whats for kitchen cabinets matte or shine?
It depends on your personal preference. Both matte and shine can look very good in the right kitchen. Matte offers a soft, subtle look, while shine offers a more glamorous, sophisticated look. Keep in mind that matte finishes are more likely to show scratches and fingerprints, while gloss or shine finishes may make the room seem brighter, but may be more prone to smudges and marks.
It’s really a matter of personal taste and what would look best in the space.
Do you put baseboards on kitchen island?
It is possible to put baseboards on a kitchen island, although it may not be the most traditional look for a kitchen. Baseboards are used to cover the gap where the floor meets the wall and can be a great way to add a finishing touch to your kitchen island area.
If you decide to put baseboards around your kitchen island, you should use the same material and finish as those used for the rest of the kitchen for a more cohesive look. Baseboards come in a variety of materials, from wood, to metal, to vinyl, so you can find the one that best suits your kitchen’s style.
Installing baseboards around a kitchen island requires some skill as well as a few tools and extra supplies. For example, you may need an electric saw and screws to secure them, as well as a sealant to block moisture build-up between the baseboard and the wall.
Additionally, you should caulk any joints and corners around the baseboard to ensure a clean, professional look. While it can be a bit of a challenge to put baseboards around a kitchen island, it can be an effective way to complete the look of your kitchen.