DIY Narrow Kitchen Island with Seating

When you’re working with a smaller kitchen like ours, every square foot counts. I’ve always wanted a kitchen island for extra counter space and seating, but finding something that fit our narrow layout and still felt custom was nearly impossible. So I decided to build one myself—DIY-style, of course.

Here’s how this narrow kitchen island with seating came together from start to finish!

Step 1: Joining the Cabinets

I started with two affordable, already-assembled 36″ stock wall cabinets from the hardware store—shallow enough to fit our space perfectly.

I placed them side by side and screwed them together to form the base structure of the island. (There is a tiny lip on the sides of each cabinet, we had to shave that off so that the 6′ counter top would fit just right on the two cabinets)

Step 2: Building the Base

To raise the island to counter height, I built a sturdy base using 2×4 blocks attached underneath the joined cabinets with wood screws. This gave the island a solid foundation and the perfect lift.

Step 3: Back Paneling

Because the back of the island would be visible, I cut hardboard to size and attached it using construction adhesive and brad nails. It’s a simple step, but it made everything look more intentional.

✨ Fun fact: This island is completely freestanding! It’s styled and trimmed to look built-in, but it can be moved if needed.

Step 4: Deciding on the Legs

I originally planned to use standard furniture legs, but couldn’t find any tall enough. I debated between building up table legs or cutting down Newel posts, and the Newel posts won. Their scale and presence just felt right for the size of the island.

Step 5: Cutting the Newel Posts

Enter my daughter’s boyfriend, Youset—aka my DIY sidekick. He built a quick jig to safely cut the Newel posts to size. After a few test cuts, we got the perfect height.

We attached them using a Kreg jig and created an apron out of 1x3s, which wrapped around the front and sides.

 We also added some small “L” brackets for extra support. Not only did this give the island more structure, but it helped everything come together visually.

Step 6: Baseboards + Finishing Trim

To give the island a grounded, built-in feel, we added 1×6 boards as baseboards and trimmed out the seams with lattice trim. After all the trim was in place, I filled the nail holes, caulked the seams, and gave everything a good sanding to prep for paint.

Step 7: Paint Time

For the color, I chose Patio Stone by Behr Paint a moody, saturated shade that I also used in our Mudroom. It ties the two spaces together beautifully and adds so much depth to the kitchen.

Step 8: Installing the Countertop

Next up: countertop install! I used Wilsonart’s Thinscape® Performance Top in Black Amani (gifted), which has a gorgeous soapstone-inspired look and a sleek, ultra-thin profile that fits this compact build like a glove.

I applied construction adhesive to the cabinet tops, carefully laid the countertop in place, and used small blocks to ensure an even overhang. A bead of silicone around the edges sealed it up.

Step 9: What’s Next?

The structure’s done, the paint is on, and the countertop is in and I’m in love! I still need to add the knobs, lol, but this added so much more storage and counter space to the Hosta House kitchen.

Using stock cabinets made things so easy, and the finished result looks completely custom, without the permanence of a built-in.

If you’re dreaming of an island but tight on space, don’t let that stop you. You can absolutely build something that works for your home.