If your kitchen island is detachable, the simple answer to this question is – yes, you can.
Removing and reinstalling kitchen islands are an integral part of kitchen renovations.
If you have an island that is wheeled or is the mobile kind, then you can easily move a kitchen island. If the island has gas or electric stoves attached, or is made of a much heavier material like granite, then you will need a professional’s assistance to get it detached and moved.
If you want to undertake the task of moving your kitchen island, this article will explain what you need to do and when to call for assistance if needed.
Prepare the New Location
Before you disassemble your kitchen island, make sure the new place you are shifting it to is adequately prepped.
The area where you are attaching the island needs to be conducive to you moving around it, since islands are usually at the center of the kitchen.
Make sure you leave space for drawers, cabinets, and space to come around the stove if your island has one. There should be no obstructions such as walls and doors.
If the island has a stove or a grill, it will need to be close to electricity or gas supplies to power the devices.
If the island has a sink, you will need to detach the connections to the plumbing systems before you remove the island to a new location.
Make the Island Mobile
Since the island is usually some huge slabs of ceramic or tile created like a table structure, you cannot just tug it around to where you need it to be.
Make sure to empty the island’s drawers and cabinets fully before you attempt to move it around.
Disassemble the drawers and doors, especially if your island is getting a new paint job or needs any other renovations.
Make sure that any polish, paint or surface cleaner you have used on the island before the relocation is dry and in place before you move it.
Next, check to see if your island is detachable. If it is, get some helping hands and lug it to where it needs to be, avoiding all obstacles and preventing bumps along the way.
If the island is connected by screws or cement to the floor’s surface, you will need to loosen them to make the island mobile.
How to Remove Fixed Islands
If your island is not the movable kind, you need to equip yourself with some essential tools like a sledgehammer, mask, gloves, prybar, and a screwdriver.
The size and force with which you use the tools depend entirely on whether you want to keep the countertop and re-use parts of the island.
Masks are essential to prevent particles and dust from getting into your lungs.
Goggles prevent particles from impeding your vision by flying into your eye, and gloves are a must-have to keep your hands safe from edges, nails, and screws.
If the island is attached to the floor using adhesives of any kind, it’s worthwhile to consult a professional to detach and move it, since you can damage both your island and your floor if you attempt to chip away at it yourself.
Reinstallation and Refurbishment
The next thing you can focus on concerning your kitchen island is the reattachment process.
Use the connectors, screws, or adhesive to connect your island to the floor just like before.
Make sure it’s properly angled and straight, or you could end up with a lopsided and slanted kitchen island.
Consult a professional to re-wire or re-direct the electricity or gas power system to the new location.
Simply arrange your utensils, ingredients, or anything contained in your island cabinets and drawers.
Carefully place the countertop (especially if it’s a ceramic slab) back onto the island.
Clean Up the Previous Location
Another important part of moving your kitchen island to a new location is to clean up the old location.
There can be dust, dirt, grime, and oil staining the floor where the island was attached, and that can turn into an eyesore, especially if the island is in the center of your kitchen.
If floorboards and tile have been ripped up and chipped during the move, fixing that also keeps the visual appeal of your kitchen maintained.
If you were aiming for a replacement for the island, cleaning up the previous location ensures that the new island is fixed correctly.
The Bottom Line of Moving Your Kitchen Island
Is moving your kitchen island something you can do yourself?
It can be easily done if the island is detachable and doesn’t require you to go prodding around disconnecting plumbing, gas, and electrical systems.
If the island is attached to the floor with cement or adhesive, you may cause a lot of damage by undertaking the detaching job yourself.
Importantly, you should always hire a professional plumber, gas technician, or electrician to tamper with these connections in your home.
However, if you are dissuaded by the hefty charges of upwards of $20,000 that professionals may charge you to relocate a kitchen island, it’s worthwhile undertaking the job yourself.
