Kitchen islands are a great way to improve the functionality of your kitchen.
It will provide additional counter space, as well as storage underneath, and can serve any number of purposes that you need it for. In this article, we'll go over some things you should consider before installing your next kitchen island and some things to look out for in the process. Read more on how much is an island kitchen, how to build a kitchen island and how to remove a kitchen island?
Let's get started.
Measure the length and width of your kitchen island
Determining the length and width of your kitchen island will give you an idea of what size to purchase. Most standard islands have dimensions that are 12 by 15 feet, but some may vary in depth which can affect how it fits into your existing space.
If there isn't a brand available that suits your needs, find custom kitchen island companies online so you can get one made just for you.
Where do I want my kitchen island to be located?
When selecting a location, make sure it's accessible from all sides of the room. It should also be at least two feet away from any walls or worktops it might block if it were placed against them. This is especially important if you plan on having storage drawers underneath, as you won't be able to open them if they're up against a wall.
How much will it weigh?
If you have a traditional wooden kitchen island, it will probably weigh around 150 pounds and measure 15-18 inches in depth. This might not seem like much, but some may require ceiling reinforcement before installation. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure your structure can support the weight of your new kitchen island.
Check that there's enough space for installation
After determining where you want your kitchen island to go, check that there's enough free space in the room so installation can take place safely without damaging the surrounding area or existing appliances nearby. Measure everything with tape and record the dimensions in a notebook or computer for reference.
Figure out where you're going to get it from and how much it will cost
While there are many ways to go about installing your new kitchen island, the first thing you should do is find a qualified professional to install it for you. Some custom DIY sites can help you locate one near your location if need be. If you'd like to save some money on installation costs, consider purchasing a pre-assembled kitchen island instead of getting one that needs assembly. Speaking of costs, you can also get some kitchen island decoration ideas to help you understand how to make your kitchen counter look great within your given budget.
Prepare your appliances ahead of time
Before starting the process, move all of your existing appliances (fridge, oven, etc.) as far away as possible from where the new kitchen island will be installed. You don't want to accidentally damage any of them during installation.
Be careful with electric tools and appliances
Never use an electric tool around water or near the kitchen island itself. This goes for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts alike. Using these tools can result in fatal injuries if used incorrectly, so make sure you're paying attention at all times when working on your new kitchen island.
Follow the instructions provided by professional installers
Professionalism is quickly lost if you start questioning everything they do once they start installing it. Be courteous and patient, follow their directions, and make sure you hire one who knows what they're doing.
After a few hours of work (usually less than half a day), you'll have a fully functional kitchen island that completes the functionality of your kitchen and gives it a unique style all its own.
How do you attach a kitchen island to the floor?
Kitchen islands are heavy objects with a lot of weight due to their size and construction material. This can make installing them a challenge, especially if you're planning on having one installed yourself. If you plan on having your new kitchen island installed professionally by an expert, they will use screws or concrete anchors depending on the structure of your home.
Another method for attaching a kitchen island is using cement blocks instead of bolts so that you don't have to worry about drilling holes into any of the surfaces around it. The downside is that these can be unsightly once the installation process is complete, but at least it's easy and costs very little money. As a bonus, you can take them with you if you ever move or need to relocate them for some reason.
What kinds of materials are available?
There's no limit to the kinds of materials used for making kitchen islands out there on the market today. Wood, marble, glass; the list goes on and on; all sorts of materials can be used for construction depending on what look you're going for and how much you want to spend. Some manufacturers even sell kit parts so they can build one to your specifications.
It all depends on what you're looking for, of course. Solid wood kitchen islands can be quite expensive, but a glass one could be a steal if you want something more modern and elegant. Average costs should fall somewhere between $1000 and $1500 for the materials as well as installation fees (unless you're planning on doing it yourself).
What is the average length of time to install a kitchen island?
If having it installed by professionals, they will probably have it ready in about a day or less. If doing it yourself, each task may take longer depending on how fast you work. The installation itself is usually the most time-consuming part, so keep that in mind when planning your tasks.
What's the warranty look like?
The actual type of warranty will depend on the company, but most companies offer a one-year warranty that covers any damage or defects in materials or workmanship as long as they have been installed correctly. This is something you should probably read into before committing to an installation.
How strong is a kitchen island?
As long as you do your research and hire a professional to install your kitchen island, then there won't be any problems if you choose the right materials. All of these things are usually pretty heavy-duty, though wood remains popular because it's easy to work with while being very strong at the same time. Marble can come in handy as well because of its high resistance to most elements, but glass might not be quite as durable depending on how thick it is and what kind is used for construction.
How much storage space will it have?
This is where you can get creative with your design and craft a kitchen island that meets all of your needs. You may want one that has several cabinets underneath for additional storage, or you could go with one of those over-the-sink islands that feature granite countertops on top.
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What kind of shape should I look for?
It doesn't matter what shape you choose as long as it fits the space available to it in your kitchen and matches the rest of the decor around it, but some shapes might be better than others at certain tasks. For instance, getting an L-shaped kitchen island would probably be best if you're going to work while standing up because you can use the extra space for spreading out your materials and tools.
What kind of countertop should I go with?
You don't necessarily have to choose granite or even a stone-like material, but if you plan on using it as an actual workspace then something that is stain resistant would be a good idea. Granite might not always be the most practical choice in this case since it can be very difficult (if not impossible) to get stains off of it. Glass, though not particularly strong or durable, is another option because you can easily wipe anything off of its surface without ruining what's underneath.
Can you add an island to an existing kitchen?
Yes, you can add an island to just about any kitchen as long as it is large enough. You'll need to check the measurements and see how much space there is between the wall and your sink, stove, etc., but if it's wide enough then you should be able to fit in a small one easily. Larger islands are more difficult because there needs to be room for them in your home, so consider that before making plans.
Final thoughts on how to install kitchen island
In conclusion, a kitchen island is a great addition to any home, but having it installed by professionals will save you time and frustration. Make sure to consider the cost of materials, installation fees, warranties, and the shape before you commit so that you can have an island that's ready for use in no time.
Finally, consider building your own kitchen island if you want to have one that looks exactly the way you want it to.
