How do I reuse those lower cabinets and move it to make an island

Crystal Trotman
by Crystal Trotman
Want to move those upper cabinets and the lower cabinets on the right side of the wall next to the elephant and move my refrigerator there in that space reuse the bottom cabinets to make an island I will need to create a base for those lower cabinets and will move those cabinets upper cabinets up some over top of the refrigerator and then create an Epoxy countertop for the island
hi there So I would like to move those bottom cabinets and upper cabinets and utilize the bottom cabinet as an island and the upper cabinets raise them and move my refrigerator to that area where the cabinets are right now it’s very awkward and not in the triangle shape and the countertop near the elephant on the wall is not used a lot what are your thoughts and what is the best way to get rid it to lift that countertop and we move those cabinets
Where I have somewhat of an old peninsula that I took the countertop and put it on a buffet I want to move that and replace it with those lower cabinet and created online and get rid of that granite I hate it and the color and actually make an Epoxy countertop
  6 answers
  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 18, 2018

    Hi Crystal! This can be so much fun! I would put a butcher block top on it. If you’re simply looking for a base. (I can’t see an pictures here) There are many ways to achieve this. One is to use MFD board on the bottom, then frame out accordingly. Or you can do the steps above and add some crown molding to the bottom base, by securing it to the 2x4’s. If you want it to be a bit simple, just stain the bottom base or use base molding. How fun! Good luck and I would love to see pictures.

  • DD DD on Apr 18, 2018

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKGGNC2VH4

    I hope this helps with your project!

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Apr 18, 2018

    Instead of moving the refrigerator, why don't you buy some cabinets and make that your island. If you move the refrigerator, you'll need to put in a water line for the icemaker. And putting it right next to the stove, not only put heat right next to the refrigerator, doesn't give you room to work on the stove. Refrigerators usually stick out at least 36 inches (which doesn't look like it will fit in that space, not deep enough) and the stove is only about 24 inches. Also, the cabinets that you want to raise up to be above the refrigerator aren't deep enough. They are only 12 inches deep. You'll never be able to reach them. And what are you planning on doing with the hole that the refrigerator will leave when you move it? Even the designers don't always do a triangle for the sink, refrigerator and stove, so don't worry about that. You need to make the kitchen functional for you, but I think moving the refrigerator could cause more problems then it will solve.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Apr 19, 2018

    I am also concerned about moving the fridge. There are both electrical (so breakers don't blow) and plumbing issues involved. If you are all about hiring licensed folks to run that show - then more power to you. It also looks like you've got granite countertops with a bull nose edge. Have you considered how you're going to handle that? You'll have to know someone or hire someone with a tool that can cut and resurface the cut edge. Your island idea is wonderful. If that is also granite on your island top, you're going to need many hands to lift it. My 3 X 6 foot granite top weighed over 200 lbs. and needed 4 'granite guys' to haul it in from the truck and set it on the island of cabinets we made. ALSO don't forget to reinforce your new cabinetry set up for the extra weight. Set up a nice strong 'box' of studs in the middle where it won't be seen - or at least run a few up and down behind your cabinets to help carry the weight.

  • PattyV PattyV on Apr 19, 2018

    I don't see where your fridge is currently but what people voiced in previous posts are valid comments. What side does your fridge door open? A door opening to the right will give you room but a door opening to the left will create a flow problem when using the fridge and over. I believe the most logical place for a fridge is on the outskirts of your kitchen since it is one of the most used appliances. Having it outside the "hub" eliminates the extra traffic in the kitchen. Bear in mind that because you have an island, there is only one way to reach the fridge if someone is at stove.

  • Tae Tae on Apr 26, 2018

    This seems like a simple enough project! I dont think having the fridge there will be ideal. Good luck!