There are a few different ways to design a peninsula-style desk. The first is to have the island planes jut out from the back wall. The second is to design the island planes to meet the front of the countertop that is on the back wall. They both follow similar steps as closet peninsulas.

Open

Example of Peninsula to Wall

Open

Example of Peninsula to Countertop Front

Each method will result in a different grain pattern based on the way the island components connect to the components around it. It is always best to start with components on the back wall, either on one side or both, to help with placement. Edit component depths, width, location, etc. before adding the peninsula.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

METHOD 1: PENINSULA TO WALL

Advantage: Countertop will be well supported against wall. Easier to install, more stable.
Disadvantage: If using board with grain pattern, grain will not be continuous on wall components.

1. Add Island Plane & Components

Start by adding an island plane, starting from the wall and extending out to the desired length. For instance, if wanting the peninsula to extend 62” from the back wall, make sure the island plane is set to 62. Note that this will include the depth of the back wall components. The position and length on the back wall can be adjusted after.

Add design zones to one or both sides of the island, and adjust depths/heights as needed (the height should match the height of the components on the back wall).

In the island design zone(s), add components/parts to create the peninsula (from empty comp or templates).

As the length is already set, it is best practice to place components further away from the back wall as the countertop is usually extended to the back wall to fill the space (creating the desk).

2. Add & Extend Countertops

In Properties [Component] > Countertops, add countertops to the island components. Edit material, front overhangs as desired. Extend the countertop on the island components left/right to meet the back wall.

If the island plane is only one-sided, ensure that the back offsets are properly set.

3. Position Island Plane

The next step is to align the island plane, which varies slightly if it is double-sided or single-sided. Use the Measuring Tape tool to help determine the size of the opening on the back wall.

Aligning the island plane is much easier if the space between the components on the back wall are an even(ish) number - The components can be centered and any leftover “odd” space can easily be added to the filler.

Double-Sided Peninsula

On the back wall, use the Measuring tool to find the distance between the two components (see above GIF). Users can also use the Dimension Tool in Plan view to find this number. The island will be aligned to the center of this opening, plus .375” to adjust for backing.

The formula for positioning the island plane will be:

In plan view, use the Dimension Tool to draw a measurement from the side of the back wall component over the side of the island plane that has backing. The distance of this measurement will be the dimension of the above formula. Zooming in will help ensure proper alignment.

Use the Dimension Tool to double check that the island is centered. The distance from either back wall components to the countertop (not to the center of the island plane) should be equal.

Single-Sided Peninsula

If the peninsula, or island plane, has design zones on just one side, follow similar steps as above but use the following formula to find the distance:

Users will use this same dimension for left/right overhang on back wall, as explained in step 4.

Use the Dimension Tool to draw a dimension from the side of the component on the back wall towards the edge of the island countertop (instead of island plane node). Move the island node over so the countertop meets the dimension. To test, the dimensions should be same on either side (or close enough!).

4. Adjust Back Wall Countertops

Navigate to the back wall design zone. In Properties [Component] > Countertops of the components on either side of the gap, adjust the Left and/or Right Overhangs to meet side of the extended island countertops.

To find the needed overhangs, use these formulas depending on the design:

Double-Sided Peninsula

Single-Sided Peninsula

The formula is the same as the one used in step 3.

Users can always check for placement in the 3D view.

5. Add Countertop Support

In the wall opening between the components on the back wall, add a Manual Panel that will support the countertops.

Select Boards from the ELV ribbon toolbar. Left click, hold, and move the cursor out to create a manual panel. Double click on the manual panel to move it close to the component on one side (accuracy is not as important, as this is more about creating a visual for the design; plan review can refine).

Edit the board by right-clicking on it and selecting Properties [Part]. The dimensions entered will vary depending on the space.

Additional boards or support bracing may be needed for a support arm if the span is over 60” or if countertop seams are too close to the opening. Consult with a plan reviewer if needing more information as this is situational and locations may handle this differently.

6. Verify Alignment

Verify the alignment of the anchor and peninsula components in 3D view. Edit in ELV view as needed. Consulting with a plan reviewer is highly recommended.

METHOD 2: PENINSULA TO COUNTERTOP FRONT

Advantage: Continuous grain pattern along wall components.

Disadvantage: Floating countertop seam will be a potential weak point on the desk. Construction standards do not exist for this scenario, must have conversation with plan review.

1. Extend Back Wall Countertop

It is best to start with components wherever desired on the back wall first. Edit depth, width, location, etc. before adding the peninsula. Users can leave a gap or put a component(s) below where the countertops would meet.

In the Properties [Component] > Countertop of one of the back wall components on either side of the gap, ensure that countertops are turned to ‘On Auto-Join’.

Edit the countertop finish and front overhangs as desired. Countertops should be turned on for all base cabinets, so apply as needed.

If there’s a gap, under the Countertop > Left/Right subheadings of one of the components on either side, check the box to Extend the countertop over the gap. Which selection (left or right) the user chooses depends on what side the gap is on.

If the peninsula will come off the front of base components rather than a gap, there won’t be anything to extend.

2. Add Island Plane & Components

Start by adding an island plane, starting from the front of the countertop (not the design zone) along the back wall. Left click to place the start node, and extend the cursor out the desired length before left clicking to place the end node.

Add design zones to one or both sides of the island, and adjust depths/heights as needed (the height should match the height of the components on the back wall).

In the island design zone(s), add components/parts to create the peninsula (from empty comp or templates). As the length is already set, it is best practice to place components further away from the back wall as the countertop is usually extended to the back wall to fill the space (creating the desk).

3. Add & Extend Island Countertops

In Properties [Component] > Countertops, add countertops to the island components. Edit material, front overhangs as desired. Extend the countertop on the island components left/right to meet the back wall.

If the island plane is only one-sided, ensure that the back offsets are properly set.

It is recommended to adjust countertop seams to align with upper cabinets, or to sit hidden underneath the partition of stacked components if possible. Seams should not line up with edge of opening. Review seam positions with a plan reviewer if you are not sure, or have any questions.

4. Position Island Plane

Position the island plane using similar methods described in the first way to create desk peninsulas above. This will vary whether you’re using a single-sided or double-sided island.

Remember that the nodes are found at the front of the back wall design zone versus along the back wall like above.

5. Add Countertop Support

Using similar methods described in the first way to create desk peninsulas above, add a Manual Panel that will support the countertops.

6. Verify Alignment

Verify the alignment of the anchor and peninsula components in 3D view. Edit in ELV view as needed. Consulting with a plan reviewer is highly recommended.

Reference CAD Project Files

Download the following project files if wanting to reference the steps above. Note that these projects were created in the CORP MSRP database and may not open correctly in certain databases.

	Desk Peninsula Method#1	Desk Peninsula Method#2

	Desk Peninsula Method#1	Desk Peninsula Method#2
Step-by-Step	Open	Open

RELATED PAGES:

• Closet Peninsulas

• Islands

• Base Cabinets

• Countertops

• Filler