Here's How to Build a Kitchen Island Out of Shiplap

Kitchen islands are a favourite component of today’s open-concept floorplans as they not only provide generous countertop work surface but can make a real style statement too. If you’re looking to create a kitchen with a hint of modern country charm, this shiplap kitchen island is perfect. Its construction, using ready-to-assemble cabinetry and basic building supplies, is simple and straightforward but the overall effect is powerful. When complete, your shiplap island adds texture and a truly customized look to your space.

Supplies 

• ready-to-assemble cabinetry 

• 3/4" plywood 

• shiplap 

• 1" x 4" MDF 

• 1" x 3" MDF 

• 1 1/4" construction screws 

• 3/4" finishing nails (for cabinet sides and shiplap grooves) 

• 1 1/4" finishing nails (for shiplap and corner pieces) 

• wood filler 

• BeautiTone Kitchen & Bath Paint 

• #8 screws (for laminate countertop)

Tools 

• circular saw

• pencil

• measuring tape

• hammer

• level

• carpenter’s square

• screw gun

• paint brush and/or roller

Steps 

1. Assemble 2 x 36-inch cabinets according to manufacturer’s instructions. These will form the base of your island. (We used 2 x 36-inch cabinets to create a 36 x 72 inch – plus trim – island with an overhanging countertop.) 

2. Measure and cut plywood pieces to build a 12-inch deep plywood box that will be attached to the back of your cabinets. This will extend the depth of standard 24-inch deep base cabinets to form your 36-inch deep island. Attach the box to the back of the cabinets using construction screws, making sure all sides are level and corners are square. 

3. Measure and cut MDF trim to create two outside corners and two vertical side pieces (for the cabinet corners). Nail in place. 

4. Measure and cut 1" x 4" MDF for trim at the bottom between the corner frames. This will create three 3-sided trim frames for the ends and sides of your island – they need to be open on the top where the countertop will sit. Once assembled, nail each frame in place on your island. 

5. Cut lengths of shiplap to the inside dimensions of each of your MDF frames. Insert and nail strips of shiplap into the frames, starting from the bottom and moving upward. The last top piece for each section might have to be cut to fit your island’s height. Note: Standard height for kitchen islands and countertops is 36 inches. 

6. Fill all nail holes in your shiplap with wood filler, sand and paint with your choice of BeautiTone Kitchen & Bath paint. 

7. Finish your shiplap island with the installation of your selected countertop.

Total time: 8 hours