DIY Expandable Kitchen Island + Building Plans

We have a somewhat small kitchen, but we do have enough space for a small island. Of course I wanted to build my own island. I had thought about what it would look like for months. Originally it was going to be a lot more simple than it turned out, but then I came across this post from FixThisBuildThat of a hidden drawer and knew I wanted to include one because why not?? Then I came across a small island that expanded and it got the wheels turning in my head…how could I make this island expand?? We have a lot of get togethers, imagine our 1800sf house with 30-40 people for Friendsgiving! So an expandable island would be PERFECT to serve food on! Then we could tuck it away when we don’t need it.

I wanted the sides to have a fun trim, I found this post Kayla did and was in love with the look of her wall! So I went searching for that trim and found it!

Once I got it home I started figuring out the size of the island, I didn’t want to rip any of this moulding down, so this trim would determine the size of my island.

I built the frame out of particle board because it was inexpensive, but if I did this again I’d probably use a higher quality plywood instead, it holds screws better. I built one side and one end, I connected them with pocket holes, I attached the trim with wood glue and brad nails.

I added a 2×4 base to the bottom.

Then I added another piece of particle board on top of the 2×4 base and a support piece for the sliding countertop.

Then I started with the end and the faceframe on the front.

Once I got the supports on I added the lower and upper countertops. I used this butcher block and screwed it into place with pocket holes I made on the top sides of the island sides.

After the top was installed, I started working on the front of the island. I added a faceframe and then started working on the trash can drawer.

I added a wall in between the trash can drawer area and the other drawers and spices, just in case anything we throw away is stinky. I built a door out of particle board, 1×3 and 1×2 primed pine. I left enough room in the trash can drawer to put a box of extra trash bags behind the trash can.

I added 1×4 primed pine to the bottom and then later I added the baseboards on top of the 1x4s to match the rest of the house.

I caulked the seams of the trim (you want to make sure the caulk you use it paintable), filled the nail holes and sanded them with 220 grit sand paper. I like to add the caulk and then wipe the excess off with a baby wipe.

The far left drawer would be a spice drawer. I also built it out of particle board and wooden dowels. The side of the particle board is rough, I put a coat of primer on it and then filled it in with spackle so it would be smoother. Again, if I did this project again I’d use plywood and then edge banding.

I put a clear coat on all the particle board since it would be used as an island and spills sometimes happen. I tried priming the inside of the expandable area but it didn’t cover well. So I decided to put wallpaper on it instead. I painted the rest of the island in Alabaster by SW to match the walls in the rest of my home.

For the full plans to this kitchen island you can find them here.

Here’s a quick video showing the process.

There are a few things I have changed in the plans that I would change about this island, like the baseboards and how they are installed. I would also like to redo the drawer fronts eventually, now that I have made a few different styles and am more confident on building doors.

All kitchen links can be found here.

Next up, a quick laundry room storage cabinet and it’s beginner friendly!