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Woodworking ↳ Opportunity Cost of Space

Basement Island

A freestanding island build for a basement workshop — mobile, modular, and multi-purpose.

In late 2014, I decided to start a project well beyond my skillset at the time: build a completely custom kitchen island for our basement. I considered it a big challenge and learning opportunity (and reason to justify new shop tools.)

Wood species:

Preparation / Planning

People lived in the basement at the time, so I had to do the design/planning work without going downstairs much. So, I went down once to get some measurements, then drew up our whole basement in Sketchup.

There are 5 circuits in this island: 1 for lighting, 1 for the oven, and 3 for receptacles. Overkill? Maybe. But we expect to be hosting Raclette parties around this island.

SketchUp model

Wall Construction

Island Build

Island Finishing

Complete