How to Build a Cooktop Island

Measure and mark the floor area for the island. The size of this area determines the number of features your cooktop area can contain, such as bar-height eating space or a double-sink. An island should not be less than 2 feet deep by 4 feet long, according to home improvement writer Tim Carter of the AskTheBuilder website.

Determine how you will vent the cooktop. Venting can be done either from below the cooktop with a system that exhausts to the outside, or from above the cooktop with a vent that runs through the roof. The most cost-effective way to vent the cooktop is determined by the location of the island within the structure of your home.

Lay out the base of the island with 1-by-3 hardwood strips. Clamp the corners to keep them square and nail securely. Connect the wood strips to the flooring with nails to ensure that the island does not shift when people lean on it.

Measure and cut the plywood sheets for the exterior of the cooktop cabinet. Attach to the unit with nails.

Connect electrical and gas connections to the island. These connections may require wiring or conduit connections that run along basement ceilings or under the crawlspace of your home.

Measure and cut the openings from the top plywood surface for the sink and cooktop.

Install stone, tile or other easy-clean material for the countertop of the island.

Set in the sink according to manufacturer’s instructions. Connect the water line and drain to the sink, tightening securely with a pipe wrench. Use plumber’s tape around pipe threads to prevent leaks.

Install cooktop according to manufacturer’s instructions. Connect to gas line or electrical circuit as recommended.

Connect the vent to the cooktop surface as recommended by the manufacturer. Above-island vents generally require cutting into roof materials. Consult with your local building permit department for code requirements.

Install the exterior surface on the sides of the island cabinet. Wood, tile, metal or painted surfaces are common choices. The cooktop island can reflect the decor of the rest of kitchen or be decorated as a separate unit, depending on your tastes.