Any advice on how to build up this kitchen island?

Kristy Richards
by Kristy Richards
I would prefer it to be counter height instead of table height.
  9 answers
  • Heje Heje on Jun 12, 2018

    Height can either be added from the bottom or the top whichever is easier to work with. A frame can be built and connected to the existing and covered with the same kind of siding panels on the existing island. It can have a trim piece to cover the seams. It could also be painted a color to coordinate with your decor. Stools can make a difference. You will probably have room for baskets or sliding shelves in that framework.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Jun 12, 2018

    Choose your bar stools first... the height of those will determine how much the island counter top needs to be lifted... and decide if you are going to re-use the existing counter top... or if you are going to replace it... (you may have to replace it if you cannot get it off cleanly) and decide what you are going to replace it with.... duplicate the structure you find under the counter top... and build it up to the height you need... allowing for the thickness of the counter top (new or existing)... you can cover the new construction with decorative molding... or you can cover over the existing siding with something similar or change it for a new look... pinterest.com will have ideas such as: tile, bead board, pallet wood, tongue and groove, tin ceiling tile, etc.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Jun 12, 2018

    Remove the top. Get cabinets to match or coordinate with the rest of the kitchen. Install cabinets. Build between the cabinets to fill in and make the size and shape of your countertop. Paint or stain Island. Reinstall countertop.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jun 12, 2018

    If the entire island isn't nailed down you could lift it up and add feet under it. It would make it look more like a piece of furniture too :)

  • StLt StLt on Jun 12, 2018

    Either add wood to the bottom of the island or add wood underneath the countertop.

    The first option will look better if done correctly.


    Either way can be difficult depending on how the cabinet was attached to the floor or how heavily glued the countertop was attached to the cabinet.


    Depending on the value of your home, you may just want to have a new island built. If you do this you may be able to change the shape of the island (depending on whether there is tile under the island or not) or update your kitchen by painting the island a color of your choice.

  • Heje Heje on Jun 12, 2018

    I forgot but maybe it's obvious that if working with the top - remove the countertop first. If working with the bottom disconnect from the floor. Adding wheels and the support they need can add 3.5 to 4 inches to the heighth.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 07, 2019

    I would not recommend trying to put wheels on this unit in attempt to raise the height. It will be very difficult to find sturdy enough wheels and mounting hardware to support the weight of the countertop and overhanging portions. The unit will be very unstable.


    Similarly with trying to add feet - A unit this size, shape, and with the overhangs will most likely need a sturdy box underneath to support it when raised up.

  • Jenni Nicholson Jenni Nicholson on Jun 09, 2021

    I know this is an old post but am wondering if you ever came up with a solution for this? We just moved into a new house with the same problem. The island is only 30" high and its driving me crazy, but short of tearing it out and putting in a new one, which I'd rather not do, I'm not sure what to do about it.