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It’s been awhile since I posted but thankfully it’s all due to being extremely busy. I always get so excited when I get to post about a DIY. Cause if you know me, you know I love to “do” & “make” and when I have a vision of something super cool & creative… I can’t wait to dive in and do it. And then share all about it. This post is on how I got my very own island and you can too!
Let me say that my family thought I was insane when I bought an old dresser and they heard it was my future kitchen island, (they couldn’t see my vision). This project took a long time mainly due to weather being uncooperative and other projects that took precedence over it. But I’m happy to say it’s done and it’s just what I envisioned. My family now sees what I was talking about. I hope you do too.
When I knew this was the house we would be buying, I immediately knew I wanted to make an island for the kitchen. As with most of my visions, I draw them out and figure out dimensions, supplies & cost. I had measured the space in the kitchen, then the previous owner sold me an old dresser for $25 (a steal). (You might remember it’s twin style night stand that I repainted and posted about HERE.) I also bought that from her.
Drawing out my design
The supplies I would need but mainly the dimension of what I wanted the final piece to be. I did that by figuring out the space, then taking into account the overhang I wanted (for seating & other considerations). I wanted an overhang to be able to have two bar stools for my boys to hang out with their Mimzy. And an overhang on one end so that it could house the trash can underneath. Once the design and materials list was finalized, I began by giving it a good cleaning then removed the old hardware.
Once the design and materials list was finalized, I began by giving it a good cleaning and removing the old hardware. On to taking apart the entire accent trim on the bottom of the dresser. I needed a flat surface to install ball feet.
I also removed the one little cabinet door, (not to worry, I will use that for another project). Reuse, reduce, recycle!
The ball feet had to be big, prominent, the right height, but also have character.
She has feet!!! It’s time to paint. In comes chalk paint. I usually blend colors to what I’m wanting so I can only say mine started with a green undertone then I did a full sweep of creamy white. Once the paint dried, I sanded down the areas where I wanted the original dark stain and green undertones to be exposed (mainly corners, sides, and edges).
How precious are these two? The boy-child aka little-man, wanted to help grandpa with this task. Putting old barn wood planks on the back side of the dresser. (This step came after all the painting and wax seal was applied.)
I found these beautiful little corbels at a local antique store ($8/each), used for support and detail on the main overhang. I scrubbed them gently, wiped and sanded a bit and removed any old nails sticking out. Hubs applied some clear coat to seal the chippy paint from falling off over time.
Now the nice thing about building your own custom pieces is that if you’re short like I am, you can make them to your specifications. Meaning I will actually be able to stir, mix, and see what I’m doing at a comfortable height! So when it came time to figure the countertop and I’ll be honest, this was the most trying part of this whole project.
Getting the right height
I had to figure out the correct height of the ball feet and then what I would need in order to come up with the correct height. So we went with 3/4″ plywood (for inches and support), and the 1×12’s. Boo did a fantastic job of cutting and rounding the corners for me. Figuring out how to attach the heavy top to the dresser was also a challenge.
LOTS & LOTS of sanding and smoothing after the rains decipated. I love the grain and knots on these, right? (Thanks to my son-in-law for picking them out for me!). Once the sanding was complete and before the staining, Boo helped me put some character on the top side by putting dents, runs, and dings in the wood using a meat tenderizer and a hammer.
Back view and ready to stain. I applied a dark mahogany staining gel. Two coats.
Two coats of polyurethane later and this baby is looking amazing! (You can see some of the runs and dings here!). Now spills and crumbs can just be wiped right off of the protective sealant.
Here you can see the overhang I did for the waste basket to be tucked right underneath. Making it convenient for baking and cooking time! You can also see the new hardware that I replaced the old with and the detailing of the darker shades exposed under the lighter paint.
You can also see the cubby area I left by removing the little cabinet door.
This is by far, one of the most fun projects I’ve done and it turned out better than what I imagined. Now my two little monkeys can sit or help me make “nana muffins” whenever they want.
How I got my very own ISLAND and you can too
My reasoning for going with a dresser for an island… they’re roomy, have lots of storage and big drawers. Drawers that would allow for baking sheets and pan storage and lots of utensils at arms reach while baking. The final size was 7′ 4″ long x 3′ wide and 34 1/2″ tall.
It will make my kitchen days at home and the Peppermill, a whole lot more enjoyable and functional. I’m all for that!
Now that the island and cabinets are complete, we have light fixtures to replace and we have something exciting for that. Hopefully down the road when we have the funds, we can replace the flooring as well.
As far as this project…the total cost for my massive island… $110! Not too shabby huh? I certainly can’t find a custom island for that price or one I would love as much. Tell me what you think of my little island and remember if you can dream it – you can make it!
Thank you’s to my guys…Boo, the grandson & my son-in-law for their help with this fun project!
Hi Sam. After searching in different places, I wound up buying them via Ebay. They were the cheapest and there were many varieties.
Where did you find your ball feet for the dresser? Great job!
Thank you Cherrie! When my grandsons were climbing on it earlier– I was so thankful that it has provided so much functionality. Especially for cooking but to have my babies hang out there as well! Thank you for stopping by!
Love your island!!! Great job!!
Hi Shelli and thank you for your question. We did a 3/4″ plywood piece that became the base (foundation) and then we attached three 1×12 boards on top of that. We used wood glue, clamps to hold it in place while it dried and then screwed them together before attaching to the dresser top portion. For that we did the same- glue & screwed it on. It is very sturdy and 2 years later it’s still in fabulous condition and I use it every single day! I love it!
How did you end up attaching it to the dresser?
What did you use to round the edges of the top?
Lori do you mind sending me pictures of the top and I can guide you? Email: gullycreekcottage@gmail.com
I love this so much! I’m using my coronacation to work on my vision as well. Question? I have a great dresser to use but the top of the front has a curve to it. Ignore or cut the countertop board to match?
You are so welcome! I love that others see the beauty and functionality in it that I do! One of my favorite DIY’s EVER!!! Do share pictures of yours, I would love to see it! ❤︎
This is genius, gorgeous, frugal and inspiring! I am buying an older condo I have to remodel. Dont want to spend thousands on a remodel. I have the PERFECT dresser for this. Thank YOU!
Thank you Sandra! If you do happen to make your own, I would love to see the finished product! ❤︎
Wow. That is an awesome island. Thank you so much for your inspiration. You just gave me the courage and info to do the same for me!!
God blessed you for a reason.
Kayley- this island is not budging or going anywhere. There is no way that it can ever be tipped over. You have the weight of the dresser itself and then the countertop weighs a lot as well because of the size and depth of it. I’m not concerned at all! I have a difficult time moving it just to clean my floors!
Is that safe? It doesn’t seem like you secured it to the floor and I would be so worried about a kid hanging on the overhang and tipping the whole thing!
Thank you Tammy! I have no doubt you will find the perfect dresser to repurpose. Yours will be perfect cause it will be made by you and you will cherish it. I love not only the look of mine but the functionality of it. I’m here if you need direction! Happy repurposing!
I absolutely love this island. I am going to start looking for an old dresser myself to repurpose this way. Yours is stunning! I hope mine turns out as beautiful!
Thank you Val! Definitely a piece that is functional and way more awesome than I ever imagined. My favorite DIY to date!❤︎
Your island is gorgeous and perfect, everything about it is wonderful. I love the kiddo helping out too.
Hi Kelley! So excited to see pictures of your project! You’re gonna love making your own and the pride for the outcome- goes without saying! Best of luck and holler if you need guidance~
I am sooooo excited ! I just picked up a 70”” long heavy oak dresser that someone had thrown out on the side of the road—have been designing an island in my mind for the longest time, don’t want to pay $1,500 for a custom made island so I will make my own. So glad to have found your project—I’m sure I can do it now. Will send pics
-Kelley from NC
Thank you Jack! It means a lot coming from a handyman such as yourself! You’re correct about throwing things away. I always sit and think about the uses something can have before doing so. I have always had my “idea pile” for those rainy days. ❤︎
Very nice! Even as a painter, handyman, and sometimes remodeler, it’s good to get ideas from others. Often DIY’ers come up with the best ideas, especially for the rest of us, who hate to throw things away. Keep up the great work ideas.
Hi Janet! So we first attached a 3/4″ piece of plywood (same size as the three 1×12’s width & length) to the top of the dresser by putting sporadic drizzle of wood glue and then screwing it in place. Then we attached the top (1×12’s) to that surface by screwing into place. The corbels on the back side help support the overhang but the plywood gave more stability. Hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have other questions and good luck on your DIY!
How did you attach the heavy top? That’s what I really wanted to find out. Good job!
Hi Patricia and thank you! It is one of a kind and I love that it’s so functional. I found the feet on Ebay. Just type in “bun feet”. There’s lots to choose from out there. ?
I love your kitchen island (Beautiful)I will be trying this .where can I get the feet for the island ? Did you order it from Amazon?
I used a sheet of 3/4″ plywood and attached (glued then screwed) 3 (1×12’s) to the plywood. Then I had my husband round the corners. I then sanded the entire thing before gluing and screwing (2 1/2″ screws) to the dresser top. It will all depend on the thickness of your dresser top as to what size of screws to use. After I screwed all those in, I filled the screw holes with wood filler, sanded when dried and then stained the countertop. Let me know if you have any other questions and do share photos of yours. I’d love to see it!
I really would like to try this but I never saw where you said how you attached the top to the dresser did you make a frame for it to lay in or what?
Thank you Anna! Don’t give up. There’s one out there with your name all over it! ❤️
Love your island! Still looking for the perfect piece to make mine.
Thank you Carol! Us short people know how inconvenient it is sometimes to not be able to see what we’re stirring and mixing huh? Thank you for your comment! Come back often and Happy Thanksgiving!
Really well done,a short person from Halifax,N.S.
THANK YOU! I absolutely love it! It is the perfect height. Since it’s custom, I made it for short me and it works perfectly. Thank you for commenting and Happy Thanksgiving~?
Pat, thank you! It was one of those projects that I could picture in my mind and couldn’t wait to get it done. It just took forever to have it done due to all our other home projects that took priority over it. I’ve been putting it to good use and with the upcoming holiday season, it’s going to get a great workout! Thank you for commenting! Happy Thanksgiving!?
Love the island; what a clever idea.
That’s absolutely brilliant.??
Thank you Lindy! You’re the sweetest and we would love to have you come for a visit! Our projects are currently endless and I love that. Not sure Dan shares the same enthusiasm
as I do but it keeps me out of trouble! Lol. Miss you too!? Now start planning your trip!!!
Belle and Dan,
I’m just in awe of your newest creation!! What a partnership…a visionary and a master carpenter. I now have another item on my bucket list, to come see you during the fall and stay at your beautiful B&B.
Miss you-
Lindy