Gather your supplies
- 600 x 1200mm old varnished chest of drawers, or size to suit
- 600 x 26 x 2200mm beech timber panel (for island benchtop and base), or lengths to suit
- Lockable castors (4)
- Dulux 1 Step Primer, Sealer & Undercoat;
- Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen in Classic Calm n Cabot’s Danish Oil
- 30 x 30 x 20mm zinc angle brackets (8) plus screws
- Old silver spoons (2)
- Chrome towel rail, length to suit
You’ll also need
Screwdriver; wood putty; electric sander; fine- grit sandpaper; hammer; chisel; lint-free cloth; paintbrushes; drill; drill bits and screws to suit
Note: When using power tools, wear all safety gear required. For more information, refer to your equipment pack instructions.
Here's how
Step 1
Unscrew knobs from top 2 drawers of chest. Discard 2 bottom drawers or reserve for another project. Fill holes in drawers with putty. Let set. Lightly sand chest frame and drawers to create a keyed surface for paint to adhere to.
Step 2
Gently hammer out chest’s middle rail.
Step 3
Remove centre side rails of chest by prising them off. To do this, insert tip of chisel between each of the rails and sides of chest and, using it as leverage, gently tap handle of chisel.
Step 4
Gently tapping with hammer from below, completely remove timber top. Using a barely moistened lint-free cloth, wipe down chest frame and drawers so it’s free of dust.
Step 5
Using a paintbrush, prime exterior of chest and top drawers and allow to dry. Apply 2 coats of topcoat, allowing to dry after each coat.
Step 6
Flip chest upside down and, using screws, attach castors at each corner.
Step 7
Measure and cut timber panel(s) to create 2 pieces – 1 for benchtop (allow for a 40mm overhang on each side) and 1 to slot into base of finished island. Sand smooth and wipe free of dust. Apply 2 coats Danish Oil, allowing
8 hours to dry thoroughly between coats.
Step. 8
Attach angle brackets to middle of each rail (top and bottom) then screw benchtop and base panels in place.
Step 9
Drill 2 holes in each spoon – 1 hole through centre of spoon ‘bowl’ and 1 through handle at other end. Bend stem of each spoon slightly so you can grip handles easily once in place. Determine position of spoons on drawers, then screw into place.
Step 10
Screw towel rail into side of island.
Step 11
If your kitchen benchtop space is limited, gain extra room with a kitchen island. Converted from an old chest of drawers, this island provides extra prep area, storage and a brekkie spot.
Step 12
Fitting castors provides flexibility of movement. Use lockable castors to keep the island steady as you slice and dice.
