How To Diy An Angled Kitchen Island
If you have a kitchen with insufficient storage, an angled kitchen island might just be your solution. In addition to providing more space for your pots, pans, and other essentials, an angled kitchen island offers multiple benefits. This DIY project is also perfect if you want to avoid expensive renovations while still giving your kitchen a makeover.
With the right materials and plans, you can build an angled kitchen island that not only improves the functionality of your space but also adds that wow factor you’ve been looking for. Keep reading to learn how to do it yourself!
What is an Angled Kitchen Island?
An angled kitchen island is a raised countertop with storage on one or more sides of the kitchen. This is different from a peninsula where a countertop extends from a wall to join another surface, like a kitchen island. Angled kitchen islands come in two common forms.
The first is a L-shaped island, often found in open-concept kitchens that function as a room-divider.
The other type is a U-shaped island, often found in kitchens with no adjoining space.
Both of these types generally provide storage space on one or both ends of the island. Angled kitchen islands are often made with wood, but they can also be made of other materials, such as stone or steel. They can also be designed to be freestanding or be attached to the wall.
How To Diy An Angled Kitchen Island
Materials You’ll Need
- Plywood or hardwood – For the base of your island
- MDF – For the top of your island
- Tile – For the top of your island
- Wood for shelves – Depending on how many and what type you’ll need
- Tiles for the countertop – Depending on how many you’ll need
- Tiles for the backsplash – Depending on how many you’ll need
- Tile adhesive – For attaching tile to the wall
- Wet saw – For cutting tile
- Grout – For filling the gaps between tiles
Step 1: Know Your Angled Kitchen Island Options
Before you begin building your island, decide how you want it to function. This will help you determine the type of island that works best for your kitchen.
L-shaped kitchen island
With an L-shaped island, you’re basically creating a wall with a countertop. This design is great if you need to divide space if you don’t have an open-concept kitchen. The only downside is that you won’t have as much storage as you would with an angled island. However, an L-shaped island gives you the opportunity to add extra storage under the countertop if you need it.
U-shaped kitchen island
The U-shaped island is great for kitchens that don’t have adjoining space. This type of island has a countertop on one side and a peninsula on the other. Many people who choose this type of kitchen island add a sink to the peninsula to create a functional kitchen sink. This type of island has more storage than an L-shaped island.
Step 2: Measure the Area Where You’ll Build The Island
Measure the width and length of the area where you want to build the island. This will help you determine what size island you’ll need. Once you know the size of the island you want, you can start looking for wood to build it. Remember, the larger the island, the more cabinets and storage you’ll have. But if you decide to make the island smaller, you can always add a built-in cabinet or two to compensate for the lack of storage.
Step 3: Mark Where to Cut the Tiles
If you’re building an island with a tile countertop, mark the tiles where you want them to go. Remember when measuring that you’ll need a slight gap between each tile because they will be attached to each other before being attached to the island.
Step 4: Build the Base for Your Island
Build the base for your island. Depending on which type of island you’re building, your base will be different. For example, an L-shaped island has an L-shaped base. A U-shaped island has a square base. You can build the base using wood or tiles. The choice is up to you. If you choose wood, remember that the lower shelf should be around 8 inches high.
Step 5: Install the Cabinets
Depending on the type of island you’re building, you might want to add cabinets. If so, this is when you want to install them. Install them on the sides of the island where you want them, but leave enough room for the doors to open and close properly. If you’re building an L-shaped island and want cabinets on both sides, you’ll need to install two shorter cabinets that meet at the middle. This way, you’ll have a continuous countertop.
Step 6: Add Counters and Tops
Build the top(s) for the island. If you want to add a single large countertop, do so. Otherwise, add multiple smaller ones. Make sure you use the same materials you used for the cabinets. To construct the top(s), you can use one of three methods: The first is to glue and nail wood slats together. For the second method, you can use a table saw to make a single large slab. The third method is to purchase a premade countertop slab.
Conclusion
If you have a small kitchen and need more storage space, an angled kitchen island might be the perfect solution. This DIY project is easy to do, and the materials are relatively affordable. Simply make sure you know the different types of islands you can build and how to build them. Once you’ve got your island planned out, start building it, and you’ll have a gorgeous new addition to your kitchen in no time.
