We knew when we started the remodel that we were going to take out the "L" wall that had separated the kitchen from the dining area in order to make one large space for a kitchen island. However, we didn't necessarily know much about island size or placement. I suppose it would have been advisable to have had some of that sorted. Ha!
Essentially, we improvised the whole thing. We did some online research, we taped off the space that we thought might work for the island, and, eventually we went to our favorite DIY store - Menards. We looked at their kitchen cabinetry and quartz countertop options and we received an estimate. We then did the same thing, only at Ikea. Drumroll please...Ikea was the winner - here are the main reasons:
-The Ikea cabinets came with soft close doors (no upcharge)
-The Ikea cabinets are shipped flat-packed, so risk of damaged cabinets being delivered was considerably less then having assembled cabinets delivered
-The Ikea return policy is outstanding, so we didn't have to be concerned about returns
-My husband fell in love with one of the Ikea quartz countertop options
-Last, but not least - Ikea was the more affordable option (by a landslide!)
We worked with an Ikea designer who helped to ensure that we had configured everything properly - definitely recommend doing this if you plan to use Ikea cabinetry. Our island base is built of 6 cabinets. Each side of the island follows the 24-36-24 pattern, so the middle cabinet is larger. However, the long side of the island without seating is configured with base cabinets and drawers, whereas the long side of the island facing the seating is configured with upper cabinets and doors. We also have about a foot of quartz top overhang on both a long side and a short side -- this allows us to seat up to 6 people at the island.
The Mr. first built the base cabinet boxes and affixed them to one another. Each cabinet base is mounted on several feet that support the weight of it all. Additionally, the silver plates that you see running along the top of the cabinets assist in supporting the quartz countertop.
This picture shows the upper cabinets that sit back-to-back with the base cabinets in the photo above. At this stage the boxes are assembled and affixed to one another, but still need to be mounted with feed and attached to the other cabinets.
In the photo below, we are working to get everything level and then we'll attach the backs of cabinets to one another.
The doors are starting to be attached and the toe kick is in.
Doors and drawers installed. In the picture below, fear not about what looks like too much space between the end of the island and the cabinets on the right -- that side has the 12 inch quartz overhang, so the additional space is intentional.
In the picture below, I feel compelled to mention that the pantry cabinets (also Ikea and also new) are covered in a blue plastic protective shield, which is why the doors look so shiny here. We didn't remove the protective coating until later.
Look at how much space there is now that the L wall is gone!
This is how it looks when you come up the stairs to the main living level.
Drawer side of the island. It is nice to have the extra large drawers in the center. Would recommend.
We ordered our Ikea kitchen pantry and island cabinets in early November. Almost everything was in-stock and delivered within a week. We spent the next couple of weeks assembling before the final quartz measure took place on site and then it was another 6 weeks until the countertop could be delivered.
All-in all a relatively smooth process for a great result. Stay tuned for the final reveal...which includes new appliances, the countertops, hardware, and lighting.
I want to do an Ikea-only cost for you on this and I still have all my paperwork! But it's not happening tonight :)
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