A kitchen island adds value, utility, and style to your home. From portable, prebuilt to fully customized kitchen islands, the possibilities are almost endless. However, the potential costs needed to install the same can’t be ignored either. So, how much does a kitchen island cost?
The cost of installing a kitchen island can be anywhere between $3000 and $5,000. And, it includes the materials needed and labor. However, homeowners can spend another $5000 or more on custom counterparts depending on the utilities they need. Because a kitchen island is one of the major investments in your home, you should consider the different types that suit your needs better.
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Factors that influence a kitchen island cost
- Stock versus custom – Are you planning to buy a prefabricated piece or a custom build? Keep in mind that the former one costs less compared to the latter one. Prefabricated kitchen islands are mass-produced and hence the low price.
- Inclusion of features – Certain features such as electricity, sink, or cleaning devices come at a higher price. So, if you don’t need one, it can impact the overall pricing of the unit.
- Choice of materials – There is no shortage of materials that are used on kitchen islands. But the good news is that there are both low and high-end materials used.
- Size – Whether your kitchen island should be a smaller or bigger one depends on the features that you have planned to install. And, it affects the materials to be installed along with labor cost.
What is the cost of a kitchen island?
Installing a kitchen island is a wonderful addition to the aesthetic of your home. However, in terms of costs, it is relatively inexpensive compared to a complete kitchen remodeling. As said, kitchen islands can cost you anywhere between $3000 and $5000. The cost can vary depending on the features, size, and existing condition of the kitchen.
For example, if you want a kitchen island to be installed with a cooktop or sink but don’t have existing gas, electrical, or plumbing connections in the preferred location, it could elevate the cost. Besides, a four-foot kitchen island with a granite top and custom cabinets but without appliances or sink can cost you around $3500.
And, an eight-foot island would cost you nearly $9500. Countertops and cabinets are considered single-ticket items when installing a kitchen island. Moreover, building codes are required when installing a kitchen island. Even if it isn’t required where you live, you may still need to have a permit for gas lines or plumbing and an electrical permit for wiring if you wish to include a sink or a cooktop.
The cost of a typical kitchen island
The price of kitchen islands varies depending on whether the model is a prefabricated or a custom one. Also, the price varies depending on its proportions, the type of material used, and the features that it will carry. While the average cost of such a setting can be about $4000, it depends on other factors as well.
The cost of an affordable kitchen island
However, if you intend to keep the price low as far as you can, there are two types of kitchen islands that you should consider: laminate and butcher block. These are arguably the most affordable kitchen islands that you can have with an average price of about $500. Although you can’t customize them, these islands are great for storage, prep, and seating.
The cost of a larger kitchen island
If you are looking for more space to improve your kitchen look, perhaps a larger kitchen island should be your choice. Available at around $1500, these larger islands are a bit expensive compared to the laminate and butcher block islands.
These kinds of islands include premium features such as fold-out seating and granite countertops. This kind of island is a wonderful addition to your home. Moreover, if it has a wooden or white finish, it further complements the existing cabinets.
The cost of a custom kitchen island
As the name suggests, a custom kitchen island can provide you with extra features that make working in the kitchen a breeze. So, if you need additional storage and extra prep space for your room, you can have a custom kitchen island. It can be an impressive spot for your kitchen.
Also, it is a place where friends and family members gather. Custom kitchen islands start at $3000 and can go anywhere up to 10,000, and even more. The price depends on certain factors such as features, materials, and size. When you choose a custom kitchen island, you can include certain things such as in-built appliances, running water, and electricity.
Suppose, you want to fit a stovetop on the island for an additional cooking space. Or, add a sink and faucet for meal preparation. Besides, you can even install a dishwasher in this space. Furthermore, a mini-refrigerator in the kitchen island is a different and interesting way to serve drinks to your guests.
What are the costs incurred when installing a custom kitchen island?
Not everyone needs to add more features to a kitchen island. That’s because they are looking for fewer features and have a low budget in mind. Some people, on the other hand, want to have significant changes in the island and would like to spend more. So, here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs needed to install the additional features.
1. Dishwasher and sink costs
The cost of a kitchen island is a compilation of the amenities you choose when installing it. And, one of the imperative ones is a dishwasher and sink. The process of both these components could be anywhere between $3000 and $5000. While some people might consider buying a prefabricated unit, they don’t come with a dishwasher, sink, or other supplies.
If you know the cost of components separately, you will find out that installing a sink could cost you about $400. Moreover, the cost may vary depending on a certain aspect. In short, the cost to install an additional appliance can alter the overall price to a great extent.
The average cost to install an appliance could vary from $150 to $300. And, the price could go higher depending on the material, the brand, and the quality that it carries.
2. Electric outlets
Setting up the layout and electric outlets for your kitchen could be tricky. Hence, experts don’t suggest you do so if you are not aware of your house’s electrical works. This is why you need a contractor to help you with the electric outlets on your kitchen island.
Also, they will charge you around $50 to $100 per hour. Besides, if you are replacing or installing the entire GFCI outlets, the costs might increase to about $200. So, if you need additional services, you should hire professionals who have expertise in this area.
All the electric outlets must work smoothly without issues. Apart from that, electric outlets describe the convenience factor of your kitchen and improve its aesthetics.
3. Plumbing costs
If you are looking for a dishwasher or sink on your kitchen island, you need to hire a plumber. And, hiring them would cost you anywhere between $50 and $150 per hour. Also, the price may vary depending on the complexity of the work and the location of your house. Besides, some plumbers can even charge you a flat fee for certain projects. When hiring contractors for these kinds of tasks, ensure that they are licensed professionals.
4. Flooring costs
Flooring is another important aspect when you are considering installing a custom kitchen island. In general, you have to pay about $200 to $500 for kitchen flooring work. But the cost could increase significantly because of floor plan changes, different electrical work, and customer unit installation.
Whether you are going for a custom kitchen island or a prefabricated unit, some amount of floor work has to be done. Also, you can find some people avoid floor work by using a table or a rolling cart as the island.
How to make your kitchen island affordable
- Choose materials wisely – If money isn’t a constraint for you, you have spent a lot on your kitchen island. But when you are on a tight budget consider the material that you wish to buy. For example, a quartz countertop could be an alternative to a marble one that gives you similar look but at a lesser price.
- Try adding things later – If you don’t have enough money now, go with the basics and add other amenities when you need them later. Appliances such as a wine cooler or additional lighting could be added later.
- Try buying a movable one – When the furniture is movable, you don’t have to worry about building permits or codes. As such, it could lower the complexity and cost of the project.
Conclusion
Adding a kitchen island opens a new world of opportunities and significant changes to your home. So, whatever kind of island you choose for your home, it should create a convenient and inviting kitchen in the end. Because the kitchen is the center of your family life, it should reflect the importance.
