DIY Island Plans

A kitchen island is a convenient addition to any kitchen. In many ways it is the modern version of the venerable kitchen table around which everyone collected during family gatherings and holidays. Your kitchen island can serve a variety of different purposes and can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Does this Spark an idea?

Island Functions

Consider how you want to use your island. Your island may be able to fulfill several roles. An island can be fixed in place or built on wheels. An island can be designed primarily for additional workspace, seating or storage, or you may want an additional cooking surface, refrigerator space or sink. An island can store appliances like stand mixers or have vertical dividers for easy storage of lids or baking sheets. Think about how large your island should be and how traffic will flow around the island. If you'll be working or cooking at the island, you want it close enough that you don't have to take a lot of steps to reach it, but you don't want to feel like you don't have room to turn around. Make sure there is plenty of room for any drawers or doors that need to open or pull out, both on the island and the surrounding areas. Budget is a consideration for most; a fixed island with a cooking surface and refrigerator drawer is more expensive than a smaller island on wheels.

Island Ergonomics

When you are making your own island plans, choose to make the island a standard height, or customize it for your family members. If you have a family member who uses a wheelchair, consider including a lower area; plan for plenty of room underneath to accommodate the wheelchair. Consider your work flow patterns as well, especially if you do a lot of cooking. Having an island that reduces your repetitive movements in the kitchen is beneficial not only from a time standpoint, but will also be more comfortable for you to use.

Island Design

Once you know the roles you want your island to play, let function drive form. Design or choose an island design that meets as many of your objectives as possible. If you do not find a commercial plan that suits your purposes, work with a kitchen designer to develop one. If you want a fixed island, take your ideas and sketches to someone experienced in carpentry to turn your ideas into workable plans. Choose a design that will match or complement the cabinetry in your kitchen. If you want an island on wheels, you will find a number of sources for plans, including some free plans, available online. (See Resources below.) Check with local authorities for rules and regulations regarding building and construction permits if you are planning a fixed island, especially if plumbing or electricity will be involved.