DIY Pole Wrap Kitchen Island

Have you been looking for a new way to update your kitchen? Get creative with your design and create something unique by giving the island in your kitchen the wrap-around treatment! Then check out this DIY pole wrap kitchen island tutorial. 

Pole Wrap Kitchen Island Accent

Whether you prefer a subtle and sophisticated look or bold and eye-catching colors, there are plenty of ways to make this space stand out. Let me show you how easy it can be to update any kitchen island with these simple DIY steps. Be ready for compliments from friends and family as they admire your beautiful yet functional piece of art that also serves as one of the most used places in your home.

New, but boring. Clean, but lacking character. Too much white! These are phrases I never wanted to think about again when looking at my kitchen island. Thanks to this Pole Wrap Accent feature, I can easily say that “Boring and lacking character” are no longer words to describe my kitchen. Adding this wood pole wap was the perfect solution. I have waited for this product for over a year since it has been out of stock, but I am so glad to finally get to work with it! I know you will love it as much as I do.

Today I’ll take you through all the steps to add a bit of texture to a boring and basic kitchen, just by simply unrolling some wood. This is such a fun and easy DIY. Let’s get started and enjoy this amazing transformation together!

Supplies Needed:

• Pole Wrap
• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Jigsaw
• Utility Knife
• Caulk Caps 
• Liquid Nails Fuze It
• Oak Outside Corner Molding 
• Oak Wood Trim 
• Rubber Grout Float
• Clamps
• Polycrylic

How to Makeover Your Kitchen Island Using Pole Wrap

• Measure the desired area for your Pole Wrap. Cut with a miter saw while all rolled up, or cut flat with a circular saw.
• Stain your Pole Wrap if you desire. Check out my tips below if you want to do this step. 
• Remove any existing basic trim, bits of glue, and any pin nails from your kitchen island.

• Always remember to measure both/all sides. My left side was 35.5 inches and my right side was 35 inches! Measure my friends!!
• Cut the outlet hole with your jigsaw. Pay attention to whether or not your floor is level. Tip* Adding trim around all the edges will mask this.
• Once all is cut, be sure to apply adhesive to cover well to your pole wrap. (I needed 2 pieces because of the length of my island.)

• Use a rubber grout float to apply pressure to allow the adhesive to grab to the back of the island. 
• To ensure the max amount of pressure to truly secure, use a footboard that you can clamp to the ends of the island. Secure up top and bottom on both sides.
• The sides of the island do not need to be clamped. Just use lots of adhesives and smooth it out really well. 
• On your corner molding, use the same adhesive to adhere securely. Be sure all of your trim matches your oak pole wrap. This is important in case you decide to leave it natural or stain it later on. 
• Where your two pieces of Pole Wrap meet, add another piece of trim to mask it. This will make it look more complete. 
• Whether you leave the pole wrap natural, stain it, or paint it, I would recommend sealing it with a polycrylic or polyurethane to help protect it since a kitchen island is a heavily used area.

To Paint or Not to Paint?

This is Red Oak so it has a slight pink undertone. I am adding with the hopes of not painting. The goal is that it will pair nicely with the flooring and lighting options. I have a few more projects planned for this open concept kitchen/living room area; once those are done it will help me decide if I want to stain or pain this pole wrap.

Tips for the Perfect Color 

• I personally loved the look of the Pole Wrap color as is. It paired nicely with my floor and new kitchen tile backsplash.
• Let it sit in your home for 24 hours or longer so you can see it in all shades of light to determine if you really like it.
• If not satisfied, trim off a few pieces of your excess pole wrap and do some test stains. Always use a pre-stain wood conditioner prior to staining. This helps allow the stain to penetrate more evenly, prevents blotchiness, and helps control grain rising. 
• Always STIR, don’t shake your stain. This is key!

How Do You Adhere Pole Wrap?

When adding Pole Wrap to basic stock cabinets, remember that your cabinet back panel is very thin. Usually about ¼” thick, so there is not much to nail into. A good adhesive is key. I tried four different adhesives and this was the best adhesive! Apply liberally all over the back of the pole wrap panel, and once the panel is attached to the island, use a rubber grout float to smooth and apply pressure.

What is the best way to cut Pole Wrap?

• For larger cuts, have your pole wrap rolled up tightly to cut with a miter saw. (Cuts might not be perfectly straight, but the trim helps mask that minor flaw.) To ensure straight large cuts, a circular saw is a better option.
• Score with a utility knife in the gaps for easy lengthwise cuts.
• Use a jigsaw for small cuts (Like around the outlet).

Tips to Keep Caulk from Drying Out

Dried out caulk is no fun, but we all know we don’t always use a full tube in one project. When I found these little Caulk Caps, my world was changed for the better. Be sure to check out these little rubber rings that come in a pack for a great price. You will be so glad you did. 

This was one of those projects where I had a few bloopers along the way. To begin, I accidentally tore the pole wrap in a spot. Thank goodness you can’t tell once it was secured to the island. I also had plans to start one way but decided to change my mind halfway through. This happens with DIY projects regularly. Don’t get discouraged. It is 100% a normal occurrence with almost ALL home improvement DIY projects! Don’t ever forget that.

Whoa! Some hiccups in this project, but I am so glad I persevered and got it done! My hiccups and troubleshooting allow for complete success for you as you tackle this awesome DIY project for your Kitchen Island Accent. Check out my Kitchen island wrap video tutorial on the entire process. Be sure to tag me on Instagram in your finished projects so I can see how amazing they are! #howwedoandyoucantoo