Instructions for Building a Rolling Island From Premade Cabinets

Construction of the Rolling Island

• Unfinished pre-made cabinets work best for this project. Use cabinets that have a top drawer and doors beneath. Avoid cabinets designed for under-the-sink installations, as they have false drawer fronts and constrict the storage capacity of the island.

  Decide what the finished length of the new island is to be. Base cabinets are available in 15" and 18" widths. Three base cabinets that are 15" wide will make a rolling island that will be approximately 48" long when completed.

  Remove the toe kick material attached to the bottom of the cabinets: use a combination square to mark a cutting line that is flush with the bottom of the cabinet, then cut away the excess material with a handsaw.

  Place 1" x 3" furring strips vertically between the sections of the cabinet and attach the cabinet sections together using 1 5/8" deck screws. Drive the screws in from both sides of the cabinet base to add strength.

  Attach furring strips vertically to the sides and back of the cabinets, nailing to the cabinet base with finish nails. Cut finish grade plywood for the ends and back of the island. Nail to the furring strips.

  Cut 1/2" x 1" lattice strip one inch longer than the finished width of the joined cabinets. Nail horizontally across the front beneath the drawers. To cover the joining lines and at the ends, nail pieces of the lattice strip vertically above and below the section nailed beneath the drawers.

  Attach the plate for the rollers to each corner of the island base with screws. Install the rollers into the plates. Carefully turn the unit upright onto the rollers.

  Drill the holes in the doors and drawers for the knobs, and mount door latches to the frame.

  Cut a piece of the cabinet grade plywood the full width and length of the top of the cabinet including the lattice trim added earlier. Attach the plywood to the top of the unit with finish nails. Use a nail set to sink the nail heads below the surface of the plywood.

  Install bed molding around the exposed edges of the plywood top with finish nails, mitering the corners. Fill the nail heads with wood putty.

Finishing the Island

• Sand the entire unit with medium grit sandpaper. Clean sanding dust with a tack rag. Apply two coats of paint or stain. If using paint, apply primer before painting. Highlight details with a metallic rub and buff wax finish. Seal the paint or stain with two or three coals of polyurethane for a tough surface that will stand up to heavy usage.

  Attach the knobs to the drawers and doors.