Remodeling a kitchen can be fun or a disaster

Remodeling a kitchen can be fun or a disaster; I once heard that the divorce rating during kitchen remodeling is high! Living without a kitchen can be more than inconvenient, it can be painful.

So whether you’re a man or a woman, single or married, here are some top kitchen island planning tips to avoid headaches and minimize kitchen downtime.

The Kitchen Triangle – No, this is not like the Bermuda triangle, although a lot seems to disappear in my kitchen! The most efficient layout for most kitchens is when the stove, refrigerator, and sink/dishwasher locations form a triangle. Consider this when planning to build a kitchen island. What is the purpose of the island?

An island can:
* provide more work space
* home appliances
* add storage
* provide space to sit and eat

The Kitchen Island – If you are adding an island, there are a few measurements to consider. There must be a minimum of 36″ to walk between counters, appliances, cabinets, and islands. Also make sure each appliance and cabinet door has enough clearance to fully open and close. The height of the island must be the same as Many are square or rectangular, although the shape of your island is only limited by space and your imagination.

Islands are usually designed with the same finishing materials as kitchen cabinets so they blend seamlessly. However, they can be made of metal, wood or stone. Some islands wrap around the surface material on one or more of the sides. The islands often need electricity. You don’t want electrical cords dangling in hallway areas. Electrical outlets can be installed high on the sides of the island and preferably away from seating areas around the island. Check local codes. Most recommend 20 amp, 120 volt circuits and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles.

Island Appliances: Islands can incorporate appliances, stoves, and even sinks.

Above Your Island: Lighting above your island should be considered, as well as other options. In many installations, cabinets, pot and pan hangers, and vent hoods or exhaust ducts can be installed above the island, depending on the application. There are all kinds of different shelves available for hanging pots and pans above your island. They come in many shapes and sizes and finishes. Be sure to measure the clearance if people will be sitting anywhere around the island.

Island Tops – Countertop planning requires some answers to a few questions:
* How much will be cooked and baked?
* What is the budget of the countertop?
* What material do you prefer?

Consider heat-resistant countertop materials, such as stone, granite, tile, or metal, that match the other countertops in the area. Today, people mix and match surfaces based on usage.

Make sure the edges and corners are smooth and rounded for safety. The most commonly used countertop materials for many years were Formica and laminate. Now, lower costs and technology are replacing laminates with natural stone and newer manufactured surfaces. Some countertop materials include butcher block, ceramic, concrete, copper, granite, laminate, limestone, marble, quartz, slate, soapstone, stainless steel, stone, tile, and wood.

Under Your Island: Under-island cabinets and drawers are common and useful storage. If your island has the main sink, you’ll probably want to fit a dishwasher as well. An island can often be a useful place to set up a dumpster, since people can eat around the area on a regular basis.

No island is an island – even your island is subject to local building codes. You will want to have your plans executed by a local contractor and/or your zoning code engineer to ensure that your island complies with all building codes.