How Much Does a Kitchen Island Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $900 - $6,500
The cost to install a kitchen island is $4,800 on average, but it can cost between $900 and $6,500 or more depending on if you choose a custom or prefabricated option.
If you are looking to add counter space and storage to your kitchen, an island is a popular choice. Freestanding kitchen islands are versatile, providing extra seating, a place for food prep, and sometimes even an extra cooking surface. The average cost of a kitchen island is about $4,800. Rolling kitchen carts, however, can run as little as $100 to DIY and work just as well in small spaces or if you aren’t ready to commit to a permanent installation. Custom-built kitchen islands can be $10,000 or more. Cost factors include the size, counter and cabinet material, and features such as a bar, a sink, and built-in appliances.
- Average
- $4,800
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $10,000
Kitchen Island Cost: Prefabricated vs. Custom
When shopping for a new kitchen island, you have the choice between a prefabricated, ready-to-install factory model or a custom build. If you’re unsure which option is right for you and your kitchen needs, speak with a countertop installer near you—they can discuss the possibilities for your space and budget.
Here are the potential price differences between the two.
| Kitchen Island Type | Average Cost, Installed | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated cart | $150–$900 | Limited styles are available, however, the best option for limited space and budget. |
| Prefabricated stationery | $900–$5,000 | Ready-made options available in standard sizes. Limited options are available but can offer more space than carts. |
| Custom | $3,000–$10,000 | They are entirely customizable in size, shape, materials, and features. Custom islands are the most expensive option available. |
Prefabricated Kitchen Islands
When it comes to prefab kitchen islands, you have two options—rolling carts and stationary options. Prefabricated options are much less expensive than their custom counterparts but don’t offer many customization options. When it comes to space, prefab kitchen islands offer some possibilities for cabinets or drawers but don’t offer any plumbing or electrical options.
Prefab Cart
If you are tight on space but need some extra storage, a rolling cart island is the best option. These options are DIY-friendly and range from $150 to $900 on average, making them a budget-friendly kitchen addition. While these don’t offer any customization options, they offer a place to store your kitchen essentials, and when not in use, you can easily roll them away to storage.
Prefab Stationery Island
If you want something more for storage space, a prefab stationery island would be perfect for your kitchen. These stationary islands are available in standard sizes to match most kitchen needs and have more shelving and drawers than a prefab cart. These islands are ready-made, so they don’t offer customizable options, but they offer more styles for countertops and materials than carts. Depending on the model, you can expect to spend between $900 and $5,000 for this kitchen island.
Custom-Build
Custom-built kitchen islands cost more than prefab options—you have (nearly) endless options for customization, size, and add-ons to make your island fit your exact taste and needs.
The average cost is between $3,000 and $6,000, though larger, more complex islands with special features and high-end materials could run as much as $10,000. But if you have the budget and an affinity for a particular aesthetic, working with a local countertop pro on a custom-built island is well worth the cost.
Kitchen Island Cost Factors
Your final kitchen island cost depends on several factors. These are the main variables that will play into your total cost, and while we’ve dug into quite a bit, it’s always best to talk to a countertop installer near you to get a precise quote for your island.
Size
As the size of a kitchen island increases, so does the cost. However, there are exceptions. For instance, opting for a prefabricated island over one that allows for customization can offer some cost savings. Still, in general, a larger island will result in a higher overall expense due to the increased footprint.
| Kitchen Island Size | Dimensions (LxW), in Feet | Seating Options |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 4x2 | No seating options |
| Medium | 6.5x3 | Seats two chairs |
| Large | 10x3.5 | Seats up to four chairs |
Style
Along with the size, the shape of your kitchen island will play a key role in your overall kitchen island cost. Here’s what the cost generally looks like for these popular shapes.
| Kitchen Island Style | Average Cost, Installed | Qualities |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling cart | $100–$900 | Has wheels for mobility and simple storage in addition to being DIY-friendly. |
| Rectangular | $500–$2,000 | Works well in any kitchen space—but it's especially complimentary of an open floor plan design. |
| L-shaped | $1,000–$7,500 | Can come with unique features like sinks, dishwashers, cooktops, and lots of seating, making it highly versatile. |
| U-shaped | $2,000–$10,000 | This most expensive option is typically custom-built and works best in large kitchens. They offer ample space for cooking, seating, and storage. |
| Galley | $500–$6,000 | These work best for galley kitchens but can work well in any kitchen floor plan, assuming there is enough space. Their shape is similar to a rectangular island, only longer. |
Materials
Kitchen islands consist of various components, including cabinetry, shelving, countertops, and storage features. Optional add-ons may include seating areas, appliances, electricity, and plumbing.
In any case, the quality of materials chosen for these components influences the overall cost of your kitchen island. For example, natural stone countertops like granite or marble are more expensive than laminate or butcher block options.
We’ve listed just some of the available options to consider when crafting your dream kitchen island. Depending on your budget and space, not all of these will be applicable. Speak with your countertop installation specialist to determine what works best for your kitchen.
| Kitchen Island Materials | Average Cost, Installed |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | $100–$1,300 per linear foot |
| Countertops | $20–$350 per square foot |
| Sink | $400–$1,500 |
| Faucet | $125–$300 |
| Dishwasher | $700–$2,000 |
| Garbage disposal | $250–$550 |
| Oven and range | $700–$1,800 |
| Built-in wine cooler | $300–$3,000 |
| Lighting | $100–$300 per light |
| Plumbing pipes | $500–$1,900 |
| Gas lines | $15–$30 per linear foot |
| Electrical wiring | $7–$12 per linear foot |
| GFCI outlets | $150–$400 |
Labor
A straightforward assembly of a mostly prefabricated island can be estimated based on a handyperson's hourly rate, which often ranges from $50 to $150 per hour.
Custom builds will likely require the price of a general contractor, who typically charges a percentage of the overall project cost, which can range from 10% to 20%. In addition to the project-based fee, a general contractor may charge around $300 to $500 per day for their services and potentially more, while each helper or laborer may be charged at a rate of $150 to $250 per day.
Electrical
The average cost of hiring an electrician is between $165 and $535, but costs vary significantly based on the type and extent of the work needed. An electrician will need to wire features such as light fixtures, electrical outlets, and garbage disposals properly.
Plumbing
Hiring a plumber costs anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience level and local labor rates in your area. If you’re installing a sink, wet bar, or other plumbing fixture, bringing in a certified plumber is important to ensure it’s installed properly.
Gas
Gas line installations cost an average of $260 to $820. If you are installing a gas cooktop or similar gas-powered feature on your kitchen island, you'll need to factor this expense into your budget.
Kitchen Flooring
A freestanding island can often be placed directly on the existing flooring, but for a permanent installation, it may be necessary to cut away sections of the flooring to create space for roughing in the island and add molding for a finished look. In cases where the island is particularly heavy, it might be necessary to reinforce the existing flooring to ensure safe support.
The cost of hiring a contractor to remove flooring, strengthen joists, or replace flooring will depend on the extent of the work required and the type of new flooring chosen by the customer.
Kitchen Island Design Costs
When undertaking a major kitchen renovation where the island becomes an integral part of the overall design, enlisting a professional kitchen designer costs anywhere from $4,300 to $30,000. Expenses can be lower if the designer's involvement is limited to a specific aspect of the project.
While experienced contractors can often provide guidance on layout and general design, a designer can assist in coordinating all construction, style, and decor elements to achieve a cohesive result.
For those considering prefabricated or partially custom kitchen islands, collaborating with a kitchen designer at a home improvement store is worth considering. These designers possess expertise in the cabinetry and fixtures offered by the store, and in-house designers at home improvement stores are often accessible at no additional cost.
Cost to Remove an Existing Island
With the right tools, removing a kitchen island without electricity, running water, or gas lines is easy. If your island does have hookups, a professional demo costs as little as $400. A junk removal company costs between $130 and $400.This is a great option if you need to dispose of something really big or heavy, like a piece of granite countertop.
DIY Kitchen Island Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’ve purchased a straightforward prefabricated kitchen island and have some home remodeling chops, you can take on the challenge of building a kitchen island yourself. Doing so will only cost you your time and the price of the prefab island, which runs between $100 and $2,000. You’ll save roughly $40 to $140 per hour in labor costs with a DIY island installation.
However, hiring a local countertop contractor is your best bet to make sure the installation goes smoothly and according to code. It’s especially helpful to hire a pro if you need to alter or add electric, gas, or water lines, which can require permits.
How to Save Money on Kitchen Island Costs
Follow these cost-saving tips to reduce the project price.
Carefully plan your kitchen island project before starting, as making changes midway through the project can lead to additional expenses and delays.
Prioritize your expenses and make cost-conscious decisions based on what’s most important to you.
Opt for prefabricated or partially custom options.
For people with the skills and know-how, consider a DIY install of a prefab kitchen island.
Research different suppliers, materials, and contractors to find the best prices.
Keep an eye out for sales and other discounts when purchasing materials, appliances, or fixtures for your kitchen island.
What to Consider Before Starting Your Kitchen Island
Ready to get the ball rolling on your kitchen island project? Be sure to consider these points when you’re shopping around.
Space
Once you have set your sights on an island, it can be hard to let it go. But trying to fit a kitchen island in a space that’s too small is even harder. At the least, allow 3.5 feet between the island and wall cabinets. If the island has a dining counter, allow a minimum of 5 feet between it and the wall.
How Will It Be Used?
Your goals for the space determine the best kind of island for you. Do you want a family hub or a natural gathering place during parties? Do you want a space that is conducive to food prep only? Or do you want to move seamlessly from countertop to skillet? Do you need lots of storage? If so, what kind—utensils, refrigerated items, small appliances? All these factors will make up your dream island.
Appliances
If you want a cooktop, fridge, or electrical access, you will need to budget for line installation.
Seating
Seating is natural in a kitchen. After all, it is the center of activity for most homes. A kitchen island can incorporate seating—or not. Maybe you already have a kitchen table, and so that leaves the island to handle food prep and storage. But if you want a place for the kids to do homework while you fix dinner and answer questions, island seating could be a useful addition.
Lighting
It's important to consider lighting before installing a kitchen island. Most islands need overhead lighting, especially if they include a sink or cooktop. Before island installation, you'll want to ensure the light fixtures you want will be installed without issues.
Installing a light fixture costs an average of $160 to $950. Pendant lights cost less than recessed lights, which require additional tasks such as cutting and finishing drywall. Additionally, the price range of the light fixtures themselves can vary significantly, starting from as low as $30 and going up to $1,000 or even higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding whether to buy or build a kitchen island depends primarily on two things: your budget and your plans for the island. If you need a working sink or electrical access, you’re safest going with a custom unit. If not, look into a prefabricated unit.
Just as a kitchen remodel can increase home value, so can a new kitchen island. A kitchen island's extra counter space, beauty, and functionality will likely impress potential home buyers. You can expect an ROI of about 60% to 80% of the cost of your kitchen island installation.
Yes, but you will need the proper gas or electric lines running to the island. You will also need to factor in the costs of a range hood, also known as an extractor. There are several styles to choose from. An island extractor is a chimney-style range hood that hangs from the ceiling directly above your cooktop. A ceiling extractor fits flush into your ceiling above your cooktop, so it is less noticeable and allows for island extensions, such as hanging pot racks.
For a completely unobtrusive hood, you can choose a downdraft extractor. It is built into the island and can be raised when needed. Its downside is that it takes up space in the island’s cabinets. A venting cooktop is built into the cooktop, and it too takes up cabinet space.
While most kitchen island installations do not require a permit, some situations do. Any major kitchen renovation will require one, and depending on your municipality, you might also need one if you install new plumbing or electrical work.
Your kitchen island installation pro will be able to determine if you need a permit for your job, which can run you between $460 and $2,900, depending on the permits required.