Adding a kitchen island to your remodeling
A kitchen island creates more counter space for the discerning home owner. Counter space can be a premium even in the most spacious kitchen, and an added charm and room space makes preparation of meals a great deal easier. There are kitchen islands of all shapes and sizes, fixed or mobile, making it possible to find an island that is right for any space, even if its small.
From traditional butcher block to glorious granite tops and stone kitchen island, it is important to match the kitchen island to the overall look of your kitchen. There are L shaped islands, rectangular and square islands. It is also important that the island appear to be an integral part of your kitchen, so the colour, design and materials used should match.
A Simple DIY Kitchen Island Project – Creating a Kitchen Island from a buffet
A buffet is normally is used against a wall, so the back is often unfinished. Bead-board paneling is an inexpensive and suitable option for finishing the back of an old-fashioned buffet.
Nail the bead-board panels in place on the back of the buffet, and finish the exposed corners with corner molding. Create a work-surface top for the island with a piece of plywood cut about 3″ longer on all sides than the top of the buffet to form a lip. Edge the top with molding that will match the depth of the countertop surface.
Finish the top of the island as you would any countertop with laminate, butcher block, tile or stone.
If you choose tile, spread an even layer of tile mastic on the wood top with a notched trowel and set the tile in place. Butt the tiles against each other, and when finished, seal the seams with a line of clear silicone caulk.
To increase the island\’s functionality, install a towel bar at one end. Add a designer look to your island with decorative knobs, match the rest of the knobs in your kitchen, or find a coordinating style that complements your island.
