When designing a kitchen island, most attention is often placed on the front-facing cabinets, countertop, and seating, while the back is ignored. Since islands are visible from multiple angles, the back should be properly finished for a polished, intentional look. With Lanae RTA cabinets, the back of an island typically falls into one of two styles: a flat back for a clean, modern appearance or a cabinet storage back for added functionality and usable space. 

Flat Back Island with Outside Corner Moulding

For a flat back island, color matched skin panels are required to cover the exposed cabinet backs and create a smooth, seamless surface. When more than one skin panel is needed, a batten scribe should be installed to conceal the seam where the panels meet, ensuring the back of the island looks intentional and professionally finished.

Outside corner moulding is another essential detail for flat back islands. This trim covers raw panel or cabinet edges at the corners, creating a clean, finished transition. Though small, this detail has a big impact on the overall appearance and should never be overlooked during planning or ordering.

Utilizing Your Kitchen Island with Increased Storage

Adding storage to your kitchen island maximizes usable space while keeping your kitchen organized and efficient. Cabinets on the back of the island provide convenient storage for cookware, small appliances, or serving items without adding clutter to surrounding areas.

Whether you choose full depth base cabinets, our vanity base cabinets or slimmer wall cabinets, island storage improves functionality, supports better kitchen flow, and adds long term value without sacrificing style or seating options.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets can be a great option for the back of an island when you want additional storage without increasing the island’s overall footprint. Lanae’s 12 inch depth wall cabinets can be installed on the back side of the island to provide functional storage while keeping walkways open and comfortable.

If wall cabinets are used in place of base cabinets, a toe kick must be constructed on site by you or your installer. This added support is necessary to ensure proper cabinet height and long term stability. If having an installer, please check with them to ensure they are comfortable with creating your toe kick.

Base Cabinets

For maximum storage, the back of the island can be built out using additional 24 inch depth base cabinets or Lanae's 21 inch depth vanity base cabinets. These options creates an oversized island with plenty of cabinet space, perfect for larger kitchens or homes that need extra storage.

When choosing this style, it is important to carefully plan the island size so the space does not feel too large or restrictive. Proper clearances around the island ensure both functionality and comfort. In order to ensure a proper walk way, it is recommended to have 42" of open space around the island.

Cabinet Trim and Scribe Trim

Cabinet trim and scribe trim play a critical role in finishing the island. Flat back islands require color matched skin panels to create a smooth surface. When multiple panels are needed, a batten scribe is required to conceal the seam and maintain a seamless appearance.

Additional skin panels are required on any island design for exposed sides of the island. All side skins can be installed using construction adhesive or finishing nails. If finishing nails are used, touch up items such as Lanae's fill stick and paint marker are recommended to cover nail holes and minor marks, ensuring a flawless finish.

Additional trim pieces such as fillers or dishwasher end panels may also be required depending on the design. If your island was designed by Lanae's Free Design Service, always review the design details carefully to confirm all required trim is included.

Finalizing Your Kitchen Island

The back of a kitchen island is just as important as the front. Whether you choose a flat back with skin panels or a cabinet storage back using base or wall cabinets, proper planning ensures your island looks finished from every angle. Details like color matched side skins, outside corner moulding, toe kicks, and the right trim pieces all play a critical role in the final result.

By carefully reviewing your Lanae design and confirming all required panels, mouldings, and touch up items are included, you can avoid surprises during installation and achieve a polished, professional look. A well finished island not only enhances the appearance of your kitchen but also improves its functionality and long term durability.