In Mozaik, a double-sided closet island can be built from panels and sections rather than full boxes, using Phill Anton Consulting's (PAC) Closet Library. The key swap is replacing the single endcap with a double endcap (endcap 1414) so one end serves both faces, then setting your first panel precisely and dragging in the remaining panels and sections. The back side is constructed exactly like the front. A countertop is added at the end.
How is this different from the double-sided full-box island?
The full-box approach uses complete boxes on both faces. This method instead builds the island from panels and sections — the same components that form the perimeter of a closet. Panels and sections are constructed the same way as the closet perimeter, giving you two different layout options for islands depending on how you want to build. Both the full-box and panels/sections approaches produce a double-sided island.
Why swap the single endcap for a double endcap (endcap 1414)?
The single endcap is only for single-sided runs. For a double-sided island you delete the single endcap and drop in a double endcap — the endcap 1414. The name means you can put a 14 on the front and a 14 on the back, so the one endcap component handles both faces of the island. Delete the existing back panel and single endcap first, then bring the double endcap in.
Should you change the cabinet depth?
The rule: don't change the depth unless you know what you're doing, and always pull from an existing cabinet rather than building from scratch. If you do change the depth, the consequences are that you'll also have to change your end panels and your inside line bore — unless you're doing custom bore for your drawer guides, which is highly likely. It's really not that big of a deal once you're aware of the knock-on changes, but the safe default is to leave depth alone.
How do you set the first panel?
After placing the double endcap, switch from boxes over to panels and sections. Delete a single panel on the end and drop a double panel there, then set the first panel on the left side and bump it into position. You can dimension it exactly if you want. Getting this first panel set is the important step.
How do you build out the rest of the island?
Once the first panel is placed, the rest of it is way easier because you're just dragging things. With the front section already done, you build the back the same way: bring in a panel, then a section, dragging them into place and pulling from the reference photo at the top to make alignment easier. You can always change the width of a panel or section if you need to — it doesn't have to match exactly. Lay the last panel to close out the run.
How do you build the back end and nudge panels exactly into place?
For the back end panel, a caution: don't put a cap there — use a panel. Then move the pieces into position. To place something precisely, select it and use the green arrows, typing in an exact offset to move it. Building the back sections is kind of a pain at first, but you get good at it over time once you've settled on your construction method.
How do you add a countertop / top to the island?
Go to countertops and bring in a countertop. It comes in slightly above the cabinet tops. As you lower it, the green arrow stops working when the top hits another bounding box; nudge it up slightly to regain the ability to move it. Measure and give it a width. In plan view the top sticks past the bounding box, partly due to the front overhang — set the overhang to approximately two inches, or turn the overhang off and adjust manually. Alternatives: put it in wireframe and measure; or for a granite-style top, draw it on the actual top section like normal. To make it deeper, give it a negative outset and fine-tune in 3D.
Get it done-for-you
You can set this up by hand (above). If you build these regularly, the PAC Mozaik Closet Library from PAC has it ready in Mozaik. → phillanton.com
Full disclosure: Phill Anton Consulting makes this product.
FAQ
How do you build a double-sided closet island in Mozaik using panels and sections?
Swap the single endcap for a double endcap (an endcap 1414 carries a 14 on the front and a 14 on the back), set your first panel on the left and position it precisely, then drag in the remaining panels and sections to fill out the island. The back side is built the same way as the front.
What is a double endcap (endcap 1414)?
It's an endcap sized to take a 14 on the front and a 14 on the back, so one end serves both faces of a double-sided island. The single endcap is only for single-sided runs.
Should I change the depth of these island cabinets?
Don't, unless you know what you're doing — you'd also have to change your end panels and your inside line bore (unless you use custom bore for the drawer guides). Pull from an existing cabinet instead.