Jimmy and I have been wanting to redesign our island for some time now. Our entire kitchen is a work in progress, but we thought why not start with our center island piece.

The top piece is all reclaimed wood. We decided to give our island counter some length so that we could have more room and space for eating, setting out dishes, cutting up veggies, as well as work space.

Word to the wise though.. be careful with reclaimed wood as your counter space. Jimmy recently noticed the wood starting to bow which means that he now will have to stabilize the top to the sides with industrial black pipe. It’s a very simple and easy step in this process which will ensure the piece to not bow, as well as maintaining future support… but it’s another step.

We went to Lowe’s to check out what they had to offer for cabinet siding. We chose the Design Innovations Reclaimed Weathered Wall Plank Kit that can be found at Lowe’s. To cover our two sides and the front of our island with reclaimed wood cost $50. It took Jimmy about two nights to cut the pieces and attach them to our island. Two nights as in Jimmy gets home from work around 5pm and would work on the siding until about 8pm or 9pm. Island remodeling is a project that can break the bank; however, doesn’t have to if you’re going for a simple make-over and not a spa day.

Oh, and our swivel wooden chairs with metal bases actually came from an estate sale. Those come in handy with you are looking for a rustic and antique look!