How to Build a Kitchen Island Out of Kee Klamp Tubes and Fittings

How do you make a kitchen island out of Kee Klamp tubes and fittings? 

There are several different table frame kits offered at Simplified Building that would be ideal for the creation of a kitchen island. However, the first thing you need to do before you choose your frame, is to choose yoiur tabletop/work surface. You could technically choose anything you wanted, but here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Reclaimed Wood: You can look for reclaimed wood in places like recycling centres or your local timber yard

• Butcher Blocks: You can buy butcher block countertops from almost anywhere, including IDEA and most home improvement retailer

• Laminate: Laminate countertops are durable, inexpensive, and come in several colours. White is a natural choice for an island with a clean and minimalist style. You can also get laminate worktops from most home improvement retailers
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel tabletops are often a feature of garage workbenches, but if you have the industrial vibe in your kitchen, you could also make it work for a kitchen island. Stainless steel is alos tough enough to stand up to alomost anything you throw at it too! 
• Granite: Granite is a stylish, but probably the most expensive option

• Live Edge: Live edge work tops are made from solid wood slabs. Unlike more processed wood furniture, live edge furniture retains all the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood and isn't cut down into rigid, sterile, straight lines. 

Most people tend to go with something that already matches their kitchen design, or something completely different if you want your kitchen island to really stand out!

What to Consider Before Building a Kitchen Island

Once you have made the decision to build a kitchen island, adding this stylish and functional feature to your kitchen is quite straightforward. Before you get started, here are a few things to consider: 

• Height: Kitchen islands will typically match the height of the existing kitchen cabinets. If you want extra seating or dining space, a slightly taller island works well with stools. For just serving snacks when guests visit, a shorter island will do.
• Work Top: There are several options for work surfaces, such as reclaimed wood, butcher blocks, granite, stainless steel, and laminate.
• Frame: Suitable base options include table frame kits, Kee Klamp fittings and pipe, or reclaimed cabinets and furniture.
• Accents: Think about adding features like a towel rack, a shelf for pots, or hooks for hanging serving spoons.

Kitchen Island Frame Options

Once you have chosen the ideal tabletop for your kitchen island, you’ll need to select an appropriate base. 

Table Frame Kits: There are various table frame kits that make excellent bases for a kitchen island. Simply specify the desired height, width, length, and foot type before ordering.

Kee Klamp Fittings and Tube: For a more customised option, you can combine Kee Klamp fittings and tubes in countless ways to create a unique structure.

Cabinets: Repurpose an old cabinet from an architectural recycling centre by adding your chosen tabletop and a fresh coat of paint.

Reclaimed Furniture: Transform an old or second-hand table into a one-of-a-kind island by adding casters and a new top.

How to Buiold a Kitchen Island

Step 1: Assemble the Base

If you are using one of Simplified Building’s table frames, all of our table frames require absolutely no welding, and can easily be put together using just an Allen key – which is included with your table frame kit. The fittings slide onto the tube and are set in place using grub screws.

Table frame kits from Simplified Building all come with complete step-by-step instructions to help you assemble your new DIY kitchen island with ease.

Step 2: Attach the Tabletop

Table frame kits come with instructions for attaching the tabletop. If you’re using a tabletop with wood for fibreboard core, attach it with a few screws.

Depending on the type of work top you have chosen for your kitchen island, you can choose from 4 different methods.

Method 1: Use flanges to attach the top

This method is ideal if your table top is made from wood – build the table frame using Kee Klamp flanges.

Our standard table frame kit includes all the fittings and tube you will need to build a table frame, but the fixing screws are not included. However, you will be able to find some suitable ones at your local DIY store.

Method 2: Sheeting Clips

Sheeting clips are a good, cost-effective method of attaching your top to a Kee Klamp table frame. We would recommend this method when choosing the rugged table frame for example.

Sheeting clips attach around the tube on one side and connect to the tabletop with bolts. These are perfect for wooden tabletops. With sheeting clips, you can also position the tabletop between the table frame tube, creating a recessed look as shown in the example below.

Method 3: Use swivel sockets for heavier tabletops

Create a recessed look using M50 swivel socket members. We would recommend these if you have chosen the Rugged Table Frame.

This means that your tabletop will sit within the table frame, instead of on top of it. With this method, there is no need to drill into the tabletop or use any kind of screws, which makes it ideal for hard, heavy materials such as marble, concrete, quartz, ceramic, granite, or metal. Used correctly, the M50 fittings are strong enough to hold the weight of any tabletop.

Method 4: Use rail supports for a sleek, cool look

Although a bit more expensive, using 70 type fittings will give your table frame an interesting look. Ideal for larger tabletops as the extra rail provides extra support in the middle of the tabletop.

Step 3: Enjoy

Place or roll your island into the kitchen, then invite some family or friends over to admire your handy work! 

Build Your Own Kitchen Island Today! 

An island is a beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen. Building one doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, regardless of the customisations you choose.

Have a design in mind but don’t know how to build it? We offer free design assistance to help you bring any project to life!

Simplified Building is a One Stop Shop for all of your DIY needs – browse our website for inspiration or talk to our friendly design team to find something that works for you!