Interested in adding a touch of charm to your kitchen? Wearing kitchen island beadboard could be the answer to your prayers. Such a makeover is capable of making the place seem like the work of an experienced designer who spent a long time planning and yet it is very achievable and surprisingly cheap.
We’ve covered before fluted kitchen islands and we think you will like this idea.
This article reveals the whole truth: decorating inspirations, estimations of expenses, how the installation procedure is carried out, and, most importantly, the questions homeowners ask very often.
What Is Beadboard and Why Does It Work So Well on a Kitchen Island?
Beadboard is paneling consisting of slender planks arranged vertically, and the small rounded groove (the “bead”) between each one is a distinguishing feature. It was mainly used in traditional American and cottage-style houses years back, however, it can be a pretty good option for modern kitchens remodels as well.
Beadboard on a kitchen island gets applied on the vertical sides – the ones which face the room. Instead of a flat, painted surface that shows every scuff and ding, you get a more textured, layered look that not only adds a serious visual interest but also gives a whole different vibe.
That being said, it can be used with practically every kitchen design:
- Farmhouse and cottage kitchens — beadboard is absolutely perfect here
- Traditional and transitional kitchens — it keeps the warmth and doesn’t look old fashioned yet
- Coastal and beach-inspired kitchens — texture is a great accomplice in showcasing a relaxed casual vibe
- Even contemporary kitchens — with the right paint color, beadboard becomes a graphic design element
How Much Does Kitchen Island Beadboard Cost?
Kitchen island beadboard is among the inexpensive remodelling alternatives.
Here we counsel a breakdown of the overall price:
Materials only:
- Beadboard panels (MDF or wood): $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot
- Beadboard wainscoting sheets: $20 to $50 per 4×8 panel
- Trim and molding: $0.80 to $2.50 per linear foot
- Primer and paint: $30 to $60 total
On average kitchen island (approximately 30-40 sq ft of surface area to be covered), material costs generally end up between $80 and $250 depending upon product you choose.
Professional installation:
If you decide to hire a contractor or a finishing carpenter, it’s estimated that your labor cost will be increased by anywhere from $200 to $600 depending upon the difficulty of the operation and your location. Usually, the work takes half a day or a full day.
The total estimated price is $280 to $850 for most standard kitchen islands.
In terms of the look, this is a remarkable improvement for a very small amount of money. The Experts Remodel team will be your perfect guide to getting an accurate estimate for your particular kitchen layout and island size, also, work quantities in the condition of existing surfaces and extent of required preparation time.
Installation: What the Process Actually Looks Like
Pretty much all homeowners can and do do kitchen island beadboard as a weekend DIY project. The following is a simple overview of how the process is at work:
Step 1: Measure the island sides
Take measurements of length and height of each side panel that you intend to cover. Also, remember to account for any openings, outlets, or decorative feet that will need to be incorporated.
Step 2: Purchase and cut panels
Buy a little more panels than the measurements for cuts and waste that usually occur. Decide which tools/table saw or circular saw to be used for cutting the panels to the proper height. Be careful to score in a way that results in clean edges.
Step 3: Prep the surface
Sand any rough parts on the existing surface of the island. If you get rid of old paint or hardware, do that first. Ensuring that substrate is clean and smooth will give you much better end results.
Step 4: Apply panels
While using finish nails is a common way of fixation (a brad nailer makes it quicker), it is recommended that you spread construction adhesive along with finish nails. Press panels firmly against the surface and nail at both the top and bottom. Work one side at a time.
Step 5: Add trim
Install a piece of trim or molding on top of the beadboard. This will conceal the raw edge and make the whole installation look finished and professional. Also, if there isn’t any already, add baseboard at the bottom.
Step 6: Fill, sand, and paint
Use wood filler to fill nail holes, after drying first, sand them gently. Prime the panel surface and then paint two coats in the color you have selected. Semi-gloss and satin sheens are considered to be the best choices in kitchens as they are the easiest to clean.
Usually it takes one or two days for a DIYer to complete the whole project from start to finish. If you want some professionals who specialize in this kind of finishing carpentry work to assist you, Experts Remodel offers such services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Jumping primer — Beadboard (especially MDF) will not absorb paint evenly if there is no primer coat. So, never paint directly.
Ignoring outlets — If your island already has electrical outlets on the sides, trying to cut around them will need to be very precise. Don’t just cut the first time.
Using cheap caulk — All the joints and seams should be sealed with a paintable caulk that is of kitchen quality. Cheap caulk cracks and yellows as time passes.
Not sealing the top edge — Top edge of beadboard is most exposed to moisture. So make sure it is well-sealed and hidden by the trim or countertop overhang.
Speeding up the paint process — Actually, two thin coats of paint will be better-looking and longer-lasting than one thick coat. Allow for proper drying time between coats.
Is Beadboard Hard to Maintain?
Actually, it is very simple. Painted beadboard on a kitchen island is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth. Since beadboard grooves collect dust easier than a flat panel, they require a soft brush or vacuum attachment touch-up occasionally to keep clean.
Don’t use strong chemical cleaners as they can remove the gloss layer from the paint.
Usually, if a panel gets damaged, one can easily patch or repaint only that section without having to redo the entire island.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen island beadboard has the strongest return on investment among kitchen upgrades. Not only is it fairly cheap, but it also works in literally every style of home, and the visual reward is very striking. Classic white, bold navy, or warm-stained wood — whichever you choose — the texture and detail that it gives will make the entire kitchen seem more thought-out and complete.
Being a project that you may want to undertake yourself, but, at the same time, considering the professional assistance for it, then Experts Remodel would be a great way to start.