Kitchen Island Costs: Everything You Need to Consider

A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to update your home and also add serious value. Adding an island is one way to instantly increase storage and upgrade your kitchen, so it's no surprise that 92% of homeowners prefer a kitchen with an island layout. 

If you're ready to upgrade to the kitchen island of your dreams, here are a few considerations to get you started on building a plan for kitchen island costs.

Cost of Materials

One of the main considerations you'll have to keep in mind when planning for a kitchen island is the cost of materials.

Cabinets

Adding a large island to your kitchen can provide you with more storage and working space which are huge benefits in any kitchen. It's important to keep in mind, though, that remodeling your kitchen to include an island could have extra costs.

If you have a standard size kitchen, you may be able to purchase stock or semi-custom cabinets which can save you a bit of money. Fully custom cabinets can cost up to 3.5x more, but maybe worth it if you want a true luxury kitchen.

Countertops

If you've gone the semi-custom or fully custom route with your cabinets, you'll likely have to purchase a custom island countertop separately. The cost of a countertop for your island can vary depending on the size of your island and the material you have chosen.

A laminate countertop will be less expensive than a granite countertop, but may not have the quality and level of luxury you're looking for. 

Other Considerations

Beyond basic materials, you'll also need to consider the details of your kitchen island when planning for costs.

Plumbing and Electrical

If your island will include appliances like a wine fridge, dishwasher, sink, or full cooktop, you'll need to plan for the costs of running pipes, electrical, and even gas lines through the island.

These appliances may also affect the type of cabinets you can use and may need to be included in the measurements for your countertop. Depending on your plans, this can be a serious cost consideration that you'll want to be prepared for.

Support for Seating

Many homeowners prefer an island that includes space for seating. An island with seating can impact the type of cabinets you need as they may need to be shallower to allow for extra space.

You'll also need to plan for your countertop to have an overhang that chairs can fit under. This means your countertop may need to be larger or include extra support underneath to ensure it's secure. These considerations can all end up affecting the overall cost of your island.

Moving or Adding Lights

Your new kitchen island may alter the layout of your existing kitchen leaving lights in less than ideal places. While not necessarily difficult, moving lighting to a new location can add extra cost to your kitchen remodel.

Reusing existing lighting can save you a bit of money, but the majority of the cost will come from labor. An electrician will need to move an existing light fixture or install a new one to ensure the wiring is up to code.

As with any kitchen renovation, there are a number of things to consider when it comes to kitchen islands. With proper planning, however, you'll soon have a beautiful new kitchen island that works for you and builds the value of your home. 

For more ideas to help jump-start your kitchen remodel, check out these must-haves in modern kitchen design. If you need a bit more help with your kitchen design, our team at Edesia Kitchen & Bath Studio is here to help. Contact us to learn more or set up a kitchen design consultation. We'd love to help you create the kitchen of your dreams.