Bought a kitchen cabinet 34x24x60 to make a kitchen island . what next

We put a metal top on ours to be able to set hot things on it. Then we added a fold down extension, also covered with metal, and handle on one side to hang towels, and a block on the opposite side to set large utensils. Also we made sure ours had 2 large drawers on the front for handy storage and added metal based wheels on the bottom to be able to move the island as needed for holidays etc. Have fun with yours! Some people put in electrical plugs but we did not as it is mounted with wheels to move it.

This link will give you more ideas than you will ever need. I hope they help. And when you are done, please share??

https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+ideas+for+kitchen+islands&rlz=1C1BLWB_enUS700US700&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOqIzUruHWAhXCYSYKHSdYBzQQ_AUICigB&biw=1138&bih=794&dpr=1.13

Do you want the island to be a standing worksurface island only, or do you also want to use it as a sit down island? If so, then you will have to allow a min depth of countertop overhang for "knee room" .

The countertop on an island can overhang farther if the island is secured to the floor. If the island is moveable, then it will not be strong enough to support a larger overhang. A countertop does not have to be mounted symetrically overtop of the base. It can be somewhat offset according to your needs.

You can purchase pre-cut lengths of laminate countertop but you will have to cut it to fit, and seal the unfinished ends.

If your budget allows for a higher end solid surface countertop, there usually is a min sq footage size needed to place a custom order, depending on the store. With the solid surface top, it is possible to choose different finishes on the edges, which is an aditional cost pr linear foot.

What is the kind of use it will get? Baking? Chopping? Candy making? All purpose? You could construct a 'butcher block' top, or use metal sheets, or get a slab of marble [candy making].

Personally, I would want the top to be easy clean/wipe off, material. My dad had once done over the counter tops with tiles, textured, no less. Was the WORST kitchen material. But his best project was a table top covered in lino squares for my small home. [12" squares, smooth surface, for floors, glued to plywood, no gap between squares. Not sure if that was a 'healthy' choice for the 1980's, but worked.]

If it doesn't have a top already, start with a sheet of plywood cut to size....or larger if you want overhang. I have seen some beautiful plywood table tops too.