I'm very happy with how this turned out, and I hope some of you can build something like it as well! Here is the link to my materials, tools, and instructions: www.notion.so/Ethan-s-DIY-Kitchen-Build-403bf145cfea4a039c6495654f96818c
A tip when pre-drilling wood: If you put masking tape on your drill bit at the depth you want to drill, you can use that as your guide on where to stop
"Minwax putty repair" will put you on the right path for a product that will touch up the floor and save your deposit, and also look nice. Thanks for sharing this, looks like a great fit for your place and certainly gives me some inspiration. Cheers man.
This is awesome. I'd love to build it, but I have a tiny apartment atm, and it just wouldn't fit anywhere. :( I can offer some tips though. I'm sort of handy, my day job is as an industrial construction electrician. **TLDR:** Buy nice casters. You can avoid the cost of a power drill buy purchasing a hand drill. Use tape on the drill bit to drill the right depth. Tee fittings can replace the Ikea rods and give a more consistent look. Most of my tips give considerations between ease-of-construction and more-difficult, but longer lasting modifications. First off, for advanced DIYers, you can add a middle shelf with a slip-on flange. Use a hole saw to cut out the corner holes on the plywood, and slip the pipe through, then the flanges underneath. The slip-on flange means you can adjust the height to your liking. If you wanna go the extra mile, you can put a flange on top to get a nicer look. 2:40 **Materials.** A lot of these materials can be bought super cheap on ebay from China (except for casters, see below). If you're worried about chemicals or anything, Lowe's stock is not any different. Make sure you fully wash with soap the pipes and fittings to remove anything like lead, since this will be used around food. 6:50 **Sticker removal.** You can use a hair dryer (or heat gun) to remove the stickers more nicely. I'd still use goo-B-gone too. The trick is to get the stickers very hot so the glue melts. Those stickers are meant to not be removed, so that's why it's so tough. 7:30 **Drilling (in general).** First off, use the tape trick (as others mentioned). Put tape around your drill bit so you can drill to the right depth. If you're doing this just as a chef, a power drill is a big expense. A power drill will make this project much easier. **But if you never see yourself using one again**, buy the cheapest one possible, or even better, you can buy 'hand drills'. They can go as low as $10 on ebay and amazon. For drilling pilot holes, you essentially manually twist the drill bits and you must apply a lot of force and pressure. For screws, just use a regular hand screwdriver, using the same amount of force and pressure. You don't need to be super strong or anything, but it might feel like a decent forearm workout afterwards, lol. 8:10 You may want to use groove-joint pliers, or some kind of pliers to make sure the threads fully insert into the flanges. This will prevent any loosening in the future. Make sure you put duct tape or something over the pipe so you don't scratch it with your pliers. 8:23 **Cross braces** are a good idea if your island will take a beating from heavy items. I'd say it's unnecessary for 99% of people though. You can also do it if your pipes are slightly crooked. It can be as much as 5 degrees off and still be okay, since they will get corrected at the bottom. If they're off any more, you may not have lined the threads up correctly in the flange. A cross brace with the same galvanized pipe can be easily added with a slip on tee fitting. Additionally, you can fit it towards the top and eliminate the Ikea rods at 10:51 to get a more consistent look. Search with "galvanized tee fitting" or "galvanized slip on tee fitting" and make sure you look through multiple pages to get the exact one for your vision. 8:27 This is me nitpicking. Again, if your table will take a beating, and if you want it to be built super well, you should cut off the other threaded end (with a hacksaw) before using the slip on fitting. This makes it more secure, but it's not that necessary unless you plan on prepping heavy carcasses every week. **On the other hand, to get a perfect height:** You can purchase a 6 or 10 foot pipe with threaded ends, and cut them at a custom length to perfectly match your counter-top height. You may have enough left over in between to use as a cross brace as well. If you're OCD, you can get a perfect height buy cutting them a few inches longer, set up the entire thing, measure the difference, undo the bottom slip on fittings, and cut off the difference (with a hacksaw). 9:58 **Casters.** You don't want to cheap out on this one. If you do, they will be the first thing to fail. Make sure you buy decent quality ones. Placing them underneath the pipes is the best location. Make sure your screws don't run into each other. You will want to lubricate them once a year. DO NOT USE WD-40. This will ruin your bearings. Use a lithium grease or something appropriate for ball bearings. Things to look out for when purchasing: They can be lubricated easily, especially the rotational bearings. Absolutely buy them with brakes. Do not buy tiny ones. Larger ones will last longer. They usually come with a weight rating. This is a feel thing. On the other hand, you can try out smaller, cheaper ones, and if they fail, you can switch to larger ones. Then you don't need to worry about the old screw holes. Okay, this was way longer than I anticipated. I think I gave a lot of options and considerations there. I wish I did woodworking more. I don't know much about sanding and finishing.
I would also say a hand saw and some wood glue would allow you to build your own butcher block to whatever size you like (So long as you can find some nicely surfaced hardwood). It doesn't appear to be any fancy end grain countertop, so a few crosscut lengths (again, hardwood. A cheap pine 2x4 won't hold up at all) would be pretty similar if glued properly!
nice tips. My only additional one would be to flip the legs so that the set screw flange is on top, makes it easier to install stuff underneath or add a shelf as you suggested
if you're afraid of deep drilling the pilot holes, measure how deep you want the drill bit to go and put a piece of painter's or masking tape there so you can see when you've drilled deep enough
@@sharank Ethan already did the project, that comment is a recommendation for us viewers who may want to make something similar and arent experience diyers.
Ever since finding this channel, my cooking experience has been a 1000% better. I realized that I didn't hate cooking, was just inefficient at it. And i'm currently looking for the same solution. Extended counter space where i can do all my prep
I really like this channel because even though this channel is small the quality is top notch.Your channel is also like a mix of all of my favourite foodtubers.Anyway keep the good content going!
Ethan!! I built the island and hand two "hacks". 1st: Instead of buying 30" pipes, buy a couple longer pipes (I bought 10ft) and Lowe's (or anybody else who sells it) will cut and thread it for free. Cuts cost, AND I used the leftover piece for a rail along the bottom for towels and hooks. 2nd: I used a steeltek (same brand as the bottom fittings you used) 90 degree fitting and a piece of extra pipe to make a paper towel holder on one of the legs! It's awesome!
This was exactly what I needed! Thank you so much. I have the butcher block I just didn’t know what to do with it since I couldn’t seem to find anything on marketplace to DIY. This is perfect.
I hadn't thought of just building my own perfect kitchen island! I like some of your design, but I'd want fold down sides so it can expand more and a baker's rack screwed on the sides. I guess that means it's time for me to build my own!
To stop yourself from drilling too far, just measure the depth you want to drill from the top of the bit, and wrap some masking tape on the bit at the proper depth. It gives an easy visual cue to tell you when to stop.
@@nowonmetube Sure, but a cheap depth stop comes in handy for times when you don't want to drill all the way through. For example, when you want to countersink the screws.
I love watching people's first DIY project. It's so much better than watching people who do DIY all the time because there's so much joy in the "Holy shit I made this!" feeling. It's nice getting to see that happen to people for the first time.
Same here, I’ve been cooking like this for years and just found this channel. I was amazed how I have almost the same exact tools and methods. My Peugeot grinder is shorter though :-( did you drop the grinder? Looks like it’s missing a section.
Nice design, functional, but it does seem like it's too top-heavy. I would probably use the plywood for storage of cast-iron kettles to lower the center of gravity.
That's a very nice, well built island. By using shorter or longer threaded pipe, it can be built to be the best height for any person. I'm short and my sister-in-law is tall, 36 inch tall countertops do not work well for either of us.
Hey everyone, I just built this. It's an awesome build, but I wanted to point out that you should use 30" pipes not 36". I bought 36" pipes and had to cut them as the total hight was nearly chest hight (I'm short). I think maybe his Lowe's mis-labeled the pipes at his store. Thanks so much for this guide!
Just did the same thing this weekend. At 6ft tall the bar height may be ok for me to work on but my wife isn't thrilled. May go back and buy a set of 30" pipes, reassembly with new pipes should be pretty easy though
To fix your floors (if it's wood and not laminate or vinyl flooring) there's some trick where you can rub a walnut over hard wood surfaces to fill in little scratches and issues like that.
I can't really express how much I appreciate this kinda video, top notch production quality as well as a creative video theme. As a college student who's gonna be working with a kitchenette, I was already looking for ways to create more counter space to cook in my dorm. Really appreciate the vid 🙏🏾, keep up the hard work man!
If you put some wood putty on the holes, overfill and then sand down. It won't be noticeable and should pass. Make sure to get a putty color close to your grain color.
i know, me too! that kitchen is more than twice the size of mine. i have only enough room for a microwave and a disk rack. THAT'S IT. maybe 2 sq feet for food prep
@G. Ra Yeah I am in Toronto, an appartment here with a kitchen that size would be at least $2500 a month (1 -2 bedroom also I know NY is WAAY more expensive too). To each their own though!
I live in a subsidized student apartment and my kitchen is literally 3-4 sq meters... I ended up having to optimize everything. Hooks everywhere, all pans hanging on walls and cupboard doors, move drying rack outside the kitchen (just round the corner of the sink). And anything that will save you a single minute is worth the effort. Cooking from start to finish is a repetitive task and should be maximally optimized for time.
I worked around food and if not approved for use with food not used! Had oil on my band saw just for use around food so you don’t mix chemicals with the food!
@@goasupreme4804 hard wax wood filler sticks come in many colors. Sauder and Guardian are cheapest, Varathane and Mohawk are more durable and have lots more colors. Mohawk Fil-Stik will hold up to years of regular cleaning along with the rest of the floor, and can hide so well you'd have to know where to look.
There are days where I have a lot to chop. With this, I could wheel myself to the living room and watch movies while I chop. Sounds like a dream to me!
Fiquei pensando se seria fácil montar com as coisas aqui no BR. Posta um vídeo aí mostrando o processo e onde comprou os materiais, custos etc se puder!
@@AprendaQualquerCoisa como já fiz e não filmei, não tem jeito hahaha mas achei tudo em lojas variadas aqui em BH. As flanges foram o mais difícil de achar. E acessórios peguei no MercadoLivre.
love your channel! thanks for making so many thorough and clear videos. do you compost? doesnt seem like you do! if you do, wish you mentioned it for your fans more, and if not, wish youd consider it!
Ethan, just ran across your channel, and your videos are so professional! I would die for your scrap bucket. Question, how do you keep your counter tops so clean and EMPTY? And, thank you for your hard work, I have learned a lot.
I would have cut a hole in the top of the bench top and had a removable bin sit in that. That way you can just scrape the waste into it, never have to take your hand off the knife. Good job though
What's that hanging up on his fridge? It would be great to modify something like that to hold rolls of seran wrap, parchment paper and tin foil directly on the cart with a hack saw blade at the edge.
I can attest that you can easily slide that IKEA island on hardwood floor if you put felt floor protectors on the feet! I got it for my last condo which needed more storage space in the kitchen. Anyway, it's a great final product you've made, and definitely something to be proud of. Someone with my skill level, however, is better off sticking to IKEA hacks.
For scraps, you could easily rip a 1x1 and create a very basic drawer frame on the underside of the butcher block , then slide a steam pan or prep pan in there to catch scraps. Much much easier than using such a small bucket swinging off long hooks.
6 mths of looking for a decent "trolley" and your channel came up on recommended, I've just watched and now I am determined to make my own :D Didn't even cross my mind before lol. Your workspace looks awesome, so many possibilities to customize this design :) thanks !
Ethan! This is dope! Looks great! I need something on wheels like this for my kitchen big time! Just a heads up that stain is not that same thing is a protective finish. I'd throw some poly on that bottom board so it holds up with time, especially if food or water ever hits it. Keep up the awesome stuff!
Good catch. I thought he used the stain/poly combo. Actually he could have saved some time and money and just used clear poly. Maple needs a pre-stain treatment like he used to prevent blotching but since the stain was basically colorless just plain ole' poly would have given better longer lasting results
I see this with so many RU-vid cooks, and I've always wanted one but wondered how to go about it. Awesome diy, I'll definitely be coming back to this video when I move into my next apartment
Damn, you should sell these. Always though about something like this, but never been motivated enough and/or had the plan what and how to. Definitely need to make something like this though.
For that scrap bin, I was thinking of a flat stainless steel bin that can roll out, so it’s even easier to just slide the scraps into the bin without having to scoop it into your hands and carrying it.
Next time, stick a piece of masking tape on the drill bit so you know when to stop. Simple. Great job for your first time tho! Looks amazing and expensive.
💡💡 I got a smaller version of this (15x21) from Amazon 3 months ago!! Two chrome shelves and hooks on one side. CHANGED MY LIFE. My kitchen is tiny aasfff and shaped like yours. Except imagine even less counter space 😭. I really like the idea of a scrap bin attached.. I usually have a "prep bowl" in the corner but since mine is smaller I could probably use something Iike this to maximize the board! Nice work man! 👌🏾
a trick to not drill any deeper than you want is to hold the drill next to the side of the wood you want to drill at the depth you want to drill, then wrap a piece of tape around the drill at that point.
I would suggest using whats called a tack cloth before oiling the butcher block. It's almost like a gauze material that has a tiny bit of oil in it, and it's perfect for picking up fine saw dust from sanding.
Went to Ikea today, saw some Kitchen Island, but yeah not exactly what I wanted. Found this today and that just gives me a great idea, though half the size would be perfect for me. Only feel stupid not picking up that drill now there xD Oh well, I was due for another trip at Ikea. Great video, thanks for sharing this!
Oh look at that... I'm going to move soon and was searching for ideas to diy a kitchen island, and who's video pops on top results? 😀 Real interesting, that might be really helpful, good one Ethan! 🙏
I'm super glad to have stumbled upon your channel. The production quality is excellent and every video thus far has felt germane to some project I'd like to or am working on in the kitchen currently. I suspect in a year you'll reach Adam Ragusea status.
Great video! Just built this and rather than using 36" pipe, I used 30" pipe and I like the height a lot better. Came out to a height of 35.5". Pretty much matched the height of my existing counters.
For the bottom shelf you should use polyurethane to add better wear protection. The stain you added doesn’t really have a purpose especially since you kept it at the natural color.
So me and a couple family members made this over the weekend. We haven’t put it to use yet but so far we are very happy with the results. We did, however, make it with a couple modifications. Rather than a 4’ x 2’ butcher block, we opted for the larger 6’ x 3’ block. To account for the larger, heavier block, we purchased 2.5” casters to support the weight. Looking at them now, maybe 3” would look a little better but they still work nonetheless. Lastly, I would say that if you’re of average height (5’3” to 6’), you should opt for 30” tall pipes rather than the 36”. The table was simply too tall with the 36” pipes (I’m 5’9”) so we sawed off 6” from each pipe and the table sat at a much better height. We were lucky to have a saw to cut the pipes with. But if you’re not sure, it may be worth buying both the 30” and 36” pipes to see which one fits you better. Then returning the ones you don’t use. Thanks for the video guide and shopping list, Ethan!
To stop yourself from drilling too far, just measure the depth you want to drill from the top of the bit, and wrap some masking tape on the bit at the proper depth. It gives an easy visual cue to tell you when to stop :)
are pilot holes even really necessary? admittedly i've only really made broadway and hollywood flats and the like, but we always just leaned into the drill when we put them together and securing them to the stage
You mentioned ikeas island was 500. I thought you were Canadian but IKEA Canada has that same island for 599 so I guess not? I entertained the idea I’d doing my own island but it seems a bit unrefined and aesthetically unpleasant. That butcher block does seem pretty hefty though,
This is awesome. So affordable and I think it's nicer looking than one you would buy. I'm gonna make one for myself. You can customize it in so many ways too for your own individual style. I've learned a lot about building things and finishing wood from my father, they are super valuable skills that save tons of money. Especially as a woman, I don't have to pay people to do it for me.
I'd fill the holes you made in the floor with epoxy. Use painters tape to protect the area around the holes, add enough epoxy so that its slightly above the height of the floor. Once it dries, use a utility blade to carefully shave off the excess till its flat with the floor. Dunno about your security deposit but you'll not feel the holes in the floor with the epoxy.
