This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a compact, mobile kitchen island designed for small spaces, featuring a standout tabletop finished with a stained shou sugi ban technique.
With integrated storage, a small footprint, and a bold visual appeal, the island is a practical addition to any kitchen. Jonny’s approach combines functional woodworking with an artistic touch that makes this build both accessible and eye-catching.
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Smart Design for Small Kitchens
Jonny built this island with small kitchens in mind. By keeping the dimensions compact and adding locking casters, he ensured it could be repositioned easily and tucked out of the way when not in use.
The proportions are well-balanced—offering enough surface area for meal prep while maintaining open floor space. For apartment dwellers or anyone with limited kitchen square footage, this type of mobile, multi-use furniture is especially helpful.
Storage That Fits Real Life
A major highlight of this design is the shelving system tailored for mason jars. These shelves hold up to two dozen jars, making it easy to organize dry goods like grains, spices, and pantry staples in a visible, accessible way.
The open shelving layout also allows for flexibility. If mason jars aren’t your thing, the shelves can hold small appliances, cookbooks, or whatever you reach for most in your kitchen.
Beneath the main shelf section, Jonny added a full-width bottom shelf that can store larger items like mixing bowls, pots, or storage containers. This vertical storage approach helps consolidate kitchen clutter into one useful piece.
A Unique Tabletop Finish
What really sets this project apart is the tabletop, finished using a stained shou sugi ban technique. This method involves lightly charring the surface of the wood with a torch to bring out the grain, followed by a water-based colored stain to add depth and personality.
While traditional shou sugi ban typically leaves the surface blackened, Jonny’s variation maintains texture while introducing color. The result is a dramatic, almost iridescent surface that still feels grounded in natural materials.
He developed this variation after noticing a lack of tutorials on stained shou sugi ban finishes. Jonny plans to share a full walkthrough of the process in a dedicated tutorial soon, making it easier for others to replicate this look.
Materials and Construction Overview
The island is built from dimensional lumber, with a focus on strength and clean joinery. Dowels are used to reinforce joints, which adds durability without requiring complex tools or techniques.
Each shelf and frame component is cut, sanded, and assembled with care. While Jonny doesn’t focus on exact measurements in the video, the general process includes shaping the frame, installing the shelves, and preparing the tabletop for finishing.
The tabletop is flattened and smoothed before being charred and stained. This ensures the stain applies evenly and enhances the natural grain rather than soaking into rough or uneven spots.
Mobility and Function
Locking casters are attached to the base, making the island easy to move and reposition. This adds a layer of functionality, especially for tight kitchen layouts or homes where floor space is at a premium.
The casters lock in place when the island is in use, keeping it stable during food prep or storage. When unlocked, it glides easily across tile or wood floors without marking or scuffing.
This kind of flexibility makes the island useful not just as a kitchen station, but also as a serving cart or additional counter space during gatherings.
Customization Ideas
Jonny’s build is centered around mason jar storage, but the base design is open to all kinds of customization. Here are a few ways to personalize a similar island:
- Adjust shelf spacing to fit larger items like cookbooks or bins
- Add hooks to the sides for utensils or kitchen towels
- Include a pull-out cutting board or prep surface
- Use a different stain or paint color to match your kitchen’s palette
These changes can help you tailor the island to your specific kitchen needs and design taste.
Why This Project Stands Out
The combination of functional storage, compact size, and striking tabletop makes this build a standout. It’s approachable for most skill levels and can be completed with a small collection of tools.
The stained shou sugi ban adds a modern twist to a traditional finish and elevates what might otherwise be a basic furniture piece. That attention to detail—and the ability to make practical items visually unique—is what defines Jonny’s woodworking approach.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.