When we began the conversion of our 1882 Vermont post and beam barn into a home, we knew that the dedicated space for the kitchen would be considerable. The kitchen is located on the entire south side of the main level. The main part of the kitchen is approximately 600 square feet. A large kitchen needed a large island. Subsequently, the effort resulted in an Island 22 feet long with a 48 inch wide counter top.
Beginning the initial framing using 2x4s and 3/4 inch plywood for the framing, and 6×6 hemlock timbers for the corner posts.
As shown in the photos, the island was constructed to span between two of the main 8×8 structural building timber posts, and encompass a third one in the center.
The construction of the island began by connecting two of the 6×6 legs together with a 2×4 frame. A total of six leg framing sets were created. The leg framing configurations were then placed at intervals along the length of the space between the outermost 8×8 building posts. Plywood was added to the front, top and the sides of the leg framing,
Tile was added to the top, sides and front. 2×12 hemlock planks were used for shelves. Reclaimed pine drawers from an old local country store were used beneath the shelves by adding wheels so the could easily be rolled out.