Kitchen Island DIY

Intro: Kitchen Island DIY

This is a photo-instruction guide for the kitchen island that we made.

Our aims were:

a) to have a large table area both for eating but also for working in the kitchen.

b) to increase our storage areas in the kitchen

c) to still have room for moving freely inside the kitchen.

The detailed plans are included at the end of the guide.

The total cost for all materials (new) was around 400 Euro (that would make it around 423$, but then wood is really expensive, where I live, so the actual cost in the US would be much lower).

STEP 1: Step 1: Let's Start

Build the mainframe first. You need to build this first in order to support the vertical column (axe).

For proportions refer to the building plans included in the last step.

We used wood 4.5 X 9.5 cm for the mainframe.

We used metal connectors.

STEP 2: Step 2: Moving Upwards

upon completion of the mainframe, we start with the crosses (one one the top and one at the bottom of the mainframe) that support the vertical column (see last photo and next step for detailed instructions)

STEP 3: Step 3: Leveling

The column needs to be leveled on both the vertical and horizontal direction (x and y). Check the second photo on method. The rest legs of the crosses are installed after the leveling, as they fit.

THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR THE COLUMN TO BE STRAIGHT!

ATTENTION: THE CENTRAL PART OF THE TABLE TOP NEEDS TO BE PLACED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PLACEMENT OF THE COLUMN AND CROSSES AND BEFORE ANY NEXT STEPS!!! (details about the table can be found in step 8)

STEP 4: Step 4: Fixing the Upper Part

Follow the photos!

Wood is the same as before.

Check now the photo with the metal top. We used this in order to transfer the forces from the horizontal level (floating shelves) to the vertical axe (column). Otherwise the force from the weight would tire our connection (at the top of the column).

STEP 5: Step 5: Lower Part Shelves and Coverings

In order to support the shelves we used metal connectors. The wood is 18mm fir (less prone to break than the pine).

For proportions and seize check the design drawings at the last step.

STEP 6: Step 6: Constructing and Hanging the Floating Shelves

For the floating shelves we also used fir 18mm and metal cable 0.6 inch.

STEP 7: Step 8: Almost Done. Second Row of Floating Shelves and Rounding the Table Corners

For the table we used fir 3.3 cm, with indication "table quality".

In order to support the table on the mainframe use metal connectors.

Round the corners of the table, and the edges to avoid injuries.

STEP 8: Step 8: Last Touches.

Use an antibacterial coating for the entire island. (I used ship teak)

That's it more or less. In the next step, I've included the design plans.

STEP 9: Design Plans

If you need any clarifications or help to re-calculate proportions, I will be happy to help!

Comments

[sergiog147]

It's an amazing job and very well explained !!!!

[halfeatenham]

You might want to check your building codes because i know in Canada Nova Scotia you need to have at least one electrical outlet in an kitchen island.

Other then that good job looks good

[Wetfoot]

if you live in a cabin, far from any city, out in the boonies, so to speak, & did not have electric to the cabin, why would it be so darn imperative, to have an outlet on a kitchen island, ...??? Some of you guys remarks are either very deluded, or just insane, ... but hey, I needed something to make me smile, ... & your comment did just that, ...

great instructable, ... And I have never heard of that "requirement" here in the states either, ... was a contractor for many years, so, .... ... .. . Just saying!

[Mar Sama]

I think that all comments are useful. Taking a look at local requirements, before starting a project, does not harm anyone. On the opposite, it might prevent mistakes. In this specific case, I think that it is my fault for naming my construction an "island" when it really is a table with storage under it, since it can be moved (it is a bit heavy though). As a contractor, you correctly identified that there could not be a requirement for such a construction.

The requirements to which the first commentor commented seem to pertain to fixed countertops, whether they are adjustent to the wall or in the middle of the kitchen. There are mandatory (or optional as the case might be) requirements for a specific number of outlets on fixed countertops in various countries and regions. As far as I know the rationale behind it, is that people use countertops to place electrical appliances on them, so they need the outlets.

Anyway, thank you both halfeatenham and wetfoot for your comments

[Mar Sama]

Thank you for your comment. There is no such condition in my country. However, you can easily bring down a power line and thus an electrical outlet from the ceiling lights power line (in our case we plan to include extra spot lights in the future) at the side of the column.

[SebastianS29]

(smart) By the look of your kitchen, you really need that storage. Bravo! But, actually, seriously cool idea!

[Onyx Ibex]

I really like the design!

[jessyratfink]

That is a ton of storage!! Great idea. :)

[Cagri Kanver]

Looks great!