Kitchen Island Installation
Kitchen island installation is a great way to improve the functionality of your kitchen by providing additional surface and storage space. Kitchen islands can be as simple as mobile carts with two or three shelves that are made out of stainless steel or wood. A center stationary island, however, is on the top of many home buyer wishlists as today’s kitchen is the focal point for entertainment as well as cooking. This video by the DIY Network shows how a kitchen was transformed by knocking out an interior wall and replacing it with a kitchen island.
How to Do a Kitchen Island Installation
It is very important to get a kitchen island installation done right because this can be a centerpiece of the home. It can also be a strong selling point later if you decide to put the house on the market. Getting an expert remodeler to do the work is recommended. If you do it yourself, pay careful attention to these steps.
1. Placement
There are two parts of placement. First there is getting the general idea of where you want the island to go. You can start this by measuring out 3 feet from all walls, counters and appliances and creating a zone of possibility. Once you have that area set off, you can choose a location for your island. The second part of placement in kitchen island installation is measuring for the exact location. You will have to recheck your 3 feet figures, as well as make sure the island is square with the room.
2. Anchoring
A professional remodeler will use tried and true methods of anchoring the island. He will probably use the cleat method, which involves affixing boards to the floor in the correct position. The island is then set over the cleats and fasteners are put through the boards of the island base into the cleats. If you have never used the cleat method, it may be difficult to learn while doing a kitchen island installation.
3. Attaching Cabinets
Some islands are made up of several cabinets. If so, the job will include squaring and leveling up the cabinets so that they look like one solid unit. Sometimes, the bottoms have to be shimmed up to make them level if your floor is uneven. The cabinets also have to be even with each other to make a solid row.
4. Countertop
Most every kitchen island installation will include the addition of a countertop of some sort. The countertop must be cut and fitted to the cabinets for the proper size and overhang. There is a variety of choices available in kitchen countertops that can be used for islands. The level of skill required varies with the type of countertop used, but it always helps to have experience.
5. Additions
Sinks and range tops are popular additions to kitchen islands. If you want these features to be done as a part of your installation, remember that you will need more special skills. You will need plumbing knowledge for the sink. You will need knowledge of electrical or gas installation if you are putting in a range top. You can do a kitchen island installation yourself, perhaps, but it is so much easier and surer to hire a professional remodeler to do the work for you.
About the Author: Shawn Hickman is the Online Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements. If you are looking for more information on kitchen island installation, visit the Sears Home Services website.
