The kitchen island, often considered the heart of a home, can be a source of dissatisfaction for many homeowners. Custom islands are pricey, leading some to explore more affordable alternatives. One option gaining popularity is the industrial island. Embracing the industrial aesthetic, these islands offer a non-traditional yet stylish look that complements various home decor styles. Additionally, they are often more budget-friendly than custom options, making them an attractive choice for those looking to update their kitchen space.
Off-the-shelf industrial kitchen islands
While store-bought industrial islands might lack the excitement of more recent kitchen island innovations, commercial restaurant prep tables like the Economy Stainless Steel Worktable (72" x 30", $375) nonetheless make great, functional kitchen islands. These tables can be rather narrow, however, and they aren't always the best choice for adding counter space. Another rich industrial-island vein is the factory assembly table, like the Mobile Steel Assembly Table with Bottom Shelf (60" x 36", $595). Take note, though: If you're considering an island that wasn't designed for food prep, check if its work and storage surfaces are food-safe. If not, you'll have to either cover them, replace them, or pass.
Vintage and DIY industrial kitchen islands
The DIY route to an industrial kitchen island can be surprisingly familiar if you've ever shopped for a new model. One option is to install butcher block on old, galvanized food prep table frames and vintage work tables. These can get quite large and are often a trendy way for your kitchen island to double as a dining table. Galvanized steel isn't food-safe, but food prep tables with galvanized frames tend to have stainless steel tops.
When you decide to construct your very own island, the possibilities are endless (or 35 inches high - whichever comes first). At these impressive heights, you can choose from a variety of countertop materials: quartz, granite, marble, butcher block, or any other material that catches your eye. Opting for a stainless steel top is always a sleek choice if you can source one (or have one custom-made at a reasonable cost). However, the true essence of an industrial island lies not in the top surface, but in the frame. Similar to creating musical wonders with a synthesizer and drum machine, you can transform your kitchen island using black iron gas pipes and sturdy casters. The rugged aesthetic of galvanized chain link fence posts also conveys this industrial vibe, although cast iron may not always achieve the desired effect.
