#How to Build a Custom Kitchen Island

Cut Stock Cabinets to Size

Begin by choosing the look and type of material you would like to work with, including stock cabinets, molding, toe kick, glazes, feet and corbels (Image 1).

The stock cabinets may have to be trimmed down so that the height of the cabinets is the same. The easiest way to do this is to adjust the height of the toe kick. Using a square to determine where to cut the height of the toe kick, line it up from the existing toe kick and make a straight, level line (Image 2).

Before making any cuts, inspect the cabinet for any staples, nails or screws and remove them before cutting. With a trim saw, cut along the toe kick reference line (Image 3).

Tap the toe kick a few times with a hammer and one side of it should pop right off. Cut the other side of the toe kick.

To create a recessed toe kick on both sides of the island, measure 3 along the side of the toe kick and use a reciprocating saw to make cuts (Image 4).