A kitchen island can serve as a functional space for any kitchen. Whether it is used as a prep area or an eating place, a kitchen island’s versatility makes it something many homeowners want. If you need help choosing the perfect kitchen island, visit one of Jaeger Lumber’s kitchen departments to meet with a designer, who can help find the best kitchen island for your lifestyle.
Jaeger Lumber provides contractors and homeowners throughout New Jersey with building and renovation products for kitchen and bath remodels and other projects. Here, we provide some of our best tips for picking out a new kitchen island.
Consider How the Island Will Be Used
If you are looking for the perfect kitchen island, you need to think about how you intend to use it. Questions to ask include:
- What size island do you need?
- Is cooking prep space important?
- How much storage do you need?
- Do you want space for people to sit around the kitchen island?
- Will there be a stovetop built in?
- Is a sink needed?
- Will you want to add lighting above the island?
- Do you need electricity hooked up to the island?
- Will it be used as a casual dining space?
Pick the Right Size Kitchen Island
Not all kitchen islands are made equal. Before you start creating your perfect kitchen island, you need to measure your space. You don’t want your kitchen to feel cramped, but you don’t want your dream kitchen island to be too small, either. When designing, consider the following:
- Leave space for walking around the island.
- Measure to ensure all cabinets will open completely.
- Decide whether the island will be located within the kitchen triangle (relationship of the stove to sink to the refrigerator).
- Think about the shape of the island and how it will affect flow.
Choose the Right Materials for Your Kitchen Island
A kitchen island can be made from numerous materials. Depending on how you plan to use your kitchen island, the type of materials that will be used on its countertop can vary.
Granite
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen islands because it’s durable. It resists heat, scratches, and cuts. It comes in a variety of colors. Each piece of granite will be unique because of how it is sourced. The downside to granite could be the cost—it’s more expensive than other kitchen island material choices.
Engineered Soapstone
Engineered soapstone is a man-made material using quartz, resins, polymers, and pigments. Engineered soapstone is popular for its easy maintenance because it is non-porous, stain-resistant, and most importantly, easy to clean. Engineered soapstone can look more manufactured because the stone often has the appearance of a repetitive pattern, whereas natural stone doesn’t.
Quartz
Quartz is a popular choice for kitchen island countertops. It comes in a wide range of colors and looks similar to marble and granite – but at a fraction of the price. Quartz is heat and cut-resistant, and most items will not stain the surface of quartz. However, if quartz chips, a professional will need to repair it.
Marble
Marble is a durable material that comes in many colors. Marble has been used in kitchens for centuries and can gain a beautiful patina over time. The downside to marble is that it can be prone to etching, which damages the stone when it comes into contact with acidic substances.
Soapstone
Another popular natural stone to use for kitchen islands is soapstone. It is non-porous, heat resistant, and won’t crack easily. However, soapstone is susceptible to scratches, and is available in a limited color palate of mostly gray with some black and green undertones.
Wood
Wood is another option for a kitchen island – as long as it is sealed to prevent water damage. A wood countertop is made from strips of wood that are glued tightly together. A wood countertop can be sanded and refinished when scratches or nicks occur, making it an island that has longevity on its side.
Visit Jaeger Lumber’s Kitchen Design Team
Ready for the kitchen island of your dreams? The design team at Jaeger Lumber can help find the ideal kitchen island for your space. The kitchen designers are available at these Jaeger Lumber locations:
- Belmar
- Madison
- Middlesex
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Stirling
- Union
- Verona
If you need help finding the perfect kitchen island or need special products and services for a project, contact us today! We have convenient locations throughout New Jersey.