Building the perfect outdoor kitchen starts with flawless Sunstone base cabinet island assembly. Whether you are creating a custom island in West Lake Hills, Texas or upgrading an existing backyard space, these premium stainless steel cabinets are engineered for durability and ease of use. This complete guide walks you through every detail from the official 2018 Sunstone Base & Wall Cabinet Setup Manual—focusing on appliance trim kits, support rails, counter rails, end panels, island layout, and final completion—so you achieve professional, rock-solid results every time. Pair your island with Ruby Pro-Sear Gas Grills, Star BBQ Fire Pits, and matching Cabinet Islands for the ultimate Texas Tough outdoor living experience.
ATTENTION: Be sure to install all Trim-Kits and End Panels before any counters are installed.
First is to install any “Trim-Kits” you may have for either large or smaller appliance cabinets in your island configuration. At this point your appliance cabinet should appear as shown in the picture to the right with front, back kick plate panels installed and the side panel if the cabinet is on either end of your island configuration.
Depending on the specific Appliance you have, your cabinet came with a specific Trim-Kit that will fit each appliance cabinet in your cabinet island configuration. Be sure to measure the inside width of trim kit, and match up with your own appliance. Use own discretion when with Trim-Kits, as your specific product cut-out dimensions have not been directly confirmed by any Sunstone Metal Products LLC. Representative or employee.
Your Trim-Kit will come with either two smaller separate pieces also with smaller counter rail pieces included, or as a single larger piece with center bottom filler rail connecting the two sides, and separate top counter rails pieces separate.
Each Appliance Cabinet is offered with Five to Six Trim-Kits, each for making its own cut-out size to accommodate many more appliance brands available in the market. If your trim-kit does not fit with your appliance, please contact your Sunstone dealer or our technical support line at 888-934-9449.
Follow these precise assembly steps for perfect fit and finish. Locate the larger pieces of Trim-Kit—this is sometimes separated as two pieces like in this example, or grouped with lower rail that is Pre-Attached. Locate the two top and bottom screw hole positions and align the trim-kit piece up with them. Find two screw bolts in the included hardware and install here.
Locate screw holes on each side of cabinet in -behind the front panel. Some Trim-Kits have Pre-Installed bottom Rails made for some Appliance that are shorter in Height. If your specific Appliance is taller in Height, you will need to remove this bottom Rail. See the TWO adjacent screws on either end in back of panel to remove this Rail.
Remove the TWO screws on EACH END OF RAIL to DETACH FROM LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF TRIM KIT SIDE PANELS.
The Appliance Cabinet Support Rail is located in the back of cabinet, and is used as a Counter Support, in the event your specific appliance is either deeper or shorter. In either case you can adjust the depth of sleeve cut-out using this rail.
The Cabinet Counter Rail is designed as two-fold, one to allow for adequate distance of counter to drawer or door of cabinet as a decorative accent piece and gives you the added ability of being able to install your counter top with a full bullnose edge, that wraps around front of cabinet edge.
For End Panels: If this cabinet is being used at either end of island setup, then install End Panel to side of cabinet. Lay End Panel against left or right side of cabinet but lifted slightly so pins will align up together and panel will snap in place by pushing down and in.
Now that you have individually configured each cabinet, it is time to set them up into the general layout of your island design. Be sure to give some distance between each cabinet so you can move your body between each one.
ATTENTION: Place all Kickplates Last after all cabinets are attached and legs are leveled. Install Kick Plates from the Left to the Right always.
IMPORTANT!!! You must individually attach each cabinet together, do not try and attach three or more together at once. Using a Leveler, place on top of each cabinet group as you assemble, taking special precaution that the top is Leveled as you go. Each peg leg is adjustable within 1-1/2" Inches, to composite for any uneven ground, additional some leveling may be required for lower drainage dips in your patio, but also know that as all cabinets are attached to one another, they will hold very strong together and leveled. So if one or two cabinets are slightly elevated, this should not impact the overall integrity of island assembly.
START FROM ONE END OF ISLAND, WHICH EVER IS EASIER AND WORK YOUR WAY TO THE OPPOSITE END SNAPPING EACH SINGLE CABINET INTO THE LARGER GROUP ONE BY ONE. ATTENTION!!! ALIGN EACH OPPOSITE CABINET PIN WITH HOLE AND SLIGHTLY LIFT AND SLIDE INTO EACH OTHER, IT IS EASIER TO FIRST INSERT THE BOTTOM PIN THEN ALIGN TO TOP PIN AND SNAP INTO PLACE. THIS IS A TWO PERSON JOB FOR EACH CABINET, WITH ONE PERSON ON EITHER SIDE LIFTING TOGETHER.
Once all cabinets have been properly configured and attached, next is to make your final preparation. Insure all Electrical Outlets and or Gas Lines have been installed with proper wiring and hoses running through the length of the cabinet island – through each adjacent port hole into one another. Next your local counter installer will come to your home to do a template of Cabinet Island for final counter installation. Last – install your Grill, Side Burners, sinks, and fridge.
“To installer or person assembling Cabinet Island: Leave this manual with cabinet for future reference. To Consumer: Keep this manual for future reference.” — Sunstone Installation Team
Pro Tip: Always level each cabinet group with the included adjustable peg legs before snapping the next cabinet into place—this ensures your entire island stays perfectly stable even on uneven Texas patios or slight drainage slopes.
| Feature | Sunstone | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Trim-Kit Options | 5–6 sizes per cabinet | Limited 1–2 sizes only |
| Counter Rail Design | Full bullnose compatible | Basic edge only |
| Island Pin-Lock System | Individual snap-together | Requires full group assembly |
| Leg Adjustment | 1-1/2" per peg | Fixed height only |
| Final Prep Integration | Electrical & gas port holes | No built-in utility routing |
| Texas Tough Warranty | Limited Lifetime Structure | Short-term coverage |
Discover why Sunstone base cabinets are the trusted choice for premium outdoor kitchens—Texas Tough, built to last, and designed for homeowners who demand perfection in every detail.