Countertop and backsplash service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Prefabricated kitchen island carts range from $900 to $6,500 installed, helping you add storage without a full remodel.
Your island shape and size drive labor and materials, and U-shaped layouts need more space and cabinetry.
Your budget should include permits plus electrician or plumber work, which runs $165 to $535 for wiring.
Hiring a local countertop professional ensures your countertops fit and install safely, helping your kitchen hold resale value.
In 2026, the national average cost of a kitchen island is $4,800. Most homeowners spend between $900 and $6,500 installed, with the spread driven by island size, counter and cabinet materials, and added features like a sink or built-in appliances. Rolling kitchen carts can run as little as $100 to DIY, while custom-built kitchen islands can reach $10,000 or more.
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 in 2026 | 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. |
You have two options for prefab kitchen islands: rolling carts and stationary. If you are tight on space but need extra storage, a rolling cart island is the best option. They cost $150 to $900 and can be easily removed when not in use.
Prefab stationery islands are available in standard sizes to match most kitchens and have more shelving and drawers than a cart. These islands are ready-made, so they don't offer customization but come in more styles than carts. Depending on the model, these cost $900 to $5,000.
Custom-built kitchen islands cost more than prefab ones, but 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. A local countertop pro can help you create the perfect custom-built island.
Several variables shape your final kitchen island cost, from the size and shape of the island to the materials, labor, and any electrical, plumbing, or gas work required. For a precise quote tailored to your kitchen, talk to a countertop installer near you.
The size of a kitchen island is one of the most direct cost drivers, since a larger footprint requires more materials and labor. Choosing a prefabricated island instead of a custom build can offset some of that added expense, even at larger sizes.
| 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 |
The shape of your kitchen island plays a significant role in the total price, with costs ranging from $100 to $900 for a simple rolling cart to $2,000 to $10,000 for a U-shaped layout that typically requires a custom build and a larger kitchen footprint. Costs vary by style, as the breakdown below shows:
| Kitchen Island Style | Average Cost, Installed in 2026 | 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. |
The materials you choose for your kitchen island's cabinetry, countertops, and add-ons have a major impact on the final cost, with countertops alone ranging from $20 to $350 per square foot depending on the surface. Natural stone countertops like granite or marble sit at the higher end of that range, while laminate and butcher block are more budget-friendly alternatives. Not every material or add-on will apply to your project, so speak with your countertop installation specialist to determine what makes sense for your kitchen and budget. Costs vary widely by component, as the breakdown below shows.
| Kitchen Island Materials | Average Cost, Installed in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The National Electric Code states that kitchen islands bigger than 2’x1’ must have at least one electrical outlet. If your kitchen island is larger than 9 square feet, you must have two or more outlets.
Labor costs for a kitchen island depend on the complexity of the build, starting at $50 to $150 per hour for a handyperson assembling a prefabricated unit. Custom builds typically involve a general contractor who charges 10% to 20% of the overall project cost, plus a daily rate of $300 to $500 per day for their own time. Each additional helper or laborer on a custom project adds $150 to $250 per day to the total.
| Labor Type | Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Handyperson | $50 per hour–$150 per hour |
| General contractor | $300–$500 per day |
| Helper or laborer | $150–$250 per day |
Wiring your kitchen island for light fixtures, outlets, and garbage disposals requires a licensed electrician, with the cost of hiring an electrician averaging $165 to $535 depending on the scope of work. More extensive electrical installations, such as adding multiple circuits or GFCI outlets, will push costs toward the higher end of that range.
If your island will include a sink, wet bar, or other plumbing fixture, hiring a plumber is essential, with rates running $45 to $200 per hour based on experience and local labor costs. A certified plumber ensures the installation meets code and functions safely for the long term.
Adding a gas cooktop or other gas-powered feature to your kitchen island means budgeting for a gas line installation, which averages $260 to $820 depending on the length of the run and local labor rates.
A freestanding island can typically sit directly on existing flooring, but a permanent installation may require cutting away sections of flooring, adding molding for a finished look, or reinforcing joists to support a heavy island. The cost of that contractor work depends on the extent of the modifications needed and the type of flooring involved.
For a major kitchen renovation where the island is central to the overall design, professional kitchen designer costs range from $4,300 to $30,000, though fees are lower when the designer's role is limited to a specific aspect of the project. A designer coordinates construction, style, and decor elements in a way that experienced contractors typically cannot, producing a more cohesive result. If you're considering a prefabricated or partially custom island, in-house designers at home improvement stores offer expertise in the store's cabinetry and fixtures and are often available at no additional cost.
Removing a kitchen island that has no electrical, plumbing, or gas connections is a manageable DIY task, but islands with hookups call for a professional, with demo costs starting at $400. If you need to haul away heavy materials like a granite countertop, a junk removal company typically charges $130 to $400.
| Removal Service | Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Professional demo | $400 |
| Junk removal company | $130–$400 |
There are kitchen island installations you can potentially DIY, but complex projects with amenities and custom designs require a professional's expertise and skills. For example, you'll need to hire a countertop contractor near you to install heavy countertop materials like natural stone. You'll also need to get various pros to help install features that involve work on electrical, water, or gas lines.
Here are the various reasons why you should hire a countertop contractor:
Get expert advice on the best options for your kitchen island, including the style, countertop material, and edging,based on your budget and preferences.
It's essential to hire pros to install heavy countertop materials like quartz and natural stone, which weigh 15 to 25 pounds per square foot, for safety reasons.
Your contractor will prep your kitchen island to withstand heavy countertop materials for a long-lasting and safe installation.
Your countertops will be precisely cut to ensure a clean, professional look.
Hiring an electrician and plumber is necessary for features like a dishwasher, oven, sink, and outlets.
Your countertop contractor will obtain the necessary permits and complete the work according to local building code.
DIYing a simple kitchen island is possible in some circumstances:
The easiest kitchen island to DIY is a rolling cart, especially if you have it delivered to your home.
You can potentially DIY lighter materials like butcher block and laminate countertops as long as you have enough hands on deck to help.
Prefabricated kitchen islands are ideal for DIY jobs because they come with all the necessary parts and instructions.
A kitchen remodel is an ideal time to convert from electrical appliances to newer, more energy-efficient natural gas appliances. Since you may already be upgrading your stove, range, or backsplash, your contractor can easily access the area to install a new gas line.
Follow these cost-saving tips to reduce the project price.
Plan ahead: Carefully plan your kitchen island project before starting, as making changes midway through the project can lead to additional expenses and delays.
Set priorities: Prioritize your expenses and make cost-conscious decisions based on what's most important to you.
Go prefabricated: Opt for prefabricated or partially custom options.
DIY the install: For people with the skills and know-how, consider a DIY install of a prefab kitchen island.
Compare suppliers: Research different suppliers, materials, and contractors to find the best prices.
Watch for sales: Keep an eye out for sales and other discounts when purchasing materials, appliances, or fixtures for your kitchen island.
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.
Be ready to discuss with your pro the type of kitchen island you want, including its size, shape, and countertop material.
Have an idea of which amenities you’d like to add to the island, so your countertop contractor can help you with the design.
Find out if you’ll be responsible for hiring other pros, such as an electrician and plumber.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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