The Experts in Greensboro, NC Kitchen Makeovers

October 12, 2021

Does a Kitchen Island Need to be Attached to the Floor?

Does a kitchen island need to be attached to the floor, or are you simply curious about how an island should fit into your kitchen space? If so, look further than this guide as we have got the solution!

To prevent them from moving or toppling over while in use, kitchen islands are connected to the floor. Because kitchen island cabinets cannot be fastened to a wall, a 2′′ x 4′′ is nailed to the floor, and the cabinet is secured by the 2′′ x 4′′.

It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Traditional base cabinets are bolted into the wall studs to protect them from shifting around while in use, so it only makes sense that a kitchen island would require a similar configuration!

How is a Kitchen Island Usually Anchored to the Floor?

Adding an island to your kitchen quickly increases your storage area and work space, making it a more attractive and useful area. A standalone kitchen cart is also an option, but anchoring cabinets to create an island gives it a more permanent appearance and prevents it from moving around while you’re cooking. When anchoring a kitchen island to the floor, you want a strong connection that ensures the island stays in place.

Determine the Island’s Location

 

To begin, you’ll need to determine exactly where you want to put your island. Make sure there’s plenty of room for folks to move around on all sides. Allow at least 48 inches of room in general between the island and the cabinets to give space for people to move around, or 60 inches if you have a dining bench on one end.

Once you’ve decided where your island will be placed, use painter’s tape or a washable marker to sketch its outline on the floor.

Cleats Measurement

Four cleats, one within each corner of the cabinets, connect the most secure island. To determine how far inward the cleats should be, measure the thickness of the island’s base. Keep in mind that the island must be able to pass through the cleats.

With a marker or painter’s tape, mark the locations where the wood cleats will be installed.

Install The Cleats

Drill holes in the wood cleats before installation. After that, arrange them in the places indicated in the previous step. Use the holes in the cleats as a guide to drill pilot holes in the floor. Secure each cleat to the floor using screws.

Attach The Island

It’s now time to take down the initial line or tape that marked the island’s location. The cleats that have been put will now show you where the island will go. Lift the island’s base and lay it over the cleats, making sure it fits securely.

Attach any trim or other finishing pieces to the island’s base, which should be screwed to the wooden cleats. That’s all there is to it–your kitchen island is now secured to the floor.

Can you have a moveable kitchen island?

It’s easy to see why – whether you’re creating a new kitchen or remodeling an existing one – a kitchen island is such a popular feature. It is the kitchen’s center point, providing a convenient site for prepping and cooking as well as a lovely meeting spot for family and friends.

So, what sort of island you should have and what works in your space is the next item to consider.  Fixed islands and moveable islands (also known as rolling carts are the two types available. Both can provide a lot of work and storage space in your kitchen, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Forbes showcases a few different island designs, along with the pros and cons of each type.  Here are few points that should keep in mind when considering whether or not to have a fixed or rolling cart island:

  • What is your storage capacity?
  • Is the island to be equipped with appliances and electrical outlets?
  • What will you keep on the kitchen island?
  • Will you use the kitchen island as your primary dining area or as a secondary eating place?
  • Is it possible for you to live on the island for a long time?

kitchen with small island

Does a kitchen need to have an island?

There is the opportunity for outstanding storage, display, and functionality in any kitchen.   A kitchen island can provide each of these things while also looking lovely. The convenience of having one or two in your kitchen, from movable islands to seated area kitchen islands, is an added bonus. You’re in for a treat if you get the chance to design or choose a home with a kitchen island.  If you need some more inspiration, check out Kitchen Express NC’s inspiration page. Consider these six advantages of having a fantastic kitchen island if you’re on the fence about getting one.

In addition to cabinetry, an island provides additional storage

If your kitchen lacks storage, adding an island may be the solution. Additional drawers, shelves, and cabinets are accessible on the island, which is an extension of your existing space. Have you ever felt that there wasn’t enough room in your home for recycling bins? Under a kitchen island gives a fantastic and discreet location because it does not interfere with the main preparation space of the rest of the kitchen, while also allowing you to tuck away the bins.

A mobile kitchen island gives you more options

Do you sometimes need extra counter space, and sometimes additional floor space? A mobile kitchen island provides more space when you and your friends want to make a huge meal, and each person chooses a section of the kitchen to prepare it. Once your dinner is finished, roll your kitchen island out of the way to make extra space. portable kitchens are ideal for smaller kitchens that demand the best of both worlds.

Add more kitchen conveniences to your island

The option to add prep sinks, refrigerator drawers and additional cooking space to larger kitchens is a great way to make your kitchen more utilitarian and helpful. Because larger kitchens can have plumbing and electrical utilities extended to them, the possibilities are endless. When you add a range hood to your stove/grill, your island transforms into the main focus for cooking and entertaining.

kitchen with island and chairs

Different kinds of kitchen islands (on wheels, table, types of furniture)?

When it comes to kitchen islands, you might not realize how many possibilities there are. After all, how different can they actually be from one another? Kitchen islands are a variety of shapes and sizes, and they differ greatly from one another. When it comes to kitchen islands, there’s a lot to learn. A collection of distinct styles has been collected for you below.

Cabinet for the Base

To make an island, one or two pre-existing base cabinets are combined with a block of stone as a countertop. It’s a fantastic method to reuse old materials.

The base for Custom Furniture (With Or Without Cabinet)

Furniture islands are more individualized than other types of islands, and they make a kitchen feel friendlier. These islands are typically small, with no cabinetry or storage beneath them.

Circular

Circular islands are spherical and can be either a complete circle or a crescent shape. They bring character to your kitchen and can make it stand out.

Kitchen Express NC Home Remodel

If you are looking to add an island to your kitchen or are looking to renovate your kitchen, Kitchen Express in Greensboro, North Carolina is here to help.  For over 20 years, we have been helping people renovate their kitchens quickly and affordably – we would love to help you build the kitchen of your dreams next.  For a free consultation, please contact us today!

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