Easy Kitchen Renovation Project

For an easy kitchen renovation project, installing a kitchen island is a great way to spice up the most important room in your home with exciting style and function. Create more space, storage, and visual appeal with your new centerpiece. When you start the planning process for this kitchen renovation, it's extremely important to think about the working space you'll still need in the kitchen space. We suggest leaving at least 3 feet, more if possible, between cabinets and other cabinets or kitchen appliances. Be sure to check for door clearance in appliances or cabinet doors to make sure there is enough space to be functional. If not done correctly, a kitchen island can feel extremely cramped and tight.

Large kitchen islands are nice to work on, but depending on the material, they can get heavy and crack your floor tiles. If you plan to work with heavy materials like granite, consider installing a smaller island. A two by four island is probably the best size you can make work with any material.
The floor materials will also impact how you install your island. If your kitchen has real wood flooring, you'll want to make sure the flooring is down first. Then install the island on top and put a finish on the floors afterward. However, if you are using tile flooring, install the kitchen island first, then install the tile flooring afterwards. It's important to consider the electrical needs before installation as well. Your local code will tell you what kind of outlet is required and you may need to pre run wire to the island.

For the actual installation, place the cabinets in their desired location, and trace an outline around the bases. Remove the cabinets and drill in flat 2x4s to hold the cabinets in place later. You should shim the cabinets with plywood up to finish floor height. Be sure the island cabinets will be level with the surrounding cabinets. Next, because there is no wall to help with installation, screw all island cabinets together at face frames, backs, and sides. Last, place your wood molding around the base of the island after the hardwood finish or tile installation is complete.

After installation, you can hang a pot rack above the counter to help tie it into the kitchen. If not already completed before, you should stain the color of the island to match the surrounding cabinets.