What to Consider Before Installing a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are freestanding fixtures that provide worktops, cupboard space, and storage. In some cases, kitchen islands would even include sinks and areas for specific appliances like a dishwasher or a small wine cooler. Adding a kitchen island to your home can truly upgrade your kitchen’s design and capabilities. However, you must first consider a few things before installing such a fixture. This way, you can maximize your budget and avoid regrets later on.  The Kitchen island should match your Cabinets.  If you need Cabinet Refacing in Las Vegas, then don’t hesitate to call us.

Available Space

Before you choose to add a kitchen island to your home, you should first consider your space. There should be at least 36 to 40 inches of space around an island to accommodate usual kitchen traffic. You must have about 4 feet of space between your pre-existing kitchen counters and the island that you plan to install. Only then will you know the size of the kitchen island you should get.

Functionality

Do you plan on utilizing your kitchen island as an additional seating area, or are you going to keep it as a plain island only? If you wish to add a breakfast bar into your island, you will need more space. Remember, when adding a seating requirement, allowing at least 24 inches of space per seat is a must in order to avoid cramped seating arrangements later on. 

Usability

It is important that you know what you will use your island for. This way, you can easily build an island that fits your needs. Customize its design so that it can accommodate additions like small appliances or even a sink. Do you plan on using this kitchen island for baking or as a general food preparation area? Are you going to wash your dishes here? Will this island serve as just an extra countertop space alone? Think these things ahead so you can have that perfectly workable kitchen island.

Shelving

Like most kitchen fixtures, kitchen islands hold so much potential storage space underneath its countertops.  Once again, shelving is a high priority for color-matching.  We do Cabinet remodeling in Las Vegas as our main service.

Your lifestyle can pretty much affect the kind of shelving you can have for these spaces. You can opt for cupboards or cabinets if you want storage that can hold most items. If you wish to display certain dishware or even a collection of cookbooks, an open shelving would be the best option. However, if you have pets or children that run around the house and can potentially knock over anything from an open shelf, then going for closed shelving would be the perfect choice.

Add-ons

Virtually, all kitchen islands are customizable. If you choose to install a custom kitchen island into your home, try to think of certain features that you can add to your island before having it made. Some homeowners choose to have built-in cutting boards on their islands. In other cases, you will find nifty additions including appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and even electrical or USB charging stations. 

Materials

There is a plethora of materials that can be used in building a kitchen island. Choosing what to use for your own island, however, can sometimes be overwhelming. To finally decide on the material, consider your lifestyle. Avoid anything porous if you or a family member often spills liquids. Choose materials that will easily be damaged or chipped if you often prepare meals. 

Adding a kitchen island is one of the most affordable ways to revamp your kitchen. If you choose to build your own kitchen island, always remember to put a lot of thought into it; make sure to use proper tools and information and prioritize safety at all times.