Turning An Old Dresser Into A Kitchen Island: My Personal Experience

When my husband and I moved into our new home, we knew we wanted to upgrade our kitchen. However, we didn’t have the budget for a complete renovation. That’s when we came across the idea of turning an old dresser into a kitchen island. We found an old wooden dresser at a thrift store and decided to give it a try.

Step by Step Guide

Here are the steps we took to turn our old dresser into a kitchen island:

1. Remove Drawers and Hardware

The first step was to remove all the drawers and hardware from the dresser. We kept the drawers for storage elsewhere in the kitchen.

2. Cut Countertop

We purchased a piece of butcher block to use as the countertop. We measured and cut it to fit the top of the dresser.

3. Sand and Stain

We sanded down the dresser and stained it to match the butcher block countertop. This gave it a cohesive look.

4. Add Casters

We added casters to the bottom of the dresser so we could easily move it around the kitchen if needed.

5. Install Countertop

We installed the butcher block countertop on top of the dresser and secured it in place.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when turning an old dresser into a kitchen island:

1. Look for a dresser that is sturdy and made of solid wood.
2. Measure the space in your kitchen to ensure the dresser will fit.
3. Consider the height of the dresser and the countertop so it’s comfortable to work at.
4. Choose a countertop material that is durable and easy to clean.
5. Add casters to make it easy to move around.
6. Use the drawers for extra storage in your kitchen.
7. Consider adding shelves or hooks to the sides of the dresser for additional storage.
8. Paint or stain the dresser to match your kitchen’s decor.
9. Add bar stools to create a seating area at the island.
10. Get creative and add your own personal touches to make it unique.

Pros and Cons

Like any project, there are pros and cons to turning an old dresser into a kitchen island. Here are some to keep in mind:

Pros:

• Cost-effective compared to a complete kitchen renovation.
• Can be customized to fit your specific needs and style.
• Provides extra storage and counter space in your kitchen.
• Can be moved around if needed.

Cons:

• May not be as durable as a professionally made kitchen island.
• May not fit seamlessly into your kitchen’s layout and design.
• Requires some DIY skills and tools.
• May take more time and effort than expected.

Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, we are very happy with our decision to turn an old dresser into a kitchen island. It was a budget-friendly option that provided us with extra storage and counter space. We love the unique and personalized touch it adds to our kitchen.

However, we do suggest that anyone considering this project should have some DIY skills and tools. It can be a bit more time-consuming than expected, but the end result is worth it.

FAQs

Q: Can any dresser be turned into a kitchen island?

A: While any dresser can technically be turned into a kitchen island, it’s important to choose one that is sturdy and made of solid wood. It should also fit well into your kitchen’s layout and design.

Q: What countertop material is best?

A: The best countertop material will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Butcher block, granite, and quartz are all popular options for kitchen islands.

Q: How long does it take to turn an old dresser into a kitchen island?

A: The time it takes will vary depending on your DIY skills and the complexity of the project. It could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.