Casa de Tortugas - Stories
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Kitchen Counters
Preface:
This story really should have been written some time ago. The original plan was to wait until everything was 100% finished, but we’ve stalled out. At this point, we have everything done, except for the drawer faces, and we’re not sure when we’ll get to those. Even though they’re fairly easy, we’ve discovered it’s surprisingly convenient to leave them off for quick access. At some point we will put them on, and when we finally do, we’ll update this story.
For now, join us on the journey that is cabinet building.
When we first moved into the new house, we needed cabinets but we didn't have the time or skill to build them, nor were we 100% sure what we wanted. But we had a concept so we used scrap wood to assemble place holder cabinets to get us going. The key pieces were there. A place to install the sink, The large cooking peninsula and the shorter prep counter by the window. These weren't pretty, but they were functional and we used things like this for several months as we worked on other projects and gained building skills.
Once we felt like we had enough skill, and we were sure the layout was working for us, we built the permanent cooking peninsula. The process starts by preparing the 1x12 planks that become the top. They are cut to size, sanded and sealed. This process takes several days to be sure everything is try. Once the top is ready, it can be set aside while the base is created. To be sure we don't waste any space, the peninsula has one large drawer that faces out with all the rest facing in. Under the cooktop, we keep the propane tank and fire extinguisher and cooking supplies. The cooktop sits here so the view can be enjoyed while meals are prepared.
Before upgrading to the permanent cabinets, we needed to enclose the walls. To do this, we hired a couple locals to help. We showed them how the pin nailer worked and what it was we were trying to do and then we let them do the majority of the install. Glenn was in charge of the work as well as measuring and cutting the planks. Tina was in charge of running the camera while also working on some projects outside. We removed all the temporary cabinets being careful not to damage them as some were going back in place for a while. Behind the sink, we left part of the wall open so the plumbing could remain exposed in case we need access in the future. The siding is the same as the exterior of the house. The process was rather smooth. Once the walls were in place, we put the temporary sink and side counters back in place then set the permanent cooktop peninsula in place. We used 1x4 planks to cover the back and side of the peninsula to complete the look.Finally the refrigerator went back in and we lived with this for a while.
Once the peninsula was installed, we took some time off. After our break, we built all the drawers for the cabinet. We were originally thinking about doing normal shelving and doors but realized that it would be so much nicer to pull out the "shelving" so we could reach what was in back. So instead of shelving, our cabinets are all drawers. Having never done any of this before, the process was a little trial and error but it came along fairly easily after the first couple were installed. The main drawer under the stove was first and of course was the hardest. Things got easier with each drawer that we installed.
Shortly after completing the peninsula, we started on the sink cabinet. This went much smoother. The counter top required fewer 1x12 planks because it isn't as deep and it is a good deal shorter. The base had far less lumber in it making the entire cabinet lighter and easier to move. Learning from the lessons learned while working on the peninsula, this cabinet went together much faster. The hardest part was cutting the hole for the sink. Unlike the hole for the stove, this one needed to be fairly exact so it would line up with the plumbing correctly. The actual opening wasn't too bad because the sink came with a template. But getting it positioned on the counter top required careful measuring. In the end, it turned out perfect. Putting the drawers together was much easier and there were only 4 of them to install. Under the sink there is a "drop in" bottom. This is in case we ever need to get under it. It is a good thing we did this because a while after completing the kitchen, one of the water filters started leaking and water pooled under the cabinet. The removable bottom under the sink was perfect as we could lift it out and dry out all that water to prevent wood rot.
The final piece was the side cabinet. This one is a little shorter to give a nice prep area for Tina to work at. It fits nicely between the other two cabinets and is looking out to the jungle behind the house. This one also has 4 large drawers. With all these drawers, we have plenty of storage in the kitchen without the need for any upper cabinets. This makes for a nice clean look in our opinion.
At some point in the future, we are likely to complete the kitchen by putting drawer fronts on these cabinets. But for now we are enjoying the ease of access the open faces give us. And the decision to go with all drawers over shelving was a great one. The process of building all of this was both a challenge and a joy. We really love the functionality, look and comfort of the kitchen.
| Halloween 2025 Published 31-Oct-2025 |
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