THE KITCHEN GUIDE BOOK

Even an island that has no sink or cook top is a very useful work surface, storage place, and sitting area.

Islands with cook tops offer a work triangle that is better suited for a kitchen with multiple cooks. The separate oven and cook top locations provide two cooking spots for two cooks at the same time.

Islands with prep sinks also provide a separate work place for a multiple cook kitchen, and offer a shorter path to a sink from the cook top.

Split level islands are classified as a bar, but are good sitting, talking, eating, or working spots. Typical height for an island is 36" up from finish floor, and 42" up for a bar level section.

Breakfast table over hangs are a common feature on islands, and are good for breakfast or an informal dinner. A breakfast style island is all the same height.

Here is a picture of a 3 level island if you think the normal 36' counter top height is too high for a table.

Completely open furniture style island

Skinny Island Picture

Triangle shaped Island

Large kitchen island and breakfast table. This island weighs as much as a small car, so beef up those floor joist.

The kitchen island started as a common feature when kitchens and living rooms opened up into the great room. An island design helps to define the kitchen space from another rooms space, and ads a very functional aspect to the modern kitchen. Islands also add an extra flare to the design.