A real stone kitchen island can add amazing character and texture to your kitchen's decor, but the associated cost and labor is often prohibitive. Below see how to build a kitchen island with the look of natural stone without all the expense and heavy lifting - with FauxPanels™!
1. Before you begin your project, make sure the surface you’ll be attaching the panels to is clean. It’s a good idea to wipe down the surface with a rag or a brush. On harder surfaces, it may be necessary to use a wire brush. You’ll also want to wipe the back of the panels clean.
2. Make sure the panels are acclimatized to the same humidity and temperature as surface you’ll be installing them to for 24 hours. While you’re storing the panels, make sure that they’re flat. Do not expose the Faux Panels® to direct sunlight or close to heat sources before installing them.
3. To ensure that your panels will properly suit the space, plan the layout for the kitchen island.
4. Start your installation of the panels with a corner. Install left to right if the underlap is on the right side of the panels or right to left if the underlap is on the left side of the panels. The overlap will always go over the underlap. Apply glue to the back of the corner piece as shown.
5. Fasten the panels to the island by using screws around the perimeter of the panel at approximately one foot apart or less. More screws will be required in the middle of the panel, at a rate of around one screw per square foot. Make sure the screws are slightly recessed below the panel’s surface. Don’t tighten the screws too much, though. If you’ll be installing your panels in a high moisture area, our recommendation is to use exterior grade screws.
6. Apply glue to the back of the panel, as shown.
7. Apply adhesive or glue to the lip of the panel where the next panel will overlap, approximately one inch from the textured surface.
8. Interlock the panel with the corner piece you installed previously, and continue with your panel installation on the remaining row(s), as directed previously.
9. Sometimes, there could be a gap between a panel and where the next corner piece will be installed. If this occurs, follow Steps 9-12 or skip ahead to Step 13.
10. Dry fit the next panel and then mark it as needed, so as to show where the panel will meet the corner piece. This will allow you to determine the cuts you’ll need to fill the gaps.
11. You might need to cut the lip off of your corner piece with a jig saw. This will better accommodate the panel pieces that will be used to fill the gap.
12. On the back of your panel, line up the corner where you previously marked it. After you do that, trace the corner onto the panel. With a jigsaw, cut along the line.
13. To make sure the fit is proper, dry fit the new piece(s). Then make adjustments if necessary.
Note: You can also use textured caulk to fill any gaps, spaces, or screw heads.
14. Optional: You can use a door/window trim piece to end your panels. Take note of the trim’s width and cut your panel to fit it. You can also miter the edges of the panel into the installation surface. Click here for mitering directions
15. Install your panel and then dry fit the trim. Adjustments may be necessary.
16. Continue the installation of the rest of the panels as needed.
17. Secure the trim piece in place with construction glue and screws.
18. Add caulking to any spaces or seams in the panels. With a damp cloth or rag, remove any excess caulk before it dries. A paint brush, wet finger, or other similar tool can help to smooth and blend the caulk. Textured caulk can also be used for filling any gaps, voids, screw heads, or spaces. Click here for more details on caulking panels.
19. A Touch-Up Kit will help to conceal damaged areas. It can also give exposed caulk a more finished appearance. Since our panels are multicolored, and the complementing caulk is just one color, applying touch-up paint for a more complete look will be necessary.
20. When you’re done, take a step back and enjoy your gorgeous new kitchen island!
Tips...
To make sure that your panels are properly installed, the tongue portion of the panel should be on top of the panel, and the groove portion of the panel should be on the bottom. Including miters, all joints should be glued and caulked. Panels may need additional shimming and trimming for best alignment.
BE SURE to observe and obey all of the safety rules and recommendations suggested by tool manufacturers.
ALWAYS follow all applicable local, state, and federal building codes. Always comply with any of the specific clearances set forth by the manufacturers of fireplaces, furnaces, stoves, and any other heat sources also.
