The Complete Guide to Ordering Your Custom Living Edge Kitchen Island

A living edge kitchen island adds organic warmth and authenticity to any kitchen design. The natural contour of the wood creates visual interest and brings an earthy, rustic vibe to the space. With custom options to match your style, a living edge island can become the stunning focal point of your kitchen.

We'll cover how to choose the perfect materials, dimensions, and features to craft your dream island.

Selecting Your Materials

One of the best things about a custom living edge island is the ability to hand pick every material detail. Let's explore your options.

Wood Types

Opting for a living edge means showcasing the natural grain and contours of real wood. Popular species include:

• Oak - Affordable, strong, and ages beautifully. Has an open, casual look.
• Maple - Hard and dense with a smooth, uniform appearance. Light coloring.
• Walnut - Rich dark brown with dramatic grain. Gives a modern, luxe look.
• Cherry - Ages to a deep reddish-brown. Has an elegant, traditional style.

Exotic woods like teak are also an option. Remember that price will vary based on wood rarity and quality.

Dimensions

Standard island sizes range anywhere from 4-10 feet long and 2-4 feet deep. Larger kitchens can accommodate bigger dimensions, while smaller spaces may require a more petite island.

Keep in mind you'll need a few feet of clearance around the island for traffic flow and stool seating. An overhang of 6-12 inches gives seating space without impeding walkways.

Base Cabinetry

The base - typically made of matching or contrasting cabinetry - provides storage and supports the living edge countertop. Consider:

• Standard base cabinets for a seamless, built-in look.
• Custom cabinets for a truly bespoke island design.
• Varied cabinet fronts, hardware, and finishes to express your style.
• Interior organization like drawers, shelves, or pull-outs for optimized storage.

Additional Features

Take your island beyond the basics with functional and decorative add-ons like:

• Shelving or pot racks for extra storage.
• Undermount lighting for task lighting or accent lighting.
• Electrical outlets for convenience and appliance use.
• Stools for seated dining and chatting.

The Ordering Process

Ready to order your custom living edge kitchen island? Here's an overview of each step in the process.

Initial Consultation

Your designer will have an in-depth discussion about your kitchen layout, aesthetics, cooking habits, and functionality needs. Come prepared with:

• Room dimensions and existing kitchen features.
• Inspiration photos or sketches.
• Ideas about your dream island materials and configuration.

This helps the designer provide the best recommendations tailored to your space and lifestyle.

Design Approval

Using the consultation details, your designer will create 3D renderings of the proposed island design. Expect to go through an iterative process, refining the specs until the design is just right.

Get final sign-off on all details before production begins. This includes wood type, size, base cabinetry, edge profile, and any extras.

Production

Now the materials are sourced and your island is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans. Typical lead time is 14-22 weeks, but some shops may expedite orders for a fee.

This painstaking process ensures your island will be as stunning as the vision renders promised.

Delivery

Standard delivery involves curbside drop-off, and you handle unpacking and setup. For white glove delivery, professionals will bring your island inside and get it installed in the ideal spot.

Inspect your island and test any functions before the team leaves. Your dream living edge kitchen island is finally a reality!

Care and Maintenance

To keep your investment as gorgeous as the day it arrived, be diligent about upkeep:

• Clean with gentle soap and water. Avoid abrasives.
• Reapply protective finish annually to prevent stains and scratches.
• Immediately dry any spills to prevent warping or swelling of the wood.
• Use trivets and cutting boards to prevent scorching and nicks.

With regular care, your living edge island will develop even more charm as it ages gracefully.

Creating your custom living edge kitchen island takes thoughtful planning, expert craftsmanship, and patience as your vision comes to life. But the end result will be a breathtaking focal point for your kitchen - as functional as it is beautiful.

Follow this guide to craft your dream island. Bring warmth and natural elegance to your space with the richness only solid wood can provide.