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Rain on a Tin Roof

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You are here: Home >> DIY Projects >> DIY Kitchen Island with salvaged wood

January 22, 2014 By Jenna 73 Comments

DIY Kitchen Island with salvaged wood

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DIY Kitchen Island Idea | How to Build a Kitchen Island | Rustic Kitchen Island | Farmhouse Kitchen Island | Affordable Kitchen Island

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Every time I post about my kitchen, it seems that you guys love the DIY kitchen island the most.

And I love that you love it the most.

That piece is pretty special to me.

So special that I regularly threaten to be laid out on it when I die.

{Insert Grunt Labor rolling his eyes here.}

If you have read about the full kitchen makeover renovation, you know it has come a really long way. We knocked down walls, moved appliances, painted cabinets, took out cabinets, dealt with rude plumbers and much more.

And it was all worth it.

So, here is how we built our DIY kitchen island.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Kitchen Tour {rainonatinroof.com} #kitchen

DIY Kitchen Island

First off, I apologize for the lack of photos of us actually building it. I was pregnant during the process (which was an adventure) and honestly, after it taking a couple hours to figure out how to build it, I wasn’t sure if it would even turn out well. 

Luckily, I was wrong.

The good news for you is that since it did take us a few hours and a few curse words and few cross looks to figure it out, we figured out it was actually pretty easy in the end. So, really if you have basic DIY skills, you can build this island. 

First off, let me give you the dimensions:

NO WAY! They built this and it cost less than $100! DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com

It’s five feet long, two feet (and a smidge over) wide and right at about three feet in height. For us, its the perfect size. It functions as a great workspace, we can eat breakfast at it, but it doesn’t take over the entire kitchen. 

Here’s the materials we used:

NO WAY! They built this and it cost less than $100! DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com

The legs are old porch columns we purchased from a local architectural salvage store. If you can’t find salvaged porch columns, you can always find them at Home Depot or another local hardware store. We made a frame of 2x4s to go around the columns at the top and at the base. We used wood screws to attach all the 2 x 4s to the columns.

The bottom shelf is barn wood that came from my great grandfather’s farm. After the frame was completed, we just used a finish nailer to nail the barn wood into both sides of the 2 x 4s.

NO WAY! They built this and it cost less than $100! DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com

The top is the same countertop material that is in the rest of the kitchen. We did add some 1 x 4s between the 2×4 frame on top (underneath the counter) to give the countertops a little more support.

The screws weren’t too noticeable at the bottom, but were at the top. So, after the countertop was installed, we added decorative trim around the top to hide the screws. Its the same trim we used on our built-in bathroom shelving.

NO WAY! They built this and it cost less than $100! DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com

DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com #kitchenisland #diy

A coat of white paint and my barstools make it complete.

After we finally got our dimensions figured out, it took about an hour (without the countertop – we had pros put that in) to construct.

NO WAY! They built this and it cost less than $100! DIY Kitchen Island via RainonaTinRoof.com

All in all, excluding the countertop, we have less than $100 in it. If you didn’t want a regular countertop, like ours, you could always just opt for wood.

Vintage Modern Rustic Kitchen via RainonaTinRoof.com #vintage #modern #rustic #kitchen #whatsyourstyle

You can see more of the kitchen details here or tour our entire renovated rancher here.

What do you think of our DIY Kitchen Island?

You’ll also love these ideas for your kitchen…

See how I made my laminate countertops look like stone here – you won’t believe how easy it was! 

You can also get more DIY countertop makeover ideas here!

7 Kitchen Island Ideas you haven’t thought Of– out-of-the-box ideas for your own DIY kitchen island!

10+ Kitchen Ideas for Decorating, Organizing, and Storage– functional, but still pretty ideas!

7 (To-Die-For) White Kitchens – love white kitchens? Don’t miss these then!

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DIY Kitchen Island Idea | How to Build a Kitchen Island | Rustic Kitchen Island | Farmhouse Kitchen Island | Affordable Kitchen Island

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Filed Under: DIY Projects Tagged With: island, kitchen

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Comments

  1. Leslie says

    January 22, 2014 at 8:14 am

    So is the island the only table you have in the kitchen? Interesting. I could do something like that…my table takes over my entire kitchen!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:28 am

      Yep, Leslie, it is the only table we have in the kitchen. We use our dining room for dinner and eat at the island (or somedays the couch!) for breakfast and lunch.

      Reply
  2. Danelle - The Tattered Treasures says

    January 22, 2014 at 8:32 am

    I LOVE it. I have been wanting to make a very, very small island and this would be perfect. It needs to be open as yours because I don’t want to close up the space. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:29 am

      Glad you like it, Danelle! This island is great for a small, but not too small workspace!

      Reply
  3. Angela (Life in Velvet) says

    January 22, 2014 at 9:19 am

    Hi Jenna,
    This is beyond awesome! I cannot believe you guys made your island! It’s gorgeous! How endlessly creative are you?! Thank you so much for your very, very sweet comment on my blog too! I’m looking forward to meeting you in a few days at the Atl Area Bloggers meeting!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:30 am

      Oh, Angela, you are way too sweet and giving me way to much credit! I cannot wait to meet you on Saturday! Yay!

      Reply
  4. Tamara says

    January 22, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Wow.. That is so amazing. AND while you were pregnant! I love the way you mixed the barn wood with white paint and used the columns for legs. Your stools are so cute. Great job..Thank you.

    Blessings to you,
    Tamara

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:31 am

      Thanks, Tamara! Yep – being pregnant while doing house projects is always an adventure!

      Reply
  5. Dad says

    January 22, 2014 at 11:23 am

    Sweetheart, Granddaddy would be proud. Beautiful & Functional. Love, Dad.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:29 am

      Thanks, Dad!

      Reply
  6. Angie Lawson says

    January 22, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    Jenna I absolutely LOVE the island (and everything else) in your home!! I adore your green barstools. Thanks for sharing the great tutorial! And also thanks SO MUCH for responding to my email a couple days ago about some questions I had (being a new blogger and all)! I’ll get the hang of it soon I hope. You probably just jumped right in and knew how to do everything, right!? Thanks–♥Angie

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:32 am

      You are so welcome, Angie!! And you are giving me too much credit – I had no clue what I was doing when I was blogging at first! Don’t look at my oldest posts – they are horrid! haha!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    January 22, 2014 at 11:32 pm

    It is lovely! I love the shape and openness of it. I can see why you get so many compliments! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:31 am

      Thanks, Emily!

      Reply
  8. Linda @ A La Carte says

    January 23, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    Love your table and I admire that you made it! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Thanks, Linda!

      Reply
  9. Dawn @ We Call It Junkin says

    January 24, 2014 at 6:08 am

    I love it, especially that you left the barn wood unpainted so you still see the charm and patina. Congrats on a great project. Take care – Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
    History & Home link party, Tue-Fri weekly

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Thanks so much, Dawn! Yep – I don’t think I could have lived with myself if I would have painted it!

      Reply
  10. Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says

    January 24, 2014 at 9:21 am

    That is so beautiful! I love it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Thanks, Megan!

      Reply
  11. Abby says

    January 24, 2014 at 9:29 am

    Your island is really lovely! I’m thinking this general idea would also work for a bathroom vanity…we need to do one soon, and this is really quite nice and custamizable. Your whole kitchen is just beautiful!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Abby, I think it would be great for a bathroom vanity as well! If we were ever to need a new vanity or build a house, I would totally consider doing this! Thanks, gal!

      Reply
  12. Rose Sanabria says

    January 24, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    I live in a mobile home that has a very small kitchen and have been looking to add countertop space to it. I have been trying to figure out how to make one from salvaged cabinets, but have not had any luck finding one. I love your idea. Now to find the materials to make one. I live on social security so my very limited income is a problem, but I know what I want to do so The Lord and I will find a way. Thank you. Rose

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      Yes, you will find a way, Rose! Scout out construction sites – they often toss wood they aren’t using into dumpsters and you don’t need a whole lot for this!

      Reply
  13. Marigene says

    January 24, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    What a great little island! Gorgeous kitchen, too…

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks so much, Marigene!

      Reply
  14. Nancy @ A Joyful Cottage says

    January 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Jenna. New follower here via Google+. Your island is beautiful. I just love it. I hopped over to your link on the countertops to see what you used for the top. Great choice. It’s amazing what you and your hubby have done with that kitchen. I have a monthly blog party Every Room In The House. The month of January we’re partying in The Kitchen. I’d be so happy if you’d share your island with us.
    I hope you’ll come, as I know you would inspire so many others who are redoing kitchens. By the way, I saw the comment here from your dad. How sweet. It just touched my heart. xx ~ Nancy

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Nancy! So great to have you following along and thank you for such a sweet comment about my island! I will be sure to hop over and link up! Thanks for the invite! And my dad – yep, he’s sweet every now and then! haha!

      Reply
  15. Tammi says

    January 26, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    Love your island! It’s a great shabby chic / restoration look. Great job!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      Thanks, Tammi! I love the combination!

      Reply
  16. Cynthia Banessa says

    January 26, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    Fantastic job!!! Pinning it!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks so much, Cynthia!

      Reply
  17. Tiffany Nagy says

    January 27, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    This island is fabulous!!! I am absolutely in love with it. I am joining you from the link-up and I am so happy to be a new follower!! I hope you will come on over visit me as well! Happy Monday!
    Tiffany

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you so much, Tiffany! Thrilled to have you following along!

      Reply
  18. Sue says

    January 27, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    Great looking island…I love your use of the barn boards….but even more then that I love those bar stools…they add just a great pop of color!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:53 am

      Thanks, Sue! I love the barstools as well!

      Reply
  19. Kristi says

    January 27, 2014 at 11:09 pm

    Oooh, it’s gorgeous! I think the moulding is my favorite part. Oh, how I wish my kitchen was big enough for an island!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:53 am

      Thanks, Kristi! I know what you mean about having a big enough kitchen – I feel it should be mandatory that every kitchen built is big enough for an island!

      Reply
  20. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    January 28, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Wow, I love how that turned out! Great job, and the paint job is fabulous too! Thanks so much for sharing this at the Creativity Unleashed party, I’m pinning it for sure!

    Reply
  21. [email protected] Stroll Thru Life says

    January 29, 2014 at 9:41 am

    Love your island, it is perfect for your space. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 31, 2014 at 5:14 pm

      Thanks, Marty! It is the perfect size for us!

      Reply
  22. Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says

    January 29, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Jenna, this is gorgeous! I love the reclaimed wood you used, what salvage store did you get it from? Thank you for linking up to The Makers last week and I hope you will join us again his week!
    ~Katie

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:50 am

      The wood on the bottom came from my grandfather’s barn. The columns that are the legs came from a local architectural salvage store, Architectural Exchange. Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Jamie says

    January 29, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    Yep, I love it! Now can you make another one and send it to me…mmmkay?
    Thanks!
    J.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:47 am

      hahaha! Shipping will cost us three times what the island cost to make!

      Reply
  24. Carrie This Home says

    January 31, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    Great tutorial, Jenna! Isn’t it great when a project turns out better than you expected? Thanks so much for sharing this at Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop–you know we love posts like this!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:56 am

      Absolutely, Carrie! Thanks for hosting each week!

      Reply
  25. irene g says

    February 7, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Your Island is just gorgeous. Found your site through Pinterest. I love your style and all your fabulous ideas. I have an unfinished hutch top that I have been waiting to redo til I found the right base. I think something like this would be perfect! I want to make 2 shelves on the bottom for storage. Just one question. You said you screwed the 2×4’s into the columns- was this done from the outside of the column? Thanks so much. Irene

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 7, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      Oh, Irene! I live for comments like this!!! Thank you so much! Yes – we screwed the 2 x 4’s into the columns from the outside. We used trim to hide the screws on the top and didn’t worry about hiding them on the bottom. Hope that helps! Your piece is going to be amazing!

      Reply
  26. Rhonda says

    February 22, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Love your island and love that your family’s barnwood is part of it – it looks great with those green stools!
    Visiting from the Inspire Me Please party… Rhonda @ home.made.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 24, 2014 at 7:51 am

      Thanks, Rhonda! I love a piece that is special and that’s just what this one is! And those bar stools – one of my prized possessions!

      Reply
  27. Heather @ new house new home says

    July 22, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Thanks for the tutorial. You make it seem really easy. Oh to have a kitchen with room for an island.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      July 22, 2014 at 11:24 am

      It really was pretty easy for us, Heather! It is so nice to have a kitchen with enough room for an island – we had to tear out a wall in order to get it that way though!

      Reply
  28. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    July 24, 2014 at 10:55 am

    I’d love to share this on my FB page! Would you mind if I grabbed a picture and shared the link? Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      July 24, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      That’s totally fine, Melissa! Thanks for the share!

      Reply
  29. Terry says

    February 22, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    Beautiful island for a beautiful kitchen! You have created a lovely space indeed! Its gorgeous! I hope you have a great dya!
    Smiles!
    Terry

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 24, 2016 at 8:05 am

      Thanks, Terry!

      Reply
  30. Dwight says

    March 7, 2017 at 9:13 pm

    I love the design and build, your island is incredible! I love the legs that you chose. I wanted to share the Drop Leaf Kitchen Island that I built, which can be great for people with smaller kitchens: http://bacheloronabudget.com/diy-drop-leaf-kitchen-island-cart/

    Looking forward to trying out some other projects on your site!

    Reply
  31. shelley says

    May 1, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    This is beautiful – the addition of the molding really makes it pop! Thanks for sharing at Over the Moon.

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 3, 2017 at 9:14 am

      Thanks, Shelley!

      Reply
  32. Cassie Smallwood says

    May 6, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    I love this island! It’s so pretty! It’s so awesome to be able to create your own pieces for your home that fit in just perfectly. Great post!

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Thank you, Cassie!

      Reply
  33. Charlene Asay says

    May 7, 2017 at 10:16 am

    I love everything about this island. I would love to make one myself. Pinning for later. I hope you will join us Sunday-Wednesday at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party.

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Thanks so much, Charlene!

      Reply
  34. Tracy says

    May 7, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    Wow! It’s gorgeous!!! Pinning it to show my husband. Hopefully he will build it for me!

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Thanks so much, Tracy!

      Reply
  35. Theresa says

    May 10, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    Love your kitchen island. Pinned & sharing Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party.

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:18 am

      Thanks so much, Theresa!

      Reply
  36. Rachel Teodoro says

    May 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    Are you kidding me?! This is amazing! I featured it on the create link inspire DIY ideas round up. Thanks for joining the party!

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Thanks so much, Rachel!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Centsational Girl » Blog Archive BOTB 1.30.14 » Centsational Girl says:
    January 30, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    […] a narrow kitchen island with these materials and tips from Rain on a Tin […]

    Reply
  2. "Inspire Me Please" Weekend Blog Hop #46 - Love of Family & Home says:
    January 30, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    […] DIY Kitchen Island via Rain On A Tin Roof […]

    Reply
  3. Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop #61 says:
    February 2, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    […] DIY Kitchen Island […]

    Reply

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