December 31, 2018

Installing a kitchen island in Avon Lake

Posted In: Construction in Avon, Ohio

Adding workspace to prep and cook is on many wish lists

If you’re thinking that a kitchen island in Avon Lake could help ease the space crunch your house’s most active spot, you’re not alone. A kitchen island tops the list of most desired features for kitchen renovations as well as for new kitchens

A kitchen island countertop can contrast with your existing counters to add style to your design. Red stools add flavor as well in this example.Your budget may not be large enough for a complete kitchen renovation, but don’t lose hope. If your existing kitchen is at least about 13 feet wide, it’s large enough for an island. Anything narrower will compromise the space, making it difficult to navigate while busy with culinary tasks. On the other hand, if your kitchen is U-shaped, 10 feet is usually an acceptable width.

After reviewing your kitchen’s shape, chose a few options that you’ll find satisfactory. For instance, if you just need a little more preparation space, a 2-by-3-foot island would be suitable. That should provide enough space for two base cabinets as well.

By adding an island to a smaller kitchen, you’ll enhance the food preparation space and appreciate the counter space.

If this size is even too large, there are mobile butcher block work stations that may fill the bill. They come in various sizes.

The most popular islands are usually at least 4 feet wide to have room for a pair of back-to-back 24-inch cabinets. That way, your countertop is commonly about 5 ½ feet in length and will hang over one edge to accommodate bar stools. With two to three stools, you’ll have space as a breakfast bar, for dining, or drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Figure on 24 inches of space to be comfortable for each person sitting.

Also, consider using stools that have backs so guests can relax more easily and not be hunched over a backless stool. About 24-26 inches from floor to seat is a good height standard. Choose a low-maintenance material, such as leather or a solid surface that cleans easily. Some microfibers are easy to clean, too. Be creative the color and style; stools don’t have to match your dining table chairs.

A prep sink in your kitchen island is an excellent idea to make cooking chores easier, especially for parties and large dinners.

Islands usually need to have an electrical outlet for appliances such as a blender, mixer, slow cooker, or other kitchen device. The National Electrical Code calls for at least one receptacle if the countertop is at least 2 feet at its longest dimension and at least 1 foot at its shortest dimension. A small prep sink is another option and is quite handy if you’re preparing a large meal and more than one cook is in the kitchen—that way, one can be washing vegetables and the main sink is otherwise occupied.

A prep sink will add to the cost, particularly if new water lines and drains need to be added. But in some cases, they can be added to existing lines nearby. It’s a good practice to allow about one foot of space on both sides of the sink so there is work space.

A sometimes overlooked point is adequate lighting. Two or even three pendant lights will add enough lighting for any activity. Many attractive styles are available to add to your kitchen’s design.

You may also want to install light dimmers to set the mood when dining rather than having the bright lighting that food preparation requires.

The final, and perhaps most important, consideration is the type of counter top that will coordinate with the rest of the kitchen.

If you want your new island to match your existing counters, that’s fairly easy to do. Butcher block counters should match well with a butcher block island. The key is to match the shade of wood.

A black kitchen island top could match quite well with similar counter tops, but recent trends are showing contrasting tops as other options to consider. For example, some sophisticated looks are being achieved by matching gray tones of a marble island top to a charcoal wall color, which is complemented by black granite countertops.

A kitchen island is also a handy spot for a wine rack.

For yet a different twist, you might want to apply wood stain to your new island cabinets that matches your existing range hood and choosing a white island top to add depth and the interest of a pleasing combination.

The national average cost for kitchen islands is $4,000, according to HomeAdvisor.com, with a low end of $100 and a high end of $10,000.

If you are ready to discuss a kitchen island, check out Sciarappa Construction in Avon Lake, Ohio. We’re a family-owned business that has more than 40 years of experience in designing and remodeling homes and other spaces.

When it comes to a kitchen island in Avon Lake, Sciarappa Construction will work to achieve your goals, using your design if you have one, or presenting several designs if you need one. We offer the highest level of quality, efficiency and professionalism to complete your project. Call (440) 930-2882 or email info@sciarappaconstruction.com. We’re located at 32961 Pin Oak Pkwy., Avon Lake, OH 44012.

Website: https://sciarappaconstruction.com

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