We decided to have our cabinets painted and before the painters spray I wanted to add some wood detailing to our island to make it look custom. This project was much easier than expected and took our island to a whole new level! Follow the tutorial below and also check out my story highlights on instagram for more details!
From this…
Before
To this!
Materials Needed:
- 1x3in MDF board
- 1x4in MDF board
- Wood filler
- Paintable caulk
Tools Needed:
Step 1: Frame It Out
Start by framing out the edges. Use your nail gun and put the nails in at different angles so that it will grip. I measured and made cuts as I went to make sure they were exact. I used 1 x 4 pieces on the corners, edges and bottom and used 1 x 3 for the top edge and for the batten on the front of the island. I knew I wanted 4 panels on the front so I started by putting the first board in the center of the island front.
Step 2: Add your vertical batten boards
I put my first board in the center of the island and then measured the center between each one to get them perfectly spaced. You can do as many panels as you would like for your taste. To add the X, I used an angle finder and used my miter saw to cut the boards. I used 1 x 3 for the X.
Step 3: Add bottom trim and fill all the holes
I felt like the island needed a base piece of trim in order to look complete. I just cut one of my 1 x 3 in boards into a 1 x 1 board and mitered the edges to get a bottom piece of trim. You could always use trim molding. Do this part last so it covers the first edge pieces. You want it to stick out farther. Use your wood filler to fill any gaps and nail holes. Then use your sander to file it down smooth.
Step 4: Paint
Paint your island your desired color and bam!! Custom island for $36
10 COMMENTS
Sparrow
1 year agoThis so great!!! I cannot wait to makeover my kitchen later this year!
Amanda
1 year ago AUTHORThank you so much!
Mary Kate
11 months agoWhat color did you paint your cabinets? LOVE what you have done!
Amanda
11 months ago AUTHORPure white by sherwin Williams!
Brandy
11 months agoI see you has corner trim that was original. Any issues removing it? I’m thinking my entire island will fall apart if I remove it!
Amanda
9 months ago AUTHORLol! It’s just for looks. Go ahead and rip that baby off!
Leisa
9 months agoExactly what I need for my island! Thanks so much!
Roxy
8 months agoI’m new to projects like this and went to the store for the MDF but came back empty. Apparently I’m not clear on the measurements! What do you mean when you say 1×2.5? Is that inches? Thickness?
Amanda
8 months ago AUTHORYes… so sorry! It can be confusing. I need to update the measurements on this post. You will want 1in thick by 2.5in wide. The boards are labeled 1x3in. When the boards are milled to all be the same size/shape they end up more like 1X2.5 vs what they are actually labeled (1×3) does that make sense?
Amanda
8 months ago AUTHORI just updated the post for you!