Kitchen Island Base Cabinets How to Choose
Adding a kitchen island can greatly enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. Kitchen islands provide extra prep space, storage, and seating while serving as a stylish focal point. When planning a kitchen island, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right base cabinets to support the island countertop.
Benefits of Building Your Own Kitchen Island
Constructing a kitchen island using base cabinets offers many advantages over buying a prefabricated island:
- Cost-effective. Purchasing separate base cabinets and countertop materials is cheaper than a ready-made island.
- Custom sizing. Base cabinets can be arranged to create an island of any shape or size to maximize kitchen space.
- Added storage and workspace. Cabinets provide enclosed storage while the countertop creates usable surface area.
- Design flexibility. Mix-and-match cabinet sizes, finishes, and hardware for your ideal look.
- Enhanced DIY skills. Assembling an island is an achievable weekend project for intermediate DIYers.
With proper planning and cabinet selection, you can build an island tailored to your cooking needs and style.
Kitchen Base Cabinet Types
Like standard kitchen cabinets, base cabinets for islands come in many configurations. Consider what will suit your space best.
Unfinished vs. Finished Cabinets
Unfinished (raw wood) cabinets allow staining or painting for full customization. Pre-finished cabinets offer convenience but less flexibility with set finishes and colors.
Door vs. Drawer Cabinets
Traditional door cabinets maximize enclosed storage space. Drawer cabinets provide better visibility and access to contents. Many designs incorporate both doors and drawers.
Standard Cabinet Depths
Standard cabinet depths are:
- 24" deep: Best for base cabinets to create substantial leg space since they only protrude 24-inches from the wall behind the island.
- Long 36" cabinets: Allow for extra storage capacity if island space permits.
Structural Supports
Proper structural support prevents wobbling while providing an anchoring point for countertops. Various options exist:
Legs
Legs bolster base cabinets by bearing the brunt of weight. They also create a slim profile, allowing for comfortable seating space. Consider materials like wood, metal, or custom designs.
Apron Frames
Apron frames are horizontal beams installed around perimeter base cabinets for stability. Attach an apron to two base units end-to-end make an Island support structure.
Panel Systems
Interlocking panel connectors securely join cabinets. Companies like Rev-A-Shelf design panels that fasten multiple cabinets together into sturdy freestanding units.
How to Install Island Base Cabinets
Once you've selected structural supports and cabinets, follow this basic process for installation:
- Measure - Map out accurate room dimensions and desired island footprint.
- Outline - Use painter's tape to delineate cabinet placement and island shape on floor.
- Level - Place shims under cabinets to ensure level, stable positioning.
- Connect - Insert joining hardware or panels between cabinets for needed structural support.
- Fasten - Drill holes to anchor island to floor using specialized screws for substrate material.
- Complete - Install countertop material and finish with trim pieces along base.
Consider Cabinets That Store Appliances
Specialized base cabinets allow incorporation of handy appliances into your custom island. Consider including:
- Sink base - houses sink bowl with storage and plumbing access below.
- Trash/recycling pull-outs - eliminates cross-kitchen trips to dispose waste.
- Wine fridges or undercounter fridges - conveniently refrigerate drinks for easy access.
- Microwave cabinets - contain microwaves off countertops for clean look.
- Coffee station cabinets - store coffeemakers and supplies together in one spot.
Storage Solutions
Well-organized interior storage ensures you make the most of your new island. Helpful solutions include:
Drawer Organizers
Customizable drawer inserts neatly accommodate cooking utensils, bakeware, or dinnerware. Consider materials like wood, acrylic, or steel.
Pull-Out Shelving
Mounted on tracks, pull-out metal or wood shelves fully extend from interior cabinet depths for easy access to contents.
Spice Racks
Dedicated spice storage in door racks or pull out trays guarantee your herbs and seasonings stay ordered yet accessible.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susans maximize corner cabinet space by allowing 360-degree rotation for organized, visible contents.
Enhance Aesthetics and Functionality
Certain design choices enhance your kitchen island's beauty, utility, and comfort. Consider:
Seating
Barstools lined up against countertop overhangs create casual dining space. For plusher seating, install banquette benches or even upholstered, built-in bench seats within open base cabinets along one island side.
Lighting
Task lighting ensures safe food prep while accentuating island features. From warm pendant lights suspended above to brilliant under cabinet lighting or LED light strips lining base trim, various stylish options exist.
Backsplashes
Waterproof, durable backsplash tile protects walls from spills while adding pops of color and visual texture behind sinks or cooktops.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Glass-front upper cabinets keep contents visible. Glass door base cabinets maintain open sightlines to maximize the feeling of space. For a lighter look, glass doors can be installed onto existing solid wood cabinet frames.
Contrasting Finishes
Incorporate multiple colors and textures by mixing cabinet and countertop finishes. For example, combine white uppers with wood base cabinets plus Cambria quartz counters for dimension.
Additional Considerations
Depending on layout and lifestyle factors, certain specialty island features may suit your space. Think through:
Mobility
Install heavy-duty locking wheels or leveled glides underneath base cabinets for an island that conveniently moves where needed, yet remains stationary when in use.
Overhang
If seating is planned, allow 10-14 inch countertop overhang for leg and knee clearance. Increase overhang to 20 inches for wheelchair accessibility.
Clearances
Building codes mandate minimum clearances from adjacent walls, cabinets, and appliances to allow safe traffic flow within kitchen. Review regulations for your area prior to final island placement.
Accessories
Include personalized touches like unique hardware pulls, hooks for hanging kitchen towels and utensils, or electrical outlets integrated into island body or countertops.
Safety First
Besides aesthetically enhancing kitchens, islands can improve organization and efficiency when thoughtfully designed. However, certain precautions boost safety:
- Opt for rounded corners over sharp 90-degree edges.
- Select non-slip countertop surfaces.
- Install GFCI electrical outlets.
- Anchor movable islands to prevent tipping.
With attention to detail during planning and installation, your custom island can safely become a kitchen centerpiece for years to come.
Budget for Your Ideal Island
Kitchen island costs vary widely depending on size, materials, and accessories selected. Generally, you'll spend:
- $300 to $1,200+ on cabinetry
- $100 to $2,000+ on countertop surfaces
- $50 to $500+ on hardware and accessories
Work with an experienced kitchen designer or contractor early on to outline an accurate budget for your perfect island. This ensures you won't overspend yet can still indulge your vision through cost-effective material choices and discounted supply sourcing.
Constructing a kitchen island using base cabinets creates unlimited options for customization. Carefully measure your existing space, sketch desired footprint and features, assess your budget, then mix and match structural supports, storage cabinets, and countertops to design the island of your dreams.
By following the considerations outlined above and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can build a high-functioning, aesthetically stunning kitchen island scaled precisely for your cooking needs, storage wants, and style personality.