This compact, elegant and easy-to-build kitchen island adds almost 7-1/2 square feet of counter space to any kitchen, cramped or not.

With a finely finished butcher-block top, the island is useful for both food preparation and serving. And, because it's so easy to build, it's a suitable project for anyone regardless of his or her woodworking (or cooking) capabilities.

Five drawers lend extra storage for dishtowels, cutlery as well as other kitchen odds and ends. There are also some narrow shelves for baking sheets as well as a lower shelf for larger pots and supplies.

Our plans for this project come with plenty of construction tips and include a complete list of the tools required, a materials list, detailed cutting schedule, actual photos, and step-by-step instructions. Finished, the project stands 30 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 36 inches in height.