However, draining and venting an island requires a professional. The drain line has to drop through the floor beneath the cabinet and link with an existing drain line, running at a specified slope. Furthermore, since there’s no wall behind it, an island must be wet-vented. This part of the job is tightly regulated by codes and should be left to a professional.
Cooktops
Venting an island cooktop is usually more difficult than wiring it. One option is to suspend a vent hood from the ceiling and route the exhaust ducts to the outdoors. However, you’ll need to conceal the ducting in a soffit or run it up through the roof An island hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface, but 3 in. wider on each side is even better. The height of the hood should be based on the manufacturer’s recommendations; the standard height is 36 in. above the cooktop. Another strategy is to select a cooktop that has an integral downdraft system or to mount an independent downdraft unit just beneath the cooktop. Both use powerful fans to draw fumes, moisture and odours through a surface-mounted grill, which directs them to ducts running beneath the floor, along joist spaces and through an outside wall.
Lighting
You won’t be comfortable or safe working at your island if your hands are always in shadow. Lighting offers many opportunities to alter the appearance and functionality of your kitchen, so rake your time choosing and placing the lighting fixtures. After all, the island is likely to become your family’s favorite kitchen work area and gathering place.
