Looking for a practical and stylish addition to your kitchen? Bruce A. Ulrich shares his insights on creating a mobile kitchen island that combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. This DIY project is perfect for anyone wanting to enhance their cooking space with a touch of craftsmanship.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Nail gun
- Air compressor
- Hand plane
- Thickness planer
- Jointer
- Drill & driver
- Mini paint roller
- Spackling
- Random orbit sander
- Double locking casters
Step 1: Planning Your Design
Bruce was commissioned to build a rolling kitchen cart that matched the height of existing cabinets, featured a solid wood top, and had large casters for easy mobility. The design process involved laying out the components and determining the best placement for features like maple stripes in the top. Sometimes, visualizing the layout helps clarify the final design.
Step 2: Preparing the Wood
To start, Bruce faced the challenge of working with boards that were slightly wider than his jointer. After removing the safety guard from the jointer (proceed with caution!), he used a hand plane to eliminate any lips and then ran the boards through the thickness planer to ensure they were even.
Step 3: Dowel Joinery or Glue?
Initially, Bruce planned to use dowel joinery for added strength. However, after drilling several holes without a drill press, he found the alignment to be off. After some thought, he decided to abandon the dowel idea in favor of traditional glue-up methods, which proved to be more effective for this project.
Step 4: Constructing the Frame
With help from Jay Bates’ Sketchup tutorials, Bruce created a cutting diagram and began wrapping the corners of the cabinet with 1×6 trim. He faced challenges along the way, including a crack that developed in the top, which he filled with two-part epoxy.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing
After sanding down the surfaces, Bruce added his maker’s mark and applied 100% tung oil for a beautiful finish. He applied two coats, allowing for ample drying time in between. The outcome was a smooth, rich surface that highlighted the wood’s natural beauty.
Step 6: Drawer Construction
Bruce originally planned for four drawers but realized they would be too small. After consulting his neighbor, he decided to eliminate one drawer, allowing for three larger drawers instead. This required recutting the sides, false fronts, and backs to accommodate the new dimensions.
Step 7: Final Assembly
After filling nail holes with spackling and applying a driftwood stain chosen by the client, Bruce attached the drawer slides and added stretchers for stability. He used double locking casters for mobility, ensuring the island could be easily wheeled around the kitchen or outside for grilling.
Step 8: The Final Touches
To complete the project, Bruce added hardware to the drawers and a pipe handle for towels. He utilized a clever trick to paint the screws black by sticking them through a piece of cardboard, ensuring they blended seamlessly with the island’s design. The kitchen island ultimately provided ample storage and functionality, becoming a cherished addition to the kitchen.
This mobile kitchen island not only serves as a practical workspace but also adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen. Bruce’s project demonstrates that with thoughtful design and execution, anyone can create a beautiful piece of furniture that enhances their home.