IKEA Kitchen Island DIY: How to Build a Double Row IKEA Kitchen Island

[@carolgiffen8203]

Yes, yes, yes!! I’m introducing an IKEA kitchen to my installers. It takes a minute to understand the concept and process, but so far, so good. This video is essential. Thank you

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@adinedoperenda7295]

Thank you very much we're two idiots from Denmark who have no idea how to assemble a double cabinet kitchen island. You saved our lives

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Det var så lidt. Godt at høre at I klarede den 👍

[@nsbconstruction9698]

Rannes thanks for the vids. After watching I ended up using a 3/4” piece of particle board in between my two rows of cabinets. I think it really made a solid connection.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome. That is very useful information. I actually think that the two layers of MDF-strip I am using ads up to 3/4" as well. The only reason I stick with the strips is that I have them at hand (if they were ordered of course) so I don't have to source non-Ikea items. Good tip for other DIY's though. Thanks.

[@nakamunbob]

Thank you for the fine IKEA demos and hacks. I have a question. I don't like the plastic legs for base cabinets, so I've built a base with ripped 2x6's to take the countertop to 36 inches. am I going to have a problem hanging them on the wall rail? Is there a cleat that the cabinet has to be lifted into? I won't have any vertical play the way I've fixed the base.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Hi Bob, you're very welcome. Two options. If all your base cabinets are sitting on a level base, you don't need to hang them on the rail unless you want a strong connection to the wall. If you cannot lift them upward so they can "fall down onto"the rail, you can always loosen the brackets inside the cabinets. Place the brackets on the rail, and then reattach the brackets to the cabinet wall. Alternatively, you can skip the rail, use the black plastic spacer provided, which slides into the rail bracket (see instructions that came with the cabinet) and then put a screw into the wall using the provided washer.

[@nakamunbob]

Very helpful info! Many thanks @@kitchensbyrannes

[@ermannodangelo1062]

Well done, love your work ethics…….no doing it the easy way. I have watched others installing IKEA cabinets and yours beats them all.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks, I'm glad that you recognize it. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right 👍

[@bobpritchett5676]

Your videos are very helpful, thank you! I am building a double island with 4 cabinets on each side on a floor that is not very level. I’ve secured the cabinets together in one row but haven’t attached them to the floor yet. Any tips on getting these cabinets level?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome. That'll be "business as usual, Bob" Set up you laser and start in the middle and work your way to both sides. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4HIaWqqi9akp8k

[@sebdiaz1852]

Great videos, super helpful. Question. I am putting together a Kitchen Island, I found that the assembly kit for the back won't fit the 30cm cabinets. The piece has no lines to cut to the 30 cm cabinet , do you know how to fix this ? Thanks

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks. I haven't worked with a 30 cm wide cabinet, since I'm in Canada (inches). I see two options for you. 1) the MDF strip has two sections with holes at each end. If you cut off the first section and then measure+cut the inside width (30 cm minus 2xcabinet side), will there be holes at both ends then? 2) cut the strip to desired length end then use the cut-off as template for drilling new holes at the end with no holes.

[@sebdiaz1852]

Thanks for your quick reply. Doing some research I found that in europe some how they sell the kit named METOD assembly kit, and it had less holes and divisions that the one you can find in US "SEKTION" Very weird. So the european one don't have the right amount of divisions for the 30cm (12inches) cabinets. I guess i will have to use different screws and just do my own holes.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks for updating me on this. You can still use the screws that comes with the cabinet, intended for the rail brackets. Just drill som 4 mm holes....or is it 5 mm....?

[@sebdiaz1852]

Yes I ended up doing that. Just drilled the guide holes. Thanks for your help. Cheers.

[@AdamPetrie-l2i]

Hi Rannes - Thanks so much for making this video! I am looking at building an island very similar to this with a 24" and a 15" cabinet placed back to back. If I follow your tips about spacing them to avoid cutting the panels do you know how wide the island becomes? I am wondering so that I know what width of countertop I'll need. Thanks again!

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome I take you mean depth, right? That'll be 24" + 14 ¾" spacer strips included. Then add the countertop overhang.

[@AdamPetrie-l2i]

@@kitchensbyrannes Thanks. I think more specifically I was wondering how much depth 2 pieces of the island assembly bracket adds overall. It looks like each is 3/8" on the Ikea website so if I think of it as cabinet + spacer + spacer + cabinet it should be 24" + 3/8" + 3/8" + 15" + countertop overhang. Does that sound right?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Almost. The 24" deep cabinet is 24" with one MDF strip included as the strip is the same depth as the rail, and from the wall to the front of a base cabinet, there's 24". Same concept for shallow cabinet but different numbers. Try to measure from wall to front of base and wall cabinets respectively, that's the same two measurements you want to copy to the island, as the panels are made to fit those measurements.

[@FarFF-c5z]

Thanks for your channel and all the tips on the ikea cabinets installation. I am about to install mine and have a question how to best go about installing the island. The island has two rows of cabinets (4 on each side) and will be flush to a wall from one end and free standing on the other end. should I brace the side of the two cabinets that meet the wall to the wall? I prefer installing floating island to avoid holes in the floor but would this be sufficient strength wise? For the top, I am planning to install a stainless steel surface attached to a sheet of plywood. The sink, dishwasher, & cooktop are on this island. Lastly, I have room to have the island width of more than 48” (perhaps 55” total width). Is the gap between the two rows an issue?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thank you for your comment and questions. If you don't want to secure the island into the floor, you must build a frame for the cabinets to be fastened too. The plastic legs won't work if you don't use the island support brackets. If you put it on the frame, you won't have to attach the island to the wall. If you want to make it wider, the gap between the rows isn't a problem if it's on before mentioned frame, but I recommend to add a piece of wood or something at the top of the gap, to strengthen the cabinets. I also recommend that you chose the depth of the island in regards to the panels you want to use. Maybe two 26x36" panels, cut to height, next to each other will work? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqmsqIyVbdB5hNU

[@FarFF-c5z]

Thanks so much! Very helpful!!

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're very welcome.

[@claudiocosi]

Thank you for these fantastic videos, Rannes. I'm currently remodeling my kitchen with Ikea cabinets. I'm planning to have an island, similar to the one in this video (24" deep back to back with 15" deep cabinets). In your experience, would a 36-inch wide panel cover both cabinets?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

I'm happy to hear that you find my videos helpful. Nope, 36" won't be enough unless you cut back one row of the cabinets . As I explain in the video, you'll need two panels for the ends..

[@claudiocosi]

@@kitchensbyrannes Thank you for your quick response! I didn't realize that one cut would be exposed to the view.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome. If you do as I do, no cuts will be visible. A joint will, but no cuts.

[@smokey8400]

Great tips....how do you deal with the fact that side panels for dishwashers are 5/8" but some 15" panels are 1/2"? Do you just shim them?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thank you for your comment. Shimming panels? Never. I take that you mean in situations where two panels are sitting side by side? The worst situation you can have, panelwise is where you have a double row island with the dishwasher at the end. Nightmare. I did that once and I'll never do it again. Since then I've always reshuffled the layout to avoid it.

[@dazzlingdaveyoyo]

Thanks again for all your videos, I have been watching them for about an hour every morning during my kitchen remodel, it’s a good refresher as I build. (and I have to do stuff that’s quiet while the rest of the family is sleeping.😂) I am building an island with the cabinets side to side, but facing opposite directions and screwing them firm to the floor with a solid base. I am planning to have the drawers in one cabinet open towards the refrigerator with miscellaneous utensils in them, and the doors in the other cabinet open with garbage and recycling, facing the sink on the opposite wall. I also will be installing an electrical outlet in the side of one them. Do you have a recommendation on which cabinet should have the electrical inside of it? I am concerned that mounting the drawer hardware might get in the way of the electrical wire? I have not installed the drawers on any cabinets yet, so I am not sure if this actually should be a concern of mine. Any thoughts?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome. I'm glad to hear that you find the videos helpful. There's sufficient room at the back to install a receptacle on the side of the cabinet, but I recommend to do it after the panel and drawers are installed. Then place you electrical box where you find room, mark around it with a pencil and drill a hole from the inside at each corner. Cut with an oscillating tool from the outside. Put masking tape where you cut as it will prevent the osc. blade sliding away.

[@melissalegary7402]

Thank you for your video. I am going to attempt to install a double island. You mentioned a video on cutting and securing the panels, but I can't find it. I would appreciate the assistance.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're welcome, Melissa. The panels are mentioned in the same video, at 12:28. Check it out. Good luck.

[@zt7489]

Thanks for the video Lars. I haven't been able to find anything on fitting bench tops and what to be aware of of so-called 'pros' want to take your money. Can you offer any advice, please? I'm looking to install a wood veneer top.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

If a wood veneer countertop is cut to fit your island, or other cabinets in general, there will be an open end that must be finished, sealed, and protected. If this isn't done correct, it will be only s matter of time until water, or daily wear, will ruin the top. In most situations, and for islands in particular, I would either have solid wood or quartz/granite installed, as it will last a lot longer and the latter forever.

[@zt7489]

@@kitchensbyrannes thx, so would you expect the person to turn up with any specialist tools for this type of work or would hand tools do the job?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

That'll be a question for the person who'll install your countertop 👍

[@Strongasmeat]

Great video Lars. My double island is the next thing to be installed. Question for you, there will be 2 receptacles installed, the wiring is alraeady poking out of the floor, should I secure the island completely before the electrician comes back? (i'm leaving the top off for them)

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks. Short answer. Yes, finish the island completely except for the toekick. Good luck finding an electrician who'll cut the holes in the panels for the boxes ☺️ Hard to come by.

[@BZ1340]

Interesting. The kitchen island back to back/ front to back build i have is heated tile floors.. hoping the weight of the 56 x 68 3cm stone top is enough weight to keep it from moving . also I like my panels to be flush or 1 /8 past the front of the doors or drawers

[@kitchensbyrannes]

If you don't want to secure the island into the floor, your best bet is to build a frame like I do in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqmsqIyVbdB5hNU

[@n_a3522]

What do you suggest when you have full depth cabinets back to back? Six 24x24x30 cabinets, three on each side.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

I actually did an island like that this week. I take you're asking for panels, right? I used one 25 x 80" at each end, cut to run from floor to top of cabinets. Two pieces from each panel.

[@n_a3522]

@@kitchensbyrannes Did you also double up on the 002.984.11 (SE asmble kit/ktchn island) panels in the back? How much of a reveal did you allow for? ~20mm? Using the 25x80 panel did your seam end up dead center for each side? Love the videos, and hope you’re releasing a video on the mentioned project soon! 👍

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Yes, doubled up on the MDF strip so the width of the 25x80" panel fits the cabinet with about 5/8" protruding at the front. The two panels meet dead center 👍 I might make a short video explaining these things as I also made a few minor changes to the way I do a double island. Before you ask.... - the double layer MDF strip at the bottom is screwed into one of the row of cabinets, and - I only attach the individual cabinets to the adjacent cabinet(s) at the front for each row as this will ensure I can line up the end cabinets back to back in case the two rows aren't the exact same length. 30+30+24 isn't always the same as 30+30+24 I e learned 🤗 I hope any of this makes sense.

[@n_a3522]

@@kitchensbyrannes yes, this all makes sense. Thanks for the response/engagement, will share results.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

@@n_a3522 looking forward to it.

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Lars did you ever do the video on how to cut the panels and attach them to the cabinets?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

No, that one is still on the list 🙏

[@MelissaCope-i1f]

Thanks for the video, Lars! We’re installing a double island, but are wondering if we could keep the brackets in the same place as the single island and then have the cover panels extend slightly beyond the doors? Our island will have one row of 15” deep cabinets and one row with 24” cabinets. We plan to use 15x90 and 25x90 panels with the cuts at the top. Thanks for your insight!

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You're very welcome, Melissa. Sure, only having brackets under one row of cabinets is sufficient, if you put them under the 24" deep cabinets, and also have a bracket at each end, so the number of brackets are 1 higher than the number of cabinets in that row. Also remember to place the 25" wide panel on the side of the15" deep cabinets and overlap both cabinets as that will hold the two rows together. All the best with your project.

[@MelissaCope-i1f]

I’m realizing now that I may have phrased that wrong. I meant to ask if it would still work to use only one row (one at the top and one at the bottom) of the MDF material in the assembly kit as it shows in the IKEA directions so that it doesn’t protrude, but to use brackets at the top and bottom of each cabinet (4 brackets per cabinet) so they can be secured to each other? This would leave excess cover panel on each end instead of them being flush, but we’d still swap the cover panels as you mentioned so that they overlap the cabinets. We also have a dishwasher going in there. Do we need a cover panel behind the dishwasher? Thanks for all your help!@@kitchensbyrannes

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Ah, I see. My apologies for being elsewhere on the cabinets. Well, you will not need to buy extra assembly kits as you only use one set (4) of brackets for each cabinet. You don't have to per se since it's yours kitchen, but I don't see why you wouldn't. Dishwasher. I can strongly recommend not to have the dishwasher at the end in a two row island. Not an easy set-up. I've done it once and it was difficult and the result wasn't near what I strive to do. If the dishwasher is in a double row island, no panel is needed behind it as you'll have a cabinet there, yes? Finally, I can recommend to have the same width on the bank to bank row. Not just in total but also per cabinet. When it comes to Ikea cabinet, the nominal width isn't always what you measuring tape shows. In other words 4x15" isn't the same as 2x30". Been there, done that. ☺️

[@MelissaCope-i1f]

Thanks! The only reason we wouldn’t do it the way you suggested is I believe we will have a little overhang with some of the other cabinets as I’d like to make as few cuts as possible, so I thought it might match better if we didn’t make the assembly kit protrude. As for the dishwasher, it will be in between two cabinets. The total width of both rows are the same, but the cabinets themselves are not. Thanks again!@@kitchensbyrannes

[@kitchensbyrannes]

@@MelissaCope-i1f Ah, okay, I see....almost. Whether you do as I do or have the panels protrude, the number of cuts is the same as the purpose of doubling up on the MDF strip to avoid cutting. Anyway, I can tell you knows what you want and how to get it :-) All the best.

[@sarahlee6797]

Can you cut that back panel using table saw?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

If you mean the big 3 x 8 ft. one....that will be hard to maneuver I would say. But the smaller ones, yes, that is what I do. For the big one I have used a handsaw, and a circular saw, before I got a track saw.

[@sandra9269]

My double row island is asymetrical, with two 24'' cabinets and one 12'' on one side and two 21'' on the other side. (They start flush at one end), How do you attach the backs since the cabinet's side do not align (except for the flush end) ? Simply screwing through the MDF strips? Or bolting through the strips... ? Thanks!

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Yes, something like that. I put the back panel on the longest row first, which in your case protrude the short row with 18", and then add the end panels. I else predrill and screw from inside the longest row through the back panel into the end of the end panel which is sitting perpendicular to the back panel...

[@sandra9269]

@@kitchensbyrannes Brilliant!

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks 😊

[@cpm5303]

Thanks Rannes, what are the dimensions of the cabinets on the video? What is the minimum for back to back cabinet one can install for an island? I have limited space like max 3 ft for the width and 6ft for the length, what cabinet can I use to do that?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

If you want an overhang at the back, you should only have one row as they are 24" deep plus door, handles and a bit of counter at the front. 2 x 30" wide equals 60" so that should work for you. Good luck building your island.

[@cpm5303]

@@kitchensbyrannes How about 6 x 24x14 3/4 x30 with 3 back to back for 2 rows configuration as 3 x 24 make 6ft for the length?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

That'll work. 👍

[@cpm5303]

@@kitchensbyrannes if overhang, what kind of corner support should I use on each end to hold countertop?eg. Chairs can be placed underneath overhang, right?

[@kitchensbyrannes]

You don't need support if the overhang is less than 12-14 inches. That's a question for the counter top supplier.

[@aephraums]

do you have to anchor the island to the floor? my floor is a heated concrete floor and I do not want to drill into it.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

No, you can build a frame on which the island are mounted. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqmsqIyVbdB5hNU An island where you use the Sektion legs from Ikea, must be secured into the floor, as those legs are only designed to handle vertical load.

[@philipjohn4149]

Great info. If I could change one think about ikea kitchen cabinets... is provide only Robertson screws and not the philips. After about a million screw driving... philips screw should get the cancel cutter treatment.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Thanks 😊 Robertson huh? Fellow Canadian I see. If Robertson screws were standard for Ikea I wouldn't have started my business, this KZbin channel, and we wouldn't have this conversation 🤣 I hate it with a passion. I prefer torx, which is why I use the screws I recommend for the rails and for low torque applications as Ikea kitchen assembly, Philips is fine.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

BTW. It's isn't Philips Ikea use, it's PoziDrive. The correct bit makes a big difference. PZ2

[@philipjohn4149]

@kitchensbyrannes . Okay. Thanks... pozi drive! Lol . Like My cousin Vinny.

[@kitchensbyrannes]

Ive seen the movie, but cannot spot the relationship. Tell me please 🤔🙏