Installing a kitchen island

1. Bigger isn't better

The major mistake many homeowners make when planning and designing a kitchen island is thinking that bigger is better. That's not necessarily the case. Some of the most functional islands are ones that are as small as 42 inches long.

2. Locking it down

Installing a kitchen island is a task that varies in complexity. The biggest factor is whether the island comes preassembled from the factory.

Any island, whatever the design, needs to be secured to the floor so it doesn't slide when someone leans into it. You can easily lock an island into position using blocks of wood that are screwed to the floor. If you locate these with precision, you will be able to lift the island and lower it on the blocking like a tightfitting lid on a box. This method can be used on any island, but it must be used for those designed to look like furniture. With that kind of island, you want to avoid evidence of unsightly screws, if at all possible.

3. Spacing

The clearance around an island is usually what constrains the size. At the very least, you want 36 inches of space between the edges of the island top and any other solid object, such as another countertop, an appliance or a wall. Thirty-nine inches is better and 42 inches is ideal.

4. It's furniture

Most islands are created using a standard kitchen cabinet that's 2 feet deep. But there has been innovation from semi-custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers. With a little effort, you can design an island with features that make it look like a fine piece of furniture instead of a base cabinet box with some matching plywood on the back.

5. Worry free

Ball feet, inset doors, twisted rope columns and raised bars for sitting are some of the features to consider. If you choose the right cabinet company, it's possible to get a custom-made island that looks like furniture delivered to you completely assembled at the factory.

6. No logjams

Design your island with function in mind. An island is great for prep cooking and baking tasks, allowing you to put a helper in another part of the kitchen and thus preventing a logjam on a regular countertop.

Think about what tasks you can relegate to the island and design for that purpose. If its primary purpose will be for baking and desserts, consider putting a commercial mixer on a spring-loaded tray that folds up out of the island and lowers back down out of sight when not needed. Pullout drawers in the other cabinet can be loaded with all the other accessories you need for the tasks you do there.

Marble is the preferred surface for an island top for bakers. The cool stone is ideal for rolling out dough. Traditional plastic laminate will do a great job on an island if it's cared for.

7. Outlets for your convenience

Be sure to plan for electrical outlets in the island. Consider putting one at each end. If you have the room, microwaves work great in kitchen islands, especially the ones that have a drawer design instead of a swinging door.