How To Install A Kitchen Island. Kitchen islands are a breakthrough invention for those who want to improve their kitchens. This piece of furniture will provide you with more counter space as well as storage underneath, and it can be used to hold a variety of things.
We’ll explain some things you need to consider before constructing your next kitchen island, as well as some common installation problems you might run into.
How To Install A Kitchen Island
Here are six ways to find out if this new appliance is right for your kitchen.
1. Available Space
Talking about the island itself, you should keep a minimum of 36 – 40 inches on all sides for traffic. This works out to about 4 feet of distance between the island and your current counters.
If the space is too small, you’ll run into one another as you try to navigate this new arrangement and negotiate your way around other members in your household who might also be trying to use their countertop space!
2. Functionality
This island will serve as the centerpiece to your kitchen. It has ample space to seat 4 people at a bar, 6-7 at a counter or 10-12 at large round tables.
Just know that these numbers may vary slightly in different cities and neighborhoods throughout the country so let’s take a look at what might be the average here so you can be sure with any decision you make.
You don’t want to start building an island only to realize it doesn’t really go with your plans for pulling everything together as far as seating goes.
3. Open or Closed Shelving
Many islands have storage underneath. And some have a sink too. You can use the storage for additional home necessities like dishes or linens, etc.
If your kitchen is a bit lacking in storage space already, then you can run to the store and look for open shelving with glass doors, which will make it possible to keep certain items on display at all times, like your best tableware. A pet may get into them though. You might want to consider using slides just to be safe.
4. Materials
If this is the case, materials that are durable or not easily damaged should be avoided. Guaranteeing your furniture will stand up to trial and wear-and-tear will also prevent you from needing repairs down the line.
You are able to get an idea of how sturdy a piece of furniture is by placing pressure on its sides and moving it around.
To ensure your cabinets and shelves are sturdy, try testing their construction when out shopping for new home upgrades by opening doors or pulling out handles.
FAQs
How difficult is it to set up a kitchen island?
Kitchen islands are a beautiful complement to any kitchen space, but they can be harder to install since they don’t have effective security like that of cabinet wall placement.
Instead, they only have flooring as an anchoring source. For side framing however, building around cabinets doesn’t hold the security of studs in the walls so it might require extra support beyond just using floor anchors.
Is it necessary for a kitchen island to be attached to the floor?
You can make your kitchen island a lot safer and more stable by attaching it using 4 or 6 screws into the subfloor.
A properly attached kitchen island will have even greater stability and durability, providing an extra element of convenience that can truly make the most out of your kitchen.
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