Top Ideas a Kitchen Island on a Budget

by Jonie Civill 09/12/2021


Photo by Cleyder Duque from Pexels

If the cost of renovations holds you back from realizing your desired living space, strategic do-it-yourself projects can save money and accelerate the process.

It's essential to understand that not every handy homeowner possesses the DIY skills to orchestrate a complete makeover. However, basic understanding of how to measure and use tools allow everyday people to make substantial living space improvements. In fact, more than a few motivated people can create a DIY kitchen island. Given that the meal preparation area ranks among the more expensive to upgrade, a DIY kitchen island can be a game-changer in terms of enjoyment and investment.

Popular DIY Kitchen Island Innovations

The kitchen has more foot traffic than any room in the household and that's why many consider it the heart of the home. Perhaps the most dramatic change involves adding a DIY kitchen island. This asset allows family chefs expansive food preparation space and a place for friends and family members to gather over small meals and beverages. The following DIY kitchen island innovations illustrate ways you can save big while enhancing your home.

  • Farm Style Center Islands: One surprising innovation involves taking an outdated table or workbench and refurbishing it. Antiques often utilize sturdy hardwoods that can be sanded down, stained, and coated for kitchen use and fixed in place. These furniture items are usually created at the precise height of a modern center island and can be picked up at tag sales or junk stores for pennies on the dollar.
  • Dresser Updates: Like farm tables, a beat-up old dresser can form a DIY kitchen island's foundation. Identify a piece of furniture that meets your desired height requirement. For instance, dressers of about 42 inches may accommodate bar stool seating. You can remove the top and craft a replacement that extends off one side for a seating countertop. It's also perfectly acceptable to attach a more expansive countertop over the existing one. Given that repurposed furniture is inexpensive, you're only paying retail for the countertop materials.
  • Rustic Built-It-Yourself: A DIY kitchen island does not necessarily require you to purchase a manufactured product. Fashioning a kitchen island remains remarkably similar to building a make-shift table or cabinet. Consider downloading basic table-making or cabinet plans and crafting one from lumber. Given that most homeowners are not finished carpenters, rustic designs and appearance can simplify the project.
  • Value of Shiplap: These interlocking boards rank among the more cost-effective home siding materials on the market. They are easy to manage and ideal for the exterior of a DIY kitchen island. This wood material can be installed on three sides of an island, leaving one side available for storage shelving. Shiplap provides aesthetically pleasing lines and can be painted or stained to suit. That makes it a cost-effective material to employ in a DIY kitchen island innovation.

Working families on strict budgets do not necessarily need to build up home improvement savings or leverage equity to enhance their living environment. By thinking outside the box and putting your creative spirit to work, it's possible to make these DIY kitchen island innovations a reality.

About the Author
Author

Jonie Civill

With over 30 years of residential experience in the Capital District, I have an in depth knowledge of houses for sale throughout the region. Working with buyers, I listen to your needs and help you find the right home. Selling a home requires a professional understanding of the process, including pricing, staging and personalized marketing techniques to get your home sold. I will work with you through all the details of buying or selling right through till the closing.

I have been a Multi-Million Dollar Producer throughout my career. I am active in the Greater Capital Association of Realtors serving on the Professional Standards and the Community Outreach Committees.

My business has been based on repeat and referral clients, which is the highest compliment I can receive. I have sold some homes 3 times and have worked with 3 generations of a family.

I believe in paying it forward. For years I have been actively involved with community service organizations.

Real estate has been my job but I really enjoy helping others create a better quality of life for themselves