How to Turn an Old Bookcase Into a Functional Kitchen Island
Sitcoms (usually) have the best cuisines. Of course, this is because they are fake, stripped of the entire wall, and designed in such a way that it is easy for cameras to get the angle they want. Apart from the swing door from the kitchen to the next room, one of the main kitchen elements of the sitcom is the kitchen island.
Unfortunately, kitchen islands are not quite standard for many homes and apartments. But there is a way to get that extra storage and counter space without moving around: create your own island. One way to do this is to recycle the bookcase. It could be one you already own, or a find at a flea market. Here’s how to do it, courtesy of Jenn Largesse, DIY expert and editor for This Old House .
What you need
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
Materials (edit)
- Bookcase
- Recommended paint for use in kitchens
- Roller tray and inserts
- Contact paper – Marble
- (1) Plank 1 x 2 x 8
- (1) Plank 1 x 8 x 6
- 1 1/4 ” Pocket Hole Screws
- 1 1/4 Inch Finish Nails
- Wood putty
Tools
- Brush 2 1/2 ”
- Miniature roller with 3/8 ” nap roller cover
- Sanding sponge
- Miter saw
- Drill / screwdriver
What to do
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. To see the visuals, head over to Largesse’s original post at The Old House , where she provides photographs to accompany each step. But for now, according to Largesse , here’s how you can turn a bookcase into a kitchen island:
Step 1. Prepare your bookcase
First, remove the back of the bookcase so that the shelves are open on both sides. Then clean the surface with warm water and a mild detergent. Fill any dents or scratches with wood putty. When the filler is completely dry, sand the areas to a smooth finish.
Step 2: add edged boards
Hide any irregularities and fill the nail holes with wood putty. Let it dry and then sand it to a smooth finish.
Step 3: prime the corners and trim
Apply a primer to the bookcase. Start with a brush: paint in the corners and on the trim.
Step 4: prime the shelves and sides
Fill the paint tray with primer. Place the roller in the paint tray and roll out until it is evenly coated. Then prime the flat shelves and sides. When the primer is dry, lightly smooth the surface with a 220 grit sanding sponge.
Step 5: paint over the corners
Brush paint on bookcase corners and paneling.
Step 6: paint the shelves and sides
Fill the paint pan with paint. Place the roller in the paint tray and roll out until it is evenly coated. Apply paint to the shelves and walls of the bookcase. After the paint has dried, you can lightly smooth the surface with a sanding sponge and, if necessary, apply a second coat.
Step 7: assemble the top
It’s time to make the island countertop. Assemble two 1 x 8 boards – 2 inches longer than the width of the top of the bookcase – using the pocket screws. Wrap the edges with 1×2 boards, securing with finishing nails.
Step 8: Put on the protective contact paper.
Cover the new top with self-adhesive contact paper. Wrap the paper over the top, down the sides, and along the bottom edge. Finally, center the work surface on the bookcase, then screw the bookcase up to the work surface to secure it in place.