How to Buy the Right Wood Island Legs?

A table is incomplete without a set of legs, both aesthetically and functionally. But if you have a kitchen island or cabinetry, it is essential to pay attention to minor details if you want it to stand out. Even though there are several options available, including stainless steel and plastic, none of them come close to the good old wood. Upgrading your kitchen with wood island legs provides you the utmost flexibility for creating your design and the freedom to customize its appearance as per your taste. But buying any type will not do, you need to have the right one. Here are some details that you will find helpful when deciding on buying island legs of wood.

What should be the height of the legs?

The first thing you must consider is the wood legs’ height and if they would be appropriate for your kitchen island. According to experts, the recommended standard size for an island is between 34 to 36 inches.

What about their width?

Usually, you will find wooden island legs between two to three feet wide, which offer plenty of space and functionality. However, you can select those with extra width if you require more counter space.

Take into account the wood species

Another thing you must consider is the kind of wood used in the manufacture of the island legs. Cherry, red oak, pine, soft maple, and hard maple are some of the wood species you can find in the market. Each of these has its advantages. For instance, cherry hardwood is moderately durable and is resistant to rot and decay. Red oak is another excellent choice if durability is your priority since it’s widely used in cabinets, kitchens, flooring, furniture caskets, and paneling. You might also ask if the hardwoods are locally sourced or brought from somewhere.

Are the holes drilled beforehand?

Some legs have holes drilled or hardware installed beforehand, creating problems during installation. You should opt for those that don’t have holes or hardware in them.

Is the sanding satisfactory?

Sanding wood helps it attain a uniformly smooth texture or surface while removing any cuts and scratches that may have developed over time. Despite its name, no sand is used in the process. With the help of tools such as sanders and sandpapers, carpenters or artisans even out the wood to remove even the minor flaws to ensure the wood refinishing is perfect. If the legs have been sanded with 150 grit sandpaper, you can paint and stain it easily with the best results.

Are they easy to install?

The wood island leg should be easy to install, particularly if you’re going to do the installation yourself. Having a 45-degree notch is one of the easiest ways to install it and make the furniture more stable. In most cases, notches are added to legs whose tops are at least three inches high, so that’s something you should check before ordering (if you’re doing it online).

What shape do you want?

Most island legs are made of wood in either square or round shapes. The round-shaped ones are narrow in the center and spread out towards the top, whereas the square legs have a uniform dimension from top to bottom unless they have been tapered.

With the right pair of wood island legs, you can design your kitchen island, cabinetry, or any other piece of furniture any way you want. Once you’ve installed them, they will lend a stylish and classical look to your furnishings, attracting the attention of everyone who notices it.