The issue of low kitchen countertops has come up a couple times here on Tall Life. The solutions discussed include custom built kitchens, raised cutting boards, and raised islands. The problem with all of these solutions though is that the resulting height will probably not be ideal for all of your home’s occupants, and in some cases may even detract from resale value. In light of these shortcomings, there is yet another tall solution I’d like to mention, and that is the adjustable height kitchen island.

Adjustable height kitchen islands range in cost from dirt cheap to ludicrously expensive. Let’s begin with an example of the latter by Team7. In addition to accommodating multiple statures, this sleek contraption can double as a breakfast table and even a pub style table. As you watch the video below, your thoughts might go from something along the lines of, “Best invention ever!” to, “Maybe when I win the lottery…”. Sadly, these ultra luxury adjustable height kitchen islands probably cost about as much as a cheap new car. But if you have the cash, it would be pretty awesome to touch a button and have your kitchen island stealthily glide to your ideal working height.

There are less expensive designs out there though. Just do a search for “adjustable height kitchen island” and you will come across all sorts. If you are wondering how these work, most are built with a lift system such as the one in the image link below.

Motorized Lift System: 16″ Stroke



Another option is to repurpose adjustable height surfaces from other applications. For example, you could repurpose a sit-stand desk. Even cheaper though would be to repurpose an adjustable height workbench as these are fairly common. Given workbenches are often used by crafty people, it is no wonder that there are so many clever DIY adjustable height workbenches out there. Some of these designs could be used to build an adjustable height kitchen island. People have used bicycle parts, truck jacks, scissor jacks, and many other parts to build these. Me personally, I’ve got a pneumatic cylinder concept I might try out some day. Check out the below video for some inspiration.

Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk: 30.6″ to 50.6″ Trailer Jack 24″ Scissor Jack

What are your thoughts? Think you might get an adjustable height kitchen island or perhaps have a clever idea how to build one?