Adding a kitchen island is a fantastic way to make your cooking area more functional. It can add extra counter space, give your kitchen a more unified look, and provide the perfect spot for your family and friends to gather. You can choose a small or large kitchen island to complement your decor, or go with a custom island that has features such as built-in seating, open shelving, or oversized drawers. You can also get a kitchen island that is anchored to the floor.
If you are looking to replace your existing kitchen island, you will need to disassemble it, move your utilities, and install a new countertop. Before you begin, you need to have an idea of what you want to use the island for. Knowing what you want to use it for will help the designer include the components you need.
A small kitchen island can be a good fit for a cramped space. A larger island might be too difficult to relocate in one piece. Depending on the design, you might need to disassemble it and move it to a different location. This could be a very time consuming process. Unless you are an experienced remodeler, it is better to leave the big job to the home renovation professionals.
A kitchen island can be made of a variety of materials. Some are more expensive than others. Generally, the material cost is based on square linear feet. Depending on the size of the island, the material will cost more than a perimeter cabinet of the same dimensions. Using a local contractor can save you some money.
A custom island with a waterfall countertop can be quite expensive. The price of the island will be determined by the type of material used and the complexity of the design. You might also have to do some electrical work or plumbing, and the overall cost of the project will rise. You will also have to choose between a regular granite countertop or an elegant marble countertop. Whether you choose a granite or marble countertop, you will need to have the countertop sanded, polished, and stained. The larger the replacement counter, the heavier it will be. Regardless of the type of counter, you will need professional tools to complete the task.
If you plan on installing your island yourself, you will have to be very careful. There are many things to consider, including your existing floor. If your flooring isn’t finished underneath your island, you may need to patch it. This is an especially tricky task in older homes. You may also have to hire a plumber to safely disconnect the electrical wiring. In some cases, the plumber will charge a flat fee.
Another important consideration is the height of your island. A standard 36 inch wide countertop is often too short for two seats. If you need more room, you can add overhangs. These can be useful, but can also obstruct your walking space. If you are able to remove the overhangs, you can use the space for another purpose.