Designing Your Kitchen Island
The kitchen island 1 was originally introduced to add more countertop and storage space to a kitchen. As kitchens become larger, the working triangle - or the distance between the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop - grows larger. This makes some oversized kitchens difficult to work in when the appliances are relegated to the perimeter. By putting one component of the working triangle into the island, you bring it down in size, making the kitchen more functional. The island can become a landing zone for the refrigerator, house the main sink or cooktop, or provide seating and bar sinks or wine fridges.
When designing it, consider how it will be used. If you need it to make the working triangle smaller, consider which piece of the triangle moves. If you move the sink, it is beneficial to also move the dishwasher. If you move the cooktop, where does this leave the oven? On the other hand, if you want to use your island for cooking and baking prep, leaving it mostly bare with only a prep sink may be the right choice. If you need seating, reconfigure its layout, and if you want to use it for storage, consider how you store items. They can have open shelving, oversized drawers, or simple cabinets. The layout you choose needs to meet your workflow.
It should also fit your kitchen design. It can match your perimeter cabinets and countertop in color, style, and material, or you can choose to contrast or complement it. Some people like to use it to introduce color, others make it the focal point of the design and use more elaborate cabinetry or a more eye-catching countertop, while leaving the room perimeter plain. These features impact the project's price, and the more customization you choose, the higher the ultimate cost.
New Kitchen Island Cost by Fabrication Method
There are three basic types of kitchen islands - stock or readymade, semi-custom, and custom. Stock options are readily available. You can find them online or at any big box store. Many stock cabinets come with a counter and are designed for easy DIY installation. Some are designed not to install but are a moveable surface within the kitchen. These are usually on wheels, and you can position them exactly where needed. Some have table-style legs, and you can set it where it works for you, requiring no installation.
Semi-custom options are ordered from the cabinet company directly. This allows you to change the color and some of the door and drawer styles, but the main box of the cabinets and island remain the same. These require professional installation. While some come with a stock countertop, you choose the color, and the island arrives with it. You may need to order the countertop separately, however.
Custom cabinets and islands are built for you. You can customize them to the inch and include many details and accessories. They also cost the most, take the longest to deliver, and require you to get a separate countertop measured and installed to fit after the island is installed.
| Fabrication Method | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Prefab/Stock | $150 - $2,000 |
| Semi-Custom | $1,200 - $15,000 |
| Custom | $3,000 - $25,000 |
Prefab Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a prefab or stock kitchen island is $150 to $2,000. These are readymade options that can be found in several locations. These may arrive preassembled and ready for use. Some require assembly by the homeowner or a professional. Most are made to be in the kitchen on wheels or table legs and are not permanently installed. This can make them a good choice for smaller spaces because you can move them when needed.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom kitchen island ranges from $1,200 to $15,000. They are sold and installed by the linear square foot, costing between $150 and $650 a foot installed. The more changes you make to the basic design, the more expensive it gets. Changes can include doors, colors, configuration, and drawer size. You begin by selecting a basic cabinet design and making the changes with a designer to finalize the appearance.
Custom Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a custom kitchen island averages $3,000 to $25,000. They are completely customized to fit your kitchen. You can change everything about it, including the size, shape, configuration, color, doors, and drawers. This option is best if you need a unique size or have a specific idea. They cost between $500 and $1,200 a linear square foot. The more intricate details and custom colors or glazes you add, the more costly the project.
Kitchen Island Prices by Type
Design professionals often describe islands using terms associated with their function. There are prep and wash islands, seating, cooking, and more. There are models with open shelving on one side and seating on the other. Some have cabinetry, bookshelves, and wine storage.
Your options are more limited with prefab models. Prefab models cannot usually accommodate a sink, cooking, or seating. They do have counter space for prepping, and some may have shelves for storage.
If you want a more specialized island, you must order one made for you. These can be semi-custom or custom. Both have a much wider range of options for accessories, layout, and design. Ideally, you should know what you want to use it for before planning the project. This way, the designer can include the components to make it work for you.
Below are the costs for the various types grouped by their uses. This is the cost of the island built and installed, including all the pieces that make it functional for that purpose. This includes shelving or cabinets, sinks, countertops, cooktops, and the island. Costs are based on an average size of 10 to 24 linear square feet.
| Type | Average Cost (Semi-Custom) | Average Cost (Custom) |
|---|
| Storage | $2,000 - $18,000 | $6,000 - $30,000 |
| Seating | $2,500 - $19,000 | $6,500 - $31,000 |
| Prep and Wash | $3,000 - $21,000 | $7,000 - $33,000 |
| Working | $3,000 - $21,000 | $7,000 - $33,000 |
| Cooking | $5,000 - $23,000 | $9,000 - $35,000 |
Storage Island
The cost of a semi-custom storage island averages $2,000 to $18,000 fully installed with a countertop. The cost of a custom one is $6,000 to $30,000 fully installed with a countertop. They are the most simple, consisting of the cabinetry and a countertop. They could be a simple set of cabinets with a built-in 2 butcher block countertop or an elaborate and customized one with wine racks and specialty organizers. They can have open shelving, be made entirely of cabinets, or have a mixture. Having an island with shelving or open storage is generally less expensive than having one with cabinets and drawers.
Island With Seating
A semi-custom island including seating costs $2,500 to $19,000 fully installed with a countertop. The cost of a custom one averages $6,500 to $31,000 fully installed with a countertop. If you do not have an eat-in kitchen and want to accommodate your family or have seating for guests, this is a great addition to your space. Seating does not change the island all that much. You can have a storage island or have a bar or entertainment sink added, and it can have open shelving or cabinets. However, the countertop needs to overhang on one side by at least 12 inches to accommodate legroom. To fit it in the space, you need to shrink the cabinetry portion. You need a minimum of 36 inches of clear space around it to pass code, and that includes seating. Many people choose to use corbels that match the island to accommodate the countertop overhang, raising your base price slightly.
Prep and Wash
The cost of a semi-custom prep-and-wash island ranges from $3,000 to $21,000 fully installed with a countertop, sink, and faucet. The average cost of a custom one is $7,000 to $33,000. This type has a larger sink and more space for working. It is designed to make dinner prep and clean up easier and a good choice for kitchens where the working triangle needs to move the sink to the island. You can include a dishwasher in this design or opt for a small bar sink and faucet to add function. These can still be found in stock cabinetry but are much more likely to be a semi-custom or custom design.
Working Island
The cost of a semi-custom working island averages $3,000 to $21,000, including the countertop, installation, sink, and faucet. The cost of a custom one ranges from $7,000 to $33,000. This is a common option and usually includes a sink and faucet with the materials and design fees. This can make the project more costly, but it will be a great deal more functional because you can prep, clean, and cook thanks to the sink and faucet. It could be designed for special functions like pastry preparation and feature a marble work surface for dough rolling. They generally need a sink-base cabinet and plenty of space, meaning they may be slightly larger than average.
Cooking Island
A semi-custom cooking island costs $5,000 to $23,000, including installation, the countertop, and the cooktop. The cost of a custom one averages $9,000 to $35,000. This type is one of the most popular layouts, adding either a cooktop or full range. This makes the working triangle more user-friendly, and smaller galley-style counter sections have more landing area for the cooking zone. Like the cooking area on the kitchen’s perimeter, it needs to have enough landing area on either side to meet code. These models tend to be larger than others, and they need to accommodate the gas or electrical hookups necessary for the cooktop or range. Stock cabinets are not an option for this cabinet, and you need a semi-custom or custom design.
Kitchen Island Cost by Style
For many people, the style and shape of your island is nearly as important as the function. It can complement the color, cabinet style, countertop, shape, and layout of the rest of your kitchen, or they can contrast. Part of this should increase the functionality of the space, particularly if you are using it to help close the distance between your sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Islands come in nearly any shape or size, even freeform if you desire. The most common are made to increase function so that they meet your needs. Prefab options are available as rolling carts, rectangular, galley, and furniture-style islands. It is uncommon to find them in other shapes, but it can happen on occasion. The cost of a prefab cart ranges from $100 to $1,000, while prefab rectangular and galley islands cost between $500 and $1,200. Furniture styles cost between $1,200 and $2,000. All types are available as semi-custom and custom options except rolling carts. Below are the average costs for each style and installation, not including countertops or other accessories.
| Style | Average Cost (Semi-Custom) | Average Cost (Custom) |
|---|
| Galley | $1,500 - $3,000 | $5,000 - $7,000 |
| Rectangle | $1,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| L-Shaped | $2,000 - $7,000 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Furniture | $2,000 - $9,000 | $6,000 - $15,000 |
| U-Shaped | $3,000 - $9,000 | $7,000 - $15,000 |
| Circular | $3,000 - $10,000 | $7,000 - $18,000 |
Galley Island
The cost of a semi-custom galley island is $1,500 to $3,000. The cost of a custom one averages $5,000 to $7,000 fully installed. These do not include the countertop and have a long, thin rectangular shape. It is meant to be added to galley kitchens to give some additional counter and cabinet space. They are about the same size and shape as a perimeter cabinet run and can create a partition in an open floor plan.
Rectangular Island
A semi-custom rectangular island costs $1,500 to $5,000. The cost of a custom rectangular one is $5,000 to $10,000 installed. These do not include the countertop. This is a good choice for many kitchens. If your kitchen is a galley, L-shaped, or U-shaped, this type fits in nicely. This is also a nice choice for open floor plans because it divides the kitchen and the adjoining space. These are simple models, and depending on the size, they can have sinks, seating, or cooktops.
L-Shaped Island
The cost of a semi-custom L-shaped island ranges from $2,000 to $7,000. The cost of a custom L-shaped one averages $6,000 to $12,000. These do not include the countertops. This type is good for bigger or galley kitchens in an open floor plan because they have more storage and layout options. It allows seating on the short end, with a sink and prep area on the long end. Or, it allows for counter space on one section and a cooktop on another. You can fit two stock islands together with one countertop to cheaply imitate this style.
Furniture-Style Island
The cost of a semi-custom furniture-style island is $2,000 to $9,000. The cost of a custom one is between $6,000 and $15,000. These costs frequently include countertops because the wood countertop is made to complement the piece. They are attractive, eye-catching pieces meant to be the focus of the kitchen. Many of them are readymade. They come in various set sizes, colors, and designs made to look like a piece of movable furniture. They are usually open, have legs or feet, rather than sitting on a cabinet base, and are highly decorative. They are often smaller and cannot accommodate as many features as other types, but they make very attractive additions.
U-Shaped Island
A semi-custom U-shaped island costs $3,000 to $9,000. The cost of a custom one ranges from $7,000 to $15,000. These do not include the countertop. This is a less common option, but if you have a galley kitchen in an open floor plan and need the island to pull double or triple duty in the kitchen with a sink, cooktop, or seating and storage, this is the shape for you. Keep in mind that the U-shape does not have to be symmetrical or have deep “wings” on either end. You can make this style with three pieces of stock cabinetry or have it custom designed.
Circular Island
The cost of a semi-custom circular island ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. The cost of a custom circular one averages $7,000 to $18,000. This does not include the countertop. If you want to create a modern and interesting design, consider an oval, rounded, or circular one. They have a very contemporary look. The lack of sharp angles gives a fluid appearance that contrasts nicely with the cabinets in the room. To create this shape, special types of bendable wood and wood veneer 3 are needed. Any countertop you use has to be cut to fit, and this raises the cost.
Kitchen Island Pricing by Countertop Material
You also need to choose a countertop. Some islands come with a countertop already, particularly stock islands. If you choose a semi-custom or custom one, you need to purchase a countertop separately after the island is installed. If you install a sink or cooktop on it, these need to be on hand. A template of your island and any sinks or cooktops is made so that the countertop can be cut to fit. There are many countertop materials that can be used, and each has a separate cost. While it is common to use the same material installed on the perimeter cabinets, it is unnecessary. You can also mix and match to create a unique design. Countertops may be made of any color of stone, metal, laminate, or tile like they can be for the perimeter cabinets. Below are the average costs for the most popular countertop materials. Also included are the cost ranges for an island with that countertop, assuming an average island size of 24 sq.ft. and a base cost of $3,000 for semi-custom and $7,000 for custom.
| Countertop Material | Average Cost for a Counter and Semi-Custom Island | Average Cost for a Counter and Custom Island |
|---|
| Ceramic Tile | $3,432 - $4,200 | $7,432 - $8,200 |
| Laminate | $3,480 - $4,400 | $7,480 - $8,440 |
| Wood | $3,720 - $9,720 | $7,720 - $13,720 |
| Quartz | $3,960 - $5,400 | $7,960 - $9,400 |
| Stainless Steel | $4,200 - $9,000 | $8,200 - $13,000 |
| Porcelain | $4,320 - $5,880 | $8,320 - $9,880 |
| Concrete | $4,320 - $7,200 | $8,320 - $11,200 |
| Soapstone | $4,680 - $5,880 | $8,680 - $9,880 |
| Solid Surface | $4,680 - $6,120 | $8,680 - $10,120 |
| Marble | $4,680 - $8,520 | $8,680 - $12,520 |
| Granite | $4,680 - $13,320 | $8,680 - $17,320 |
| Quartzite | $4,920 - $8,040 | $8,920 - $12,040 |
| Recycled Glass | $5,400 - $9,000 | $9,400 - $13,000 |
| Copper | $5,400 - $10,200 | $9,400 - $14,200 |
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Island
The cost of a semi-custom island with a ceramic tile top ranges from $3,432 to $4,200. The cost of a custom one averages $7,432 to $8,200. This assumes a 24 sq.ft. island. Ceramic tile countertops cost between $18 and $50 a sq.ft. installed. Ceramic tile comes in many colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes. It is one of the least expensive ways to tile a countertop, whether that counter is for the perimeter cabinets or your island. You can create a wide range of looks with ceramic tile.
Laminate Kitchen Island
The cost of a semi-custom island with a laminate countertop is $3,480 to $4,400. The cost of a custom one ranges from $7,480 to $8,440. This assumes a 24 sq.ft. island. The cost of laminate countertops is roughly $20 to $60 a linear foot installed. Laminate is not the most frequently used material for this type of project because you need to have it custom made. Islands have an edge that goes completely around, and all those edges must be finished with laminate. This can make the installation more difficult and costly, depending on the edge.
Butcher Block Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom island with a butcher block top averages $3,720 to $9,720. The cost of a custom one is $7,720 to $13,720. Butcher block countertops cost between $30 and $280 a sq.ft. Wood or butcher block countertops come in many styles and wood species. Each can have a different appearance, longevity, and cost. If you purchase a stock kitchen island, it most likely comes with a butcher block top included at no additional cost.
Quartz Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom island with a quartz countertop ranges from $3,960 to $5,400. The cost of a custom one averages $7,960 to $9,400. The cost of a quartz countertop averages $40 to $100 a sq.ft. If you want a low-maintenance slab countertop, consider quartz. Quartz countertops are made from roughly 90% natural quartz stone and 10% resin and pigment. They are virtually impervious to everything and come in many colors and styles.
Stainless Steel Island
A semi-custom island with a steel countertop costs $4,200 to $9,000. The cost of a custom one is $8,200 to $13,000. The cost of steel countertops is $50 to $250 a sq.ft. Stainless steel makes an excellent material for kitchens. If you have a contemporary kitchen, you can opt for an island made entirely out of stainless steel or another material, which has a stainless steel countertop. These are readymade options, but they have higher costs because of the material.
Porcelain Kitchen Island Cost
A semi-custom island with a porcelain top averages $4,320 to $5,880. The cost of a custom one is $8,320 to $9,880. The cost of a porcelain countertop is $55 to $120 a sq.ft. Porcelain countertops are a unique, durable, and low-maintenance material. They are thinner than most slab countertops like marble and granite. However, they are much lower in maintenance and resist stains, scratches, and wear. You can undermount a sink in a porcelain countertop. They also work well with cooktops.
Concrete Kitchen Island Cost
A semi-custom island with a concrete countertop costs $4,320 to $7,200. The cost of a custom one ranges from $8,320 to $11,200. The cost of a concrete countertop is $55 to $175 a sq.ft. Concrete countertops can be made in two ways. They can be made off-site, and then transported to your house and installed. Or, they can be made on top of the island. You can color the concrete or change its edge, texture, and appearance to suit the room.
Soapstone Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom island with a soapstone countertop averages $4,680 to $5,880. The cost of a custom one is $8,680 to $9,880. The cost of a soapstone countertop is $70 to $120 a sq.ft. Soapstone is a unique stone made of talc. It has a smooth and soapy texture that can be appealing. Soapstone is very durable and not as likely to stain or show marks as other materials. Most people oil it to keep the color even as it ages.
Solid Surface Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom kitchen island with a solid surface countertop ranges from $4,680 to $6,120. The cost of a custom one is $8,680 to $10,120. The cost of a solid surface countertop is $70 to $130 a sq.ft. Solid surface countertops are made of resin poured into a form. The most common brand name for this material is Corian. It comes in any shape or size, with many edges. It can also be found in numerous colors, patterns, and finishes.
Marble Kitchen Island Cost
A semi-custom island with a marble top costs $4,680 to $8,520. The cost of a custom one averages $8,680 to $12,520. The cost of a marble countertop is $70 to $230 a sq.ft. If you bake, you may want to consider a marble countertop for this project because marble makes the ideal material for rolling out dough. Marble slabs are often large enough to cover the average size island. Marble slabs are typically smaller than other materials, so if you have a large island, you may need more than one slab.
Cost of a Kitchen Island With Granite
The cost of a semi-custom island with a granite countertop is between $4,680 and $13,320. The cost of a custom one ranges from $8,680 to $17,320. The cost of granite countertops is $70 to $430 a sq.ft. Granite is one of the most popular materials for kitchens. It comes in a nearly endless array of colors and styles, and it is highly durable. Granite islands can match or coordinate well with a variety of perimeters, including other materials.
Quartzite Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom kitchen island with a quartzite countertop is $4,920 to $8,040. The cost of a custom one is $8,920 to $12,040. Quartzite countertops cost $80 to $210 a sq.ft. Quartzite is a natural stone material like marble and granite. It is made of mostly metamorphosed quartz, making it much stronger and more durable. Quartzite resists staining, scratching, and etching better than other stones. It can also mimic marble with veining and bright, bold colors.
Recycled Glass Kitchen Island Cost
The cost of a semi-custom kitchen island with a recycled glass countertop is $5,400 to $9,000. The cost of a custom one is $9,400 to $13,000. Recycled glass countertops cost $100 to $250 a sq.ft. Recycled glass countertops are similar to quartz countertops in many ways. They are made up of a resin mixture with recycled glass, concrete, and other materials. They come in a wide range of colors and styles. Some may be made of solid glass, giving your kitchen a more contemporary appearance.
Copper Kitchen Island
The cost of a semi-custom kitchen island with a copper countertop is $5,400 to $10,200. The cost of a custom one is $9,400 to $14,200. Copper countertops cost between $100 and $300 a sq.ft. A copper countertop can bring a new level of depth to your kitchen design. Copper has a living finish, which ages according to how it is used and touched. Places frequently interacted with remain bright and polished, while places that are interacted with less frequently become darker and duller in color.
Waterfall Island Cost
A waterfall island is a beautiful statement in any kitchen. It is done by taking a slab countertop, such as granite, marble, or quartz, and creating a 90-degree angle with the slab to continue down one side. The side covered by the slab is not accessible, so your island’s layout needs to include one blank side, rather than having shelves, drawers, or drawers all the way around. The average slab countertop cost for a waterfall island is $3,600. This could be higher or lower, depending on the material. This costs approximately $6,600 for an average-size semi-custom option or $10,600 for a custom one. Larger islands or options with many accessories cost more.
Kitchen Island Base Cabinets Prices
The material you build your island out of, including the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and basic box, varies widely. You can find stock islands in many materials and styles. They may be made of wood, metal, or MDF and may be finished to look like different wood species. It can be harder to find prefab options made of a specific material, such as oak or cherry. If you want a specific material to match other cabinets or wood in your kitchen, you should design a custom or semi-custom island. For this, you can use any of the same materials you would use for custom kitchen cabinets. The same cabinet companies making your perimeter cabinets can also make your island. You can have them match your perimeter cabinets exactly or opt for something different that still coordinates, such as switching from a stain to paint color while using the same base materials and styles. The most readily available materials for semi-custom and custom cabinets are oak, maple, cherry, birch, pine, walnut, and laminate, but you can find more if you work with a custom cabinet builder. Like all materials, each option has a range of costs. These costs are for the basic material and do not include finishes, accessories, or installation. Costs do not vary between semi-custom and custom before being assembled and finished because this is the base material. Your style, finish, and sizing impact your final costs.
Island material is priced by the square linear foot, rather than by the straight linear foot like perimeter cabinets. This is because your island must be finished on all four sides, while perimeter cabinets are generally finished on only the front, with end panels added as needed. This means that your island costs will usually be higher than perimeter cabinets of the same size, shape and finish. The following costs are for the material in square linear footage.
| Cabinet Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Laminate | $50 - $75 |
| Oak | $80 - $100 |
| Birch | $80 - $100 |
| Pine | $80 - $100 |
| Cherry | $100 - $650 |
| Walnut | $100 - $650 |
Labor Costs to Install a Kitchen Island
Installing your island can be an easy project if it is a simple furniture-style or storage island. On the other hand, it can be an incredibly complex project if it involves running a gas line, a stove installation, or pipe running.
Depending on the company that you hire, you may have the installation costs broken down in two ways. Some include labor with the cost of the cabinets. This means you pay one price to one company for everything. Sometimes, you can purchase the island from one company and have a contractor install it. In this case, your kitchen contractor will likely charge a flat fee for the installation. This is a base rate of roughly $100 per “cabinet” that makes up your island. So, a 24 sq.ft. island may have 6 cabinets and cost around $600 to install. The cost of your countertop installation is usually included in the cost of the material. If this is a basic, storage, or seating-style one, this is all that is necessary.
However, when installing a sink, you need to add in the cost of a plumber at $75 to $130, with the average cost to install a sink being around $200 to $1,000. When installing a dishwasher, add another $700 to $1,970. Installing a cooktop adds $500 to $1,000 to your costs, and if you need a gas line run to the island, this costs about $220 to $350 for a gas line extension. If you are installing an electric cooktop, you need to hire an electrician at a rate of $40 to $120 an hour.
When adding a cooktop, you need to add a range hood above it. This costs $300 to $900. It is common to have outlets installed in islands, which costs around $120 to $200 for a GFCI outlet.
For a 24 sq.ft. wood semi-custom island with a granite top and a small bar sink, the labor portion of $6,500 total would be around $800.
Cost to Replace a Kitchen Island
If your current kitchen island is no longer working for your needs, you may want to consider replacing it. Replacement involves removing the old island before installing the new one. This adds a cost of $300 to $500 to the project. You can add another $100 to this cost if your countertop is particularly large or heavy, such as a slab of granite.
This makes the total average replacement cost range between $4,300 and $8,600.
Cost of a Kitchen Island With a Sink and Dishwasher
If you want an island installed with both a sink and dishwasher, expect to pay around $3,000 to $6,000 for the island and $600 for its installation. Add another $1,000 to $2,000 for a slab countertop, $400 for the sink and its installation, and $325 to $500 for an installed dishwasher. This makes the average 24 sq.ft. island with a sink and dishwasher cost an average of $5,325 to $9,500. Your costs could be much higher or lower, depending on the island materials and size, sink, and dishwasher.
Kitchen Island Seating
To determine how custom options affect the cost, consider the individual variables. Seating means having adequate countertop space for stools or a taller bench. This means you have to purchase seating. This might be a basic, prefabricated counter stool of roughly 27” in height and costs $10 to $800. Customized options range from $800 to over $5,000.
Kitchen Island Accessories
One of the best things about islands is how customizable they are. With accessories, you can outfit it with shelving, bins, racks, and organizers to make your kitchen as functional as possible. The following accessories are optional, meaning you can choose to add none or all, depending on your needs.
| Accessories | Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Slide-Out Shelving | $55 - $140/shelf |
| Garbage and Recycle Bins (sliding) | $50 - $200 |
| Hanging Pot Rack | $75 - 329 |
| Hanging Lights (fixtures only, electrical service will increase costs) | $99 - $600 |
| Wine Rack | $250 - $700 |
| Mixer Lift | $370 - $500 |
Pros and Cons
Kitchen islands bring function and style to the kitchen. They shrink your working triangle and make it easier to use. They can add more storage, seating, or workspace to a kitchen and make entertaining easier. They also introduce more colors, textures, and styles into your kitchen, enhancing the space’s appearance.
But adding an island robs your kitchen of floor space. You need between 36 and 41 inches around it on all sides. For smaller kitchens, this dramatically limits the size of the island you can have. In some layouts, they can also make the kitchen feel cramped. It may block the flow of traffic and make it hard to navigate the space.
Kitchen Island vs Peninsula
Depending on your kitchen’s shape and layout, you may want to consider installing an island or peninsula. Peninsulas 4 are extensions of the bottom row of cabinets in your perimeter. They can create an L-shaped or U-shaped design. Like islands, they do not have upper cabinets and are not placed on a wall. They can divide a space, such as a kitchen and dining room. While the island is centered in the kitchen, the peninsula is on one side. You can walk around three sides of a peninsula.
Islands can have a different color, look, or style than the perimeter cabinets. They can also have a different countertop material than the perimeter cabinets. Peninsulas are extensions of your perimeter cabinets and countertop. They should use the same material.
Overall, the two areas tend to be about the same size and use the same materials. Therefore, there is no major difference in costs unless you want to upgrade your island from your perimeter cabinets, increasing costs. Using the same materials makes costs identical.
| Type | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Peninsula | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Island | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Kitchen Table vs Island
If you need extra workspace and seating but not storage, a kitchen table may be a good option. While islands are most often permanent additions, tables can be moved. This means you can push the table to one side for a time and then bring it back. Tables can also seat people on all sides, while islands typically only have an extended countertop for seating on one side. However, islands are taller, making them easier to use for prep-work and baking. They can also have sinks, dishwashers, and cooktops installed, while tables cannot.
Kitchen tables can be found in various sizes, styles, and prices like islands. However, tables tend to be less expensive and do not require installation, making them a faster addition.
| Type | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Table | $500 - $2,000 |
| Island | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Refrigerator
An energy-efficient refrigerator averages $1,000 to $3,000, and there may be delivery and disposal fees. If installation is not included, the price of installation averages $370.
Pet Stations
Pet stations are popular cubbies designed for pet feeding dishes or pet supplies. They can be incorporated into the actual design, or a lower shelf can create one for an affordable improvement.
The costs for a pet station vary too much to make a realistic estimate here, but you can calculate a basic cost. The price is based on the materials you choose, the amount of time the designer commits to this aspect, and whether you make it a distinct feature or create it out of the pre-existing design. The pet station is typically 30% of the kitchen island’s cost.
Range Hood
If you add a cooktop or range to your island, you need to add a range hood. These are vents suspended from your ceiling. Some cooktops offer a downdraft vent option, but ranges are more effective at removing smoke and cooking smells from the area. The average range hood costs between $300 and $900.
Oven Installation
While cooktops are the most common addition to islands, you can also choose to put an oven there. Ensure you have enough room to accommodate the opening of the oven door, and that the island is large enough to have a landing area on either side. Oven installations cost around $750 to $2,700 on average.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY option. If you want to save money or cannot afford a professionally installed kitchen island, big box options include workbenches and kitchen carts ($60 to $400). You can easily retrofit one to your space, replace the work surface with a better custom ordered top, and rely on this until you can afford the larger project.
- Permit. State and local laws dictate if your project requires a permit. The electrical and plumbing work need a permit, but building codes might also require permits also. The prices vary from $366-$1,340.
- Features. Features on your kitchen island should make sense from a layout and use standpoint. Keep in mind that moving something, such as a dishwasher, to the island will boost your total cost. If the move is not going to improve the function or layout, it may be best avoided.
- Location. location may impact the cost of materials, labor, design, and even accessories. Local dealers have different costs than online vendors, and area contractors and contractors coming in from a different location may also have different prices.
FAQs
- Where is the best place to put your kitchen island?
Anywhere you can ensure 36" on all sides for safe traffic to pass, and this includes if you put one end against the wall. You must allow 36" on all other sides.
- How to install a kitchen island?
This is done with carpentry that ensures the cabinetry has a kick plate 5, and is fixed to the floor. The base has to be professionally assembled and the countertop mounted and secured. Any plumbing or electrical is to be done before and after the actual island is installed.
- How much does it cost to get your kitchen island installed?
This is going to depend upon the amount of work required, but carpenters average $100 per hour and you may need the work of electricians at $40 to $120 per hour and plumbers at $75 to $130 per hour. Most installations take more than a single day and can be part of a remodel.
- Which are the most resistant counter materials?
Stainless steel cannot burn, crack, or be easily damaged. If you want a more natural material, quartz is very strong and many laminates are resistant to burning and wear.
- How large should be the walkway clearances?
Walkway clearances should be at least 36” but a minimum of 42” if you have appliances with doors within the walkway area.
- How much is a granite countertop per square foot?
The cost of this popular material is from $75 to $400 per sq.ft.
- What is an island in the kitchen?
An island is a key part of the cooking space. It is a multi-purpose unit that improves any kitchen's function and appearance. It can be used for seating as well as food prep.
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