Kitchen Island / Cart Made From Scraps

Choyce
by Choyce
7 Materials
$10
6 Hours
Medium
Moving into a small apartment for the winter, I realized that I'll need more counter space! Luckily, there was a nice big piece of counter top left over from a custom desk we'd had made.
The photos you are about to see were taken at different locations at the cottage, and that might be a little confusing, but couldn't be helped. I started working outside, then the weather took control for part of the time.
Getting all the pieces ready
I assembled all the things I'd need to start out. A piece of counter top with two finished rolled edges, lumber, two caster wheels, screw nails, measuring tape, pencil, straight angle, four small brackets, wood glue and the drill.
I cut all the pieces of lumber that I'd need. I used 2X4s , 1X6 decking and some 1X4 pieces. I cut four legs out of 2X4s, two of them shorter to accommodate the casters.
I drilled the 2X4 legs to pieces of decking. the shorter leg set will have casters attached to the bottom.
I attached the side panels of decking.
Putting the whole thing upside down, I attached a piece of decking to the shorter legs, then screwed on the casters.
Ready for painting
I added two 1X4 rails about one third of the way up the legs for solidity and for a shelf. Next I painted the whole thing white with solid white stain.
I took a break and one of the lake's loons called and called to tell me to get back to work!icon
I put the counter top face down and attached the legs to it with little sturdy brass brackets. I had to be careful to ensure that the screw nails would be short enough not to pierce through the laminate.
I made the shelf out of a cheap wooden shoe rack. I used pieces of the rack to finish the raw edges of the laminate top. I cut them to measure, and used a coping saw to get the rounded edge. I pre-drilled pilot holes, then glued the pieces down and screwed them in with decorative shiny screw nails.
This is the shoe rack I took apart for the shelf and for edging the laminate.
All finished, with two towel bars (there is a matching one on the other side), and some shallow trays for onions and potatoes ( or whatever). I'll use one of the towel bars for a roll of paper towels. Now I have to think about possibly doing something to give my new island / cart some ZING! If you have any ideas, please share!
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4 of 20 comments
  • Penny D Penny D on Jun 22, 2018

    This is such a wonderful project! How creative you are to have come up with this. This would be perfect serving beverages on the patio. Kudos to you!

    • Choyce Choyce on Jun 22, 2018

      Thanks so much! Yes it would be nice on the patio, only it can't stay out in the rain because of the laminate material I used for the top.

  • Alice In-Wonderland Alice In-Wonderland on Jun 30, 2018

    What a fab island, thanks very much for sharing.

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