KITCHEN ISLAND

BUILD YOUR OWN WITH READY-TO-ASSEMBLE CABINETS

- JOE CRUZ

The kitchen island is the central gathering point in any home that has one. It’s where meals are prepped, homework is sweated over and birthday candles are blown out. Building a kitchen island using ready-to-assemble cabinets is an inexpensive DIY project that will add more counter space to any kitchen.

DESIGN & PLANNING

Consider both form and function when you design your kitchen island. Having a kitchen sink on the island is handy for prepping food, especially for families who cook together. A cooktop or range in a kitchen island, however, isn’t recommended because of the possibility of splattering grease on bystanders.

Free online kitchen planners can help you choose styles and colors of doors, drawers, and countertops. You’ll get a printable itemized list with the costs of all the materials you need. Before you start, check the accessibility of the plumbing and electrical needed for your island. If you’re not doing the utility work yourself, get at least two estimates from plumbers and electricians. Check with your city inspector regarding any permits needed.

1 CABINET ASSEMBLY

RTA cabinet parts are shipped in a flat box; we got ours from the RTA Store (thertastore.com). You assemble them with dowels, glue, and screws. Follow the manufacturer’s steps to build each box.

2 CABINET PLACEMENT & LEVELING