Putting in a kitchen island is a milestone for a lot of owners – the ultimate flourish that creates an opulent and livable kitchen.
These fascinating kitchen options have been used since no less than as early because the 1800s, when European households would typically place a worktable in entrance of a fireplace or range. Right now, kitchen islands are a byword for elevated residing. They are often sensible, too.
“A kitchen island provides versatility past an ordinary worktop-based structure, making a multifunctional house that encourages social interplay and environment friendly workflow,” says Gavin Shaw, Managing Director of Laminam UK, a maker of porcelain worktops.
“With further storage, seating, and workspace, an island can act because the central hub of the kitchen.”
The method of putting in a kitchen island might be difficult – particularly in case your island would require electrical energy, water or air flow. On this information, specialists clarify the steps that go right into a profitable set up, from planning and design to putting in the characteristic, connecting utilities and ending.
Gavin Shaw
Gavin Shaw is MD of Laminam UK, a producer of high-quality ceramic slabs for kitchen worktops and different purposes. Shaw has over 20 years’ expertise as an organization director within the stone floor trade, with experience throughout porcelain, quartz and pure stone.
Issues to think about prior to installing a kitchen island
Earlier than you begin drawing up specs for a kitchen island, there are some practicalities to think about. Particularly, how will your kitchen accommodate the island?
“You’ll have to plan the structure rigorously and ensure there’s satisfactory house for the island, permitting for no less than 90 cm of clearance round all sides to make sure simple motion,” says Clive Holland, a DIY skilled and Repair Radio presenter.
“In case you’re putting in an built-in sink, plumbing will probably be required, which entails confirming that there’s a water provide and drainage system out there,” he provides.
“This will contain rerouting pipes or including new ones, relying in your kitchen’s present setup, so it’s sensible to seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber to deal with this a part of the method.”
The place a kitchen island goes to accommodate built-in home equipment reminiscent of an electrical oven or fridge, you’ll additionally want to arrange electrical connections.
“Putting in an influence provide to those areas would require cautious planning, as it could contain including new wiring or circuits,” says Holland.
“Lastly, earlier than set up begins, it’s a good suggestion to clear the realm and ensure there aren’t any obstructions in the best way, making certain the house is secure for each the installer and the supplies.”
Clive Holland
Clive Holland is the previous host of Cowboy Lure on the BBC. Now a broadcaster on Repair Radio, the UK’s solely nationwide radio station for builders and tradespeople, Holland is among the UK’s main property and DIY specialists.
Harris Ultm 0.75″ Angled Gloss Brush
Portray your personal kitchen island is an accessible strategy to contribute to its completed look (and probably avoid wasting price). angled brush like this one will assist with portray particulars and edges.
Klarstein Skyfall Good Island Hood
In case your kitchen island can have an built-in cooking equipment, it is extremely advisable to put in an extractor above it. This show-stopping Klarstein mannequin supplies illumination in addition to fume-busting recirculation.
Bosch Collection 4 Built-in Undercounter Fridge
Built-in undercounter fridges are among the many many kitchen options that may be included right into a kitchen island. This is a superb choice from Bosch, that includes a slick-looking digital show and Quiet Mark certification.
Easy methods to set up a kitchen island
1. Plan your kitchen island
Whether or not you’re shopping for an ‘off the shelf’ kitchen island or having one made bespoke, it’s best to consider carefully about its specs.
“Contemplate how the island will improve each the performance and move of your kitchen,” says Shaw.
“Take into consideration your house and the way the island will probably be used – whether or not for meals prep, eating, entertaining, or further storage.”
Defining the supposed use of your kitchen island will aid you select its options, from frequently-used counter tops and seating to built-in sinks, drawers and home equipment.
Measurement and supplies are additionally key elements to get proper.
“A bigger island provides extra counter house, making it very best for meals preparation or socialising, however it could actually make a smaller kitchen really feel cramped,” says Holland.
“In the meantime, completely different supplies provide numerous advantages. As an example, a stable wooden island can present a heat, conventional look, whereas a marble or granite high may add a contact of luxurious and sturdiness.
“In case you go for a cooking house, be conscious of the upkeep necessities of your chosen materials, as sure surfaces could also be extra susceptible to scratching or staining,” he provides.
2. Make provision for utilities and air flow
In lots of kitchens, electrical wiring and plumbing is restricted to areas the place home equipment or a sink have been located. Relying on the way you’re going to make use of your kitchen island, you may want to increase these utilities to its location.
“It’s essential to plan for plumbing, electrical, and air flow necessities, notably in case your island will home a sink, hob, or built-in home equipment,” says Shaw.
If the island consists of plumbing or electrical elements, reminiscent of a sink or cooktop, the mandatory connections must be made earlier than set up. This will require routing water pipes or including electrical retailers, so it’s necessary to seek the advice of with professionals to deal with these programs accurately.
“Structural integrity is one other pre-installation consideration, as bigger islands might require further help,” says Shaw.
“Consulting with a kitchen designer or contractor early within the course of ensures a easy set up.”
3. Set up the kitchen island
Whereas a couple of very assured DIYers set up their very own kitchen island, it’s doubtless that you simply’ll rent knowledgeable installer or supplier to finish this step. There’s little room for error, as all sides and parts of the island will probably be on present after set up. That is very true in case your kitchen island will characteristic a specialist worktop materials reminiscent of porcelain, quartz or marble.
“While you’re working with these premium supplies, skilled fabrication and set up are advisable to make sure seamless joins and long-term sturdiness,” Shaw notes.
Set up begins with making certain the ground is stage and eradicating any potential obstacles. Subsequent, the bottom might be assembled and secured to the ground, which is usually performed utilizing wood blocks and skirting boards. The island can then be connected to this safe base, or constructed from it in situ.
Sometimes, a worktop will probably be fitted on high of the island – however this may come on the finish of the next step.
4. Combine home equipment and different options
With the essential construction of the kitchen island constructed, you possibly can transfer on to putting in any non-obligatory options.
“Relying on the design, this might embrace a countertop, drawers, or cabinets,” says Holland.
At this level, you’ll additionally set up any built-in home equipment reminiscent of a hob or fridge, and a sink (in case you’re going to incorporate one).
“All these elements must be rigorously secured, and any plumbing or electrical connections must be examined to confirm they work correctly,” says Holland.
“Lastly, including the ending touches, reminiscent of sealing joints or adjusting the peak of cupboards, will full the set up.”
Nick Parsons
Nick started his time with Harris in 1988, and all through the many years has labored in numerous departments. His expertise and product understanding informs the evolution of all Harris merchandise, from benchmarking to perception, analysis and improvement.
5. Ending
Some kitchen islands come ‘completed’ from the supplier, so that you gained’t want to complete or paint them. Nonetheless, you possibly can achieve finer management over the ultimate look of the island (and probably lower your expenses) by portray and ending a ‘uncooked wooden’ kitchen island your self.
“Portray and ending your kitchen island as soon as it’s in situ may give your kitchen a contemporary, fashionable look,” says Nick Parsons, Technical Supervisor at Harris Brushes.
“Begin by defending the encircling surfaces with mud sheets to keep away from any unintentional splatters. Sand the kitchen island completely utilizing a product reminiscent of Harris Aluminium Oxide Sandpaper (£4.25, B&Q) to make sure a easy floor for portray. For plastic or laminated finishes, this step is crucial to assist the primer adhere successfully,” he provides.
Subsequent, clear the sanded surfaces with sugar cleaning soap to take away grease, mud, and any lingering filth.
“Enable the primer to dry utterly earlier than giving it a light-weight sanding with nice sandpaper to make sure a flawless topcoat utility.
Lastly, you possibly can select a sturdy topcoat in your most well-liked end.
“Apply no less than two layers, making certain even protection with the identical brushes and rollers used for the primer,” says Parson.
“Let every coat dry completely earlier than making use of the following. As soon as the paint is dry, enable it to remedy absolutely for long-lasting sturdiness.
“With care, high quality instruments, and a spotlight to element, your kitchen island will turn into a surprising centrepiece in your house.”
The worktop of your kitchen island may require some ending too. For instance, many wood worktops profit from sealing with a product reminiscent of Osmo TopOil (£22.40, Amazon).
FAQs
What are the newest traits in kitchen island design?
In up to date kitchen design, islands are fairly actually changing into a part of the furnishings. As extra properties incorporate this handy characteristic, traits are rising round their design and development.
“Latest improvements in kitchen island design give attention to sustainability, seamless integration, and ultra-durable supplies,” says Shaw.
“For worksurfaces, advances in ultra-thin surfaces, large-format slabs, and revolutionary finishes, reminiscent of textured results, are permitting owners to realize a really bespoke aesthetic whereas sustaining superior efficiency.”
Holland agrees that supplies are a key space of latest progress in kitchen island design.
“One of many newest traits is the usage of sustainable supplies, reminiscent of recycled wooden, bamboo, and eco-friendly stone, which offer a classy and environmentally aware different to conventional choices,” he says.
“Quartz and granite counter tops are nonetheless common, however now there are extra revolutionary, low-maintenance finishes that resist scratches, stains, and warmth, making them very best for busy kitchens.”
One other latest advance is the mixing of good know-how into kitchen islands.
“Options reminiscent of built-in wi-fi charging, touch-activated lighting and built-in cooktops with good capabilities have gotten extra widespread” says Holland.
“Moreover, modular islands are on the rise, permitting owners to customize their islands with interchangeable elements like storage models, sinks, and even seating areas. This flexibility signifies that kitchen islands can now be tailor-made to suit each private wants and the distinctive structure of any kitchen.”
Are there benefits to commissioning a bespoke kitchen island?
One of many greatest choices you’ll make throughout your kitchen island set up venture is whether or not the island will probably be bespoke or ready-made. Every choice has its execs and cons.
Commissioning a bespoke island from a specialist firm or joiner offers you nice management over the scale, supplies and different particulars of the island. Maybe most significantly, the bespoke supplier can design the island to accommodate any built-in options you need, from sinks and draining boards to fridges and ovens.
Shopping for off-the-shelf might restrict the attainable functionalities of your kitchen island. Nonetheless, if you need a kitchen island that merely supplies house for meals prep, seating and storage, then this method makes it attainable to purchase a fantastically crafted island at comparatively low price.
Putting in a kitchen island is a posh venture. For additional particulars that we could not fairly squeeze into this information, see our options on non-standard kitchen island shapes (together with round islands) and split-level kitchen islands. No kitchen island is complete of itself, so check out our kitchen transform concepts for room-wide inspiration.