Kitchen islands are an integral part of contemporary kitchens.
This is why you may wonder how to design the one in your room. The traditional look might not be something you are happy with, which is when you start looking at different styles for your kitchen island.
This includes asking, does a kitchen island have to be attached to the floor?
Kitchen islands do not have to be attached to the floor. However, smaller kitchen islands should be secured in place to make sure they don’t fall over and/or slide around. With larger kitchen islands, it’s fine to live a few inches of space at the bottom.
Some people do this for aesthetics because it looks more modernized. While others just prefer the idea of not having the kitchen island against the flooring to create more visual space.
There are different requirements for each situation and none of them are wrong.
This article will look at the main factors to consider when installing a kitchen island that’s not attached to the floor.
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Best Rolling Kitchen Island (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Factors To Consider When Installing Kitchen Island That’s Not Attached To The Floor
1. Size of the Kitchen Island
It’s the size of the kitchen island that has to be taken into account.
If you have a smaller kitchen island then it needs to be tilt-proof. Otherwise, it will fall at the first sign of pressure when someone leans against it.
With larger kitchen islands, you are going to have more leeway. You can attach the kitchen island to the floor or your can leave it a few inches off of the ground near the base.
This is okay because a larger kitchen island has more weight. It is not going to be easy to push around and/or tilt over by a single person. This is often enough to make sure it is safe to put in the kitchen without being attached to the floor.
However, if you have a smaller kitchen island, it might make sense to have it snug against the floor for complete protection. Issues such as these can become complicated to deal with and that is something you are going to want to avoid.
It is better for your peace of mind to have it attached to the floor.
2. Spatial Efficiency
This is an underrated factor that has to be thought of.
You don’t want a situation where the kitchen island is taking up too much space because it moves around all the time.
If you are going to set up a kitchen island in the kitchen, you want to make sure it is spatially efficient.
A lot of people need enough space to walk around in the kitchen. This is a must for the kitchen to retain its value and offer the benefits you want it to.
The same applies to the kitchen island. It is only useful when it is a perfect fit.
This is why a lot of people like a set spot for the kitchen island as it is a lot easier to plan for. You will know precisely where it’s going to be at all times.
3. Safety
You will have to think about safety when installing a new kitchen island.
If it is off of the floor by a few inches, you have to ensure it is not going to tilt over. This is all about safety and becomes important if you have pets or children.
Always go with a rolling kitchen island, if you want it off of the ground. This makes it easier to slide around without having it fall over with a slight push.
Otherwise, the safest option is always going to be the one that is attached to the floor.
Related Questions
1. Do Kitchen Islands Have To Be Anchored To The Floor?
Kitchen islands don’t have to be anchored to the floor. Some will have wheels attached to the bottom that allow for the kitchen island to slide from one part of the kitchen to the next without leaving a mark.
2. Are Kitchen Islands Freestanding?
Kitchen islands can be freestanding. These are specifically designed to be incorporated into a contemporary kitchen design without taking up too much space.
Final Thoughts
Does a kitchen island have to be attached to the floor?
Kitchen islands don’t have to be attached to the floor. However, it is best to anchor them to the floor if you are going to be using them to eat and/or sit around all the time.
It is sturdier and safer that way.
Here’s more on kitchens – tips for washing dishes with body wash, how to set up drawer pulls in the kitchen, the value of hardwood flooring in the kitchen, and how to move around a fridge in the kitchen.