Kitchen peninsula installation without using a wall is very straightforward. This type of cabinet, also known as an island cabinet, or free-standing island, is screwed directly to the floor. Peninsula island cabinets have a base used for installation, along with stretchers or cleats the cabinetmaker installed in them specifically for installation purposes. Typical peninsula cabinets are very heavy, and when adequately screwed to the floor, will stay put for a lifetime.
How to Install Kitchen Peninsula Cabinets
- Remove the drawers from the cabinet and set them aside. It’s OK to leave the doors on the cabinet.
- Measure and mark out the location where the island is to be installed. Measure from existing cabinets, walls, appliances or where there is a distinct line where floor coverings meet. Make marks on the floor, or use pieces of masking tape to indicate the corners where the island will be placed on the floor.
- Put the island base in place with the corners on the marks. Check one more time by measuring from the bottom corners to your reference points. Bump the base with your hip to gently nudge it into place if needed.
- Insert a 3/16-inch drill bit into a drill/driver. Place the tip of the bit 1 inch up from the floor and 1 inch from the corner. Tilt it up to 30 degrees. Drill diagonally down through the base and out the bottom edge into the subfloor. When you feel the bit penetrate out through the bottom of the base, stop. Don’t drill deep. Do all four corners.
- Place 3 1/2-inch screws in all the holes. Drive them down with authority using the drill/driver until the peninsula is tight to the floor and the heads of the screws are buried slightly in the holes.
- Open the cabinet doors. Using the drill and 3/16-inch bit, drill holes spaced 12 inches apart through all horizontal stretchers, braces or cleats that are flat on the floor. Place screws in the holes and drive them down tight to finish securing the peninsula cabinet to the floor.
Things You Will Need for Installing Kitchen Peninsula Cabinets
- Tape measure
- Masking tape
- 3/16-inch drill bit
- Drill/driver
- Wood screws, 3 1/2-inch
Tip
If your peninsula cabinet is designed to have a countertop that extends to the wall, screw a piece of two-by-four to the wall to act as a support. Place the top on, slide it over and nail it to the two-by-four.
Warning
Don’t attempt to install or lift an island peninsula base by yourself. Use an assistant to help you lift it. Wear safety glasses.
