Tips in Installing a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can add style, storage, and efficiency to any space. Whether you already have a small kitchen island or are looking to install a new one, it is guaranteed to be one of your most-used spaces. From preparing meals to stopping in the kitchen for a quick coffee cup, islands provide extra space for cooking and organizing. This space can also be used to reheat food, clean dishes, or enjoy a quick bite to eat.

The following suggestions will be useful if you want to retrofit an existing kitchen or build an entire kitchen space from scratch. Consider these six essential factors to ensure that you install a kitchen island that not only looks professional but also works professionally.

Here are six things to consider when you’re considering installing this addition to your kitchen.

1. Available space

This is not for your current island, but the room around the island. To allow for the usual traffic in the kitchen, you must allow 36 to 40 inches of space on all sides around the island. This means that there should be up to 1.5 m between the island and your pre-existing counters. If the distance is less than this, you risk falling on the island, on your other counters, or even on other members of your family trying to move around in the same space.
2. Feature

Is it just an island, or are you planning to double the number of easy-to-use seats? If you want to set up a breakfast bar on this island, your space will have to be modified. In terms of the number of seats, you need to allow at least 24 inches of space per seat so that eating guests don’t feel cramped.
3. Ease of use

Not all islands are created equal. In addition to your island’s functionality, you will need to consider whether it meets your needs. Do you find yourself cooking all the time? Do you prefer to prepare all your meals here? Do the dishes? Or have an extra counter to take out the food when you have guests? Whatever use you make of your island, make sure it’s built to fit your lifestyle.
4. Open or closed shelves

Most islands offer not only counter space but also storage space underneath. You can use this space to create additional cabinets, or you can choose options with open shelves to highlight your dishes. It depends on your lifestyle: do you have a dog running around that could spill dishes and break them? If so, then maybe open shelves are not the solution for you.
5. Complements

Most of the time, an island is an island of custom. You can buy ready-made options, but most islands are built to meet the needs of the owner. This is the time for you to think about built-in cutting boards, dishwashers, electric or USB charging stations, etc. The options are endless in this area, and it is essential to consider your extras now as it will be harder to add them later.
6. Hardware

There are many materials available for your island, and the only real way to choose base and countertop materials is to consider your lifestyle. Do you have children who are at risk of knocking over objects and staining countertops? If so, choose a material that is not porous and will not absorb spills. Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and preparing meals? If so, materials that are easily damaged or chipped are the ones to watch out for.

You can also choose the finish of your shelves and cabinets and most likely get the color that matches your current kitchen design.

No matter what design, material, or options you choose, adding a kitchen island has many advantages. Not only will it add extra space and function for your family, but it will likely attract the attention of any potential buyer if you decide to sell your home in the future.

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