How to add a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are growing more popular with each passing year, and it isn’t hard to guess why. Extra space, extra functionality and striking beauty often underlie such design elements. Many homeowners looking to add a kitchen island find themselves overwhelmed with options, however, which is why it’s important to keep a few basic tips in mind. With good planning, good taste and a little patience, you should come away with a room that feels far more functional and inviting than before.

The first step to installing a kitchen island is determining what materials and mechanicals you want to have. The most common choice for countertops by far is granite, as this incredibly hard natural material requires little in the way of maintenance or care. Second only to diamonds on the hardness scale, granite can withstand temperatures well in excess of most cooktops, and with few exceptions the material cannot be stained or scratched. Best of all, granite is a naturally variable substance, meaning you get utterly unique patterns of mica, quartz and feldspar in every slab.

Your next step is to determine the dimensions you want. Most experts recommend leaving ample room on all sides of the island if you want to encourage through traffic and plenty of interaction. Two feet is acceptable and three feet is even better, especially if the island itself has moving parts that need to slide open without obstruction. A number of home design experts also heartily recommend designing on overhang so you can fit chairs and stools under the island during regular use. Leave up to a foot and the island becomes a perfect staging area for buffets and casual meals as a sturdy and compelling permanent table.

The next step is to decide when kind of mechanicals you want in the island. Although some homeowners simply need another surface to cut and dice, avid chefs and fans of convenience often desire something more functional in that space. Common choices include sinks, cooktops and stoves, though more elaborate plans may include refrigeration units and barbecues. The important thing to keep in mind with any such installation is that appliances like these must be electrified and grounded adequately to ensure safe operation. If the kitchen is on a concrete slab or the floor is difficult to get inside, professional help may be required to run the appropriate lines. You will also want to wire the island for at least two outlets to ensure ready convenience for the processors and other devices you may use.

If you are using heating elements, you will need to install an exhaust vent. Most of these can be routed to existing ducts in your home, though specific appliances occasionally require more advanced HVAC work. Look into the pros and cons of updraft vs. downdraft, particularly if your home is likely to be sealed in cold weather. Securing the vent to your ceiling will also require locating sufficient structural support and unusually high, vaulted ceilings may demand special parts that can significantly increase the cost of this project. The good news is that most such vents are pretty inexpensive with few moving parts and a very basic motor, nearly every unit works well enough to keep your kitchen and home safe from harmful gases and exhaust.

One of the best ways to save money throughout this process is to design and build the island on your own. Although you likely won’t be making a cooktop, the cabinetry is ultimately not so different from cabinetry anywhere else in the home. Use hardwoods to create the pieces the same way as you would anywhere else. Cut and sand your sides, assemble with dowels or biscuits and add all the necessary touches such as dadoes and rabbets. Unlike traditional cabinetry, however, an island requires all-around finishing, so you may want to forego traditional plywood backing for a second set of doors or drawers. Be sure to use materials that can support heavy granite, stone or slate, and leave ample room for any wiring and pipes you’ll need.

Finally, many homes now use islands to separate rooms, such as the kitchen and dining room. If this is part of the function of your new island, consider finishing the sides in two different ways for a clever effect.

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