Low	High	Average
Basic	3,000 dollars	6000 dollars	$4,500
Upper basic	$14,000	20,000 dollars	$17,000
Mid range	$17,000	24,000 dollars	$20,500
Premium	20,000 dollars	50,000 dollars	35,000 dollars
Overall average	$13,500	$25,000	$19,250

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The cost of a kitchen island rating

Basic island

“A basic island without plumbing or electrical wiring, using mid-range materials, can cost between $3,000 and $6,000,” says Elizabeth Johnson of Liz Johnson Design Studio.

Size and features such as additional storage, cabinetry functionality, quality of materials and labor, and the need for a sink or cooktop will affect the final cost.

Upper base island

Features Look up kitchen island costs, he says Lindsey neal by Lamont Bros. design and construction. Neal estimates that a basic island with added features can cost as much as $14,000 to $20,000.

Middle class island

There is a significant cost overlap between entry-level and mid-range kitchen islands. Mid-range islands can cost between $17,000 and $24,000, says Lindsey Neal.

Premium island

“In high-end homes, a premium kitchen island can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more,” says Alan Berman, Archetype Architects.

Large kitchen islands in the upper price range, Berman says, can have quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, integrated appliances and faucets.

PREFAB vs COST CENTER

A prefab kitchen island generally costs less than a custom-made island.

Small, basic, pre-fab islands start around $500, and a custom island can easily be over $5,000, Newcomb says.

A rolling kitchen cart works well in space-challenged kitchens because it’s smaller and can be moved around as needed. A rolling cart kitchen cart with butcher blocks can cost as little as $200 to $500.

Do you need a kitchen island?

Kitchen islands are usually a smart addition when space and budget permit.

“They offer additional prep surfaces, serve as gathering spaces during social events, and add valuable storage and functionality,” says Johnson.

When determining whether an island is right for your kitchen, Johnson advises considering three factors: whether the existing counter space is sufficient, floor space limitations, and your cooking habits.

For a larger kitchen with seating, Berman says she helps clients make decisions by evaluating their lifestyle.

“We ask questions like: Do they entertain often? Do they need additional seating or prep space? Are you looking for more storage or a design hub?” Berman says.

Space planning for the island

“A typical island kitchen should be proportional to the overall look of the kitchen,” he says Alice Moszczynski, Interior designer with planner 5d.

Moszczynski notes that a typical kitchen island is 2 meters wide by 4 meters. If space permits, homeowners may want the island to be 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 feet long.

“A well-planned island should complement the flow of the kitchen, not detract from it,” says Berman. “So ensuring at least 42 to 48 centimeters of clearance around the island is critical.”

Major cost drivers

The main factors that determine kitchen island costs are size and materials, features, utilities and custom design, says Berman.

Size

The size directly affects the cost of the kitchen island. Building and installing an island requires more materials and labor.

Materials

“Premium materials like marble or exotic woods can add significantly to costs,” says Berman.

Quartz tiles cost $53 to $149 per square foot. Sintered stone, a synthetic mineral material, is another premium counter cannon that costs in the range of quartz.

Devices or Services

Adding appliances or services like a built-in microwave, wine fridge, sink or cooking drives the cost of the island.

Utilities

Any appliances or services you add to your kitchen island require utilities installed by licensed electricians or plumbers.

Design

“Fully custom islands tailored to unique spaces or aesthetic preferences tend to cost more than prefabricated options,” says Berman.

DIY vs. Pro Kitchen Island

You can build your own kitchen island for $750 to $1,500. One of the 30-inch base cabinets and two 24-inch base cabinets are $450 to $500. Which forms the core of the kitchen island.

Most bits need to be fabricated and installed by a professional. Butcher Block Countertop is a diy-friendly Countertop option that is well suited for kitchen islands.

How to save money on the kitchen island

To save on kitchen island costs, Johnson advises focusing on island size, countertop materials and base materials.

Reduce its size

You may not need as much space for a kitchen island. Remember: Island Surcharges Existing counter space.

“A practical island can be created with two 24- to 30-inch base cabinets, offering 48 to 60 inches of surface area,” says Johnson.

Use the calculation counter cannon

Laminate flooring is less expensive than quartz, at about $14 to $38 per square foot.

Solid surfaces like Corian, Avonite, or Staron are good mid-range choices, with costs falling between the lower end of laminate and the higher end of quartz or granite.

Choose basic wardrobes

Kitchen islands essentially consist of base cabinets covered in counter-tone, says Johnson.

“To keep costs manageable, opt for off-the-shelf base cabinets, which are affordable but offer less customization options.”

Advice from a kitchen designer

Kitchen designers and consultants recommend doing (or not doing) these things when designing and installing a kitchen island:

Design with a mind in motion

“The flow of the kitchen is the most important thing,” says Newcomb. If the island will help you cook with ease and fit your look, then it’s a great solution. Always look at the kitchen as a whole and how you will use it.

Turn on the lights

Add decorative lighting above the island, says Neal. Since the kitchen island is a gathering place, you want to give the area the right kind of lighting.

Add small features

If you can’t or don’t want to add expensive features, install small, inexpensive features that make your life easier.

Adding electrical receptacles (which may be required by local code anyway), storage, shelving, USB plugs, and trash and recycling bins.