Project Overview
When Sarah moved from Texas to California, she wanted her new kitchen to feel complete. She had already bought one of my racks and a clothing stand online, and that’s when she reached out again — this time for a custom kitchen island and matching rack. She loved the look of industrial pipe furniture but didn’t see the same quality anywhere else online. That’s where I came in.
We worked together to create something that looked beautiful, rolled easily, and could evolve with her home over time.
The Challenge
Sarah wanted a centerpiece island that wasn’t just decorative — it had to hold up under daily use, store cookware, and hang pots and pans, all while fitting her kitchen’s layout. She sent me a Pinterest board of her favorite ideas, and I mocked up a physical model with sample boards and dimensions to get proportions just right.
Most competitor pieces used thin metal or faux pipe that wouldn’t last. She wanted something that matched her aesthetic but was built to move homes and still perform years down the line.
Design & Materials
We decided on maple butcher block for the countertop and maple-veneered shelving to match her existing kitchen finishes. I used real steel pipe for the frame — the same heavy-duty material I use for my garment racks — with through-wood hole clamps for clean, sturdy shelf mounts.
The island rolls on 3” locking casters, which keep it mobile but rock-solid once in place. To save space, I used smaller flanges that allowed for maximum shelf width while reducing toe clearance issues. Every detail was considered to balance usability, strength, and aesthetics.
Build Process
This project came down to precision. Sarah’s tallest cookware needed a 12-inch clearance on the lower shelf, so we measured everything carefully to make sure it fit. I also designed the hanging rack to be removable and adjustable — she can raise or lower it depending on what she’s using the island for, or remove it completely when hosting guests.
One big consideration was door clearance. I wanted to make sure the full piece could fit through a standard doorway without disassembly. Tight tolerances and modular pipe joints made that possible.
The other lesson from this build was logistics — it was my first time using freight shipping for such a large custom project, and now I’ve got a reliable carrier for future builds.
Installation & Fit
Install day went off without a hitch. The maple tones tied in perfectly with her counters and shelving, and the steel added a subtle contrast that grounded the space. The proportions worked exactly as planned, and it felt like the island had always belonged in that kitchen.
Client Reaction
Sarah loved it. Her exact words were that her neighbor was “a little jealous and took down your information.” Always a good sign. She appreciated how smooth the process was and how well it matched her vision.
Impact & Value
The island gave her extra storage and prep space while staying mobile for hosting dinners or moving around during remodels. It’s durable enough to travel from one home to the next — and still look like a centerpiece in any setting.
Loved This Project!
I’d absolutely build this again. It’s the kind of project that fits perfectly into the Monroe Trades custom portfolio — functional, timeless, and built to last. For future versions, I’d love to experiment with:
- Added hooks and full hardwood shelving
- Alternative finishes (dark walnut, oiled oak, matte black steel)
- Custom heights or compact versions for small kitchens
What Made It Special
What makes this project special is how it balances durability, flexibility, and craftsmanship — built to move homes, hold weight, and look great doing it.
Interested in a Custom Build?
I build one-of-a-kind furniture and fixtures from real steel and solid wood — made to fit your space and your life. Whether you need something for your home, studio, or business, we can create it together.