How to add legs to a kitchen island

Adding legs to a kitchen island can be a great way to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality. I have put together a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process! When we were in the process of our kitchen renovation I always knew I wanted the island to have legs, so the hubs made it happen! (he is the best)

You can find the legs online or a  woodshop that sells, trims, crown, moldings, etc.  Remember that Proportions are important to consider, the size of the leg should complement the size of the island.

 

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Before

Materials Needed:

Wooden legs (pre-made or custom) You can find some on Amazon

Mounting plates or brackets

Screws

Power drill

Screwdriver

Measuring tape

Pencil

Level

Step 1: Remove the bookshelves

We used a saw to take out the bookshelves and added temporary support using wood throughout the whole process.

 

Step 2: Measure and Plan

Start by measuring the height of your kitchen island from the floor to the bottom of the countertop. This will help you determine the appropriate height for your legs.

Step 3: Choose and Prepare the Legs

Select the wooden legs that match the style and dimensions you want for your kitchen island. You can find pre-made legs at hardware stores or online, or you can have custom legs made to your specifications.

If the legs come unfinished, you may choose to paint or stain them to match the existing color scheme of your kitchen. You will most likely need to cut the legs to the appropriate height.

Step 4: Attach Mounting Plates or Brackets

Determine the placement of the legs on the underside of the kitchen island.

Use mounting plates or brackets to attach the legs securely to the island. Place the mounting plates or brackets against the underside of the island and mark the screw hole locations with a pencil.

Use a power drill to pre-drill holes for the screws, then attach the mounting plates or brackets to the island using screws.

 

Step 4: Attach the Legs

Once the mounting plates or brackets are securely attached to the underside of the island, it’s time to attach the legs.

Position the legs over the mounting plates or brackets and align them with the pre-drilled holes.

Use screws to fasten the legs to the mounting plates or brackets. Make sure the legs are straight and level before tightening the screws completely.

Step 5: Check for Stability

After attaching all the legs, check the stability of the kitchen island. Gently rock the island back and forth and side to side to ensure that the legs are securely attached and the island is level.

If necessary, adjust the screws to ensure that the legs are properly aligned and the island is stable.

For extra added support we added an L bracket.

Add a  trim of your choice to cover up the frame on all three sides.

Now the fun part, paint!

 

Since our DIY renovation, we had a slow leak that caused mold throughout. We have since replaced the whole kitchen but was able to keep the island.  I simply gave it a fresh coat of paint and new countertops. You can read all about it here

And since then we have also updated our light fixtures, you can read that post here.

 

Chandelier

Pendant Lighting

Faucet: Hanover from Pfister read more about it here.

Countertop: Quartzite in Taj Mahal

For more details on how we transformed our island click here.

Adding legs to a kitchen island is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours, depending on your skill level and the complexity of your island design. With the right tools and materials, you can transform your kitchen island into a stylish and functional centerpiece of your kitchen.