Easy Kitchen Island

Build two frames, either with pocket holes or with 2-1/2" self-tapping star bit screws. Check each frame for square by measuring opposite diagonals and adjusting until they match.

Adding the shelf slats from a later step now can help keep the frames square while you work — a frame that racks before the legs go on stays racked.

Attach the legs from the inside with 2-1/2" screws — pocket-hole users can simply drive pocket screws here instead. Drive the screws at a slight angle rather than straight in; it makes for a noticeably better structural joint.

Measure and mark the placement of the 2x2 shelf supports and attach with 2-1/2" screws.

Prefinish the slat boards before cutting, so only the cut ends need touch-up after assembly. Lay the slats out with even gaps and nail and glue them to the frame boards. Other stock — 1x3, 1x2, even 1x6 or 1x8 — substitutes if you'd rather a different look.

Attach the tabletop support boards, which give the island lateral bracing and an attachment point for the tabletop. Attach from inside with pocket holes facing upward if you have a jig, otherwise screw from the outside.

For the cleanest result, join the tabletop boards into one panel with a pocket-hole jig first, then attach the whole top from underneath with 2-1/2" screws. Without a jig, attach the boards individually the same way, keeping them tight and even.