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 $4,000. Rolling kitchen carts, however, can run as little as $100 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.
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Kitchen Island Cost: Custom vs. Prefabricated
When shopping for a new kitchen island, you have the choice between a prefabricated, ready-to-install factory model or a custom build. Here are the potential price differences between the two.
Custom-Build
Custom-built kitchen islands typically cost more than stock islands, because they require specific work and attention to detail. The average cost for a custom-built kitchen island is between $3,000 and $5,000, though larger, more complex islands with special features and high-end material could run as much as $10,000. But if you have the budget and an affinity for a particular aesthetic, working with a pro on a custom-build island is well worth the cost.
Prefabricated Kitchen Island
Prefabricated islands are much less expensive because they are mass-produced. The average cost for a permanent prefab kitchen island is $2,500 to $3,500. But those on a tight budget can get a prefab rolling island for as little as $100. At the top of the cost range, a larger prefab island with base cabinets can run up to $4,000.
Kitchen Island Cost Factors
Your final kitchen island cost depends on a variety of factors. These are the main variables that will play into your budget.
Size
Typically, as the size of the island increases, so does the cost. However, there are exceptions. For instance, opting for a prefabricated island that allows for customization or requires assembly can offer some cost savings compared to a fully built or fully custom unit. Still, in general, a larger island will result in a higher overall expense due to the increased footprint.
Shape
Along with the size, the shape of your kitchen island will play a key role in your overall budget. Here’s what the cost generally looks like for these popular shapes.
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Rolling Cart
A rolling cart island costs between $100 for a small, simple cart and up to $2,500 for a larger one.
Rectangular
Rectangular kitchen islands cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the size and any special features. This type of island works well in any kitchen space—but it’s especially complimentary of an open floor plan design.
L Shaped
L-shaped kitchen islands run a bit higher than other designs—between $1,000 and $7,000. That’s because they tend to come with special features like sinks, dishwashers, cooktops, and lots of seating. But an L-shaped island is worth the cost due to its versatility and entertainment factors.
U Shaped
With a price range of $2,000 to $9,000, U-shaped islands are at the highest end of the cost spectrum and are typically custom-built. These units work best in a large kitchen. They offer lots of space for cooking, seating, and storage. Some even feature two or three sinks and cooktops.
Galley
Galley islands work best for—you guessed it—galley kitchens. Galley islands cost between $500 to $5,000. Their shape is similar to a rectangular island, only longer. They work well in any kitchen floor plan, assuming there is enough space.
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 overall cost of the island is influenced by the quality of materials chosen for these components. For example, natural stone countertops, such as granite or marble, are generally more expensive than laminate or butcher block options. Once the island’s basic design is established, homeowners can prioritize how to allocate their budget by considering factors such as quality, style, and storage.
Features
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Incorporating plumbing or electrical outlets for additional features can add to your kitchen island cost, as it involves additional installation and labor. For example, adding appliances to the kitchen island, such as a built-in cooktop, wine fridge, or dishwasher, will raise the overall cost due to the additional electrical or plumbing work required.
Cost to Build a Kitchen Island
Labor costs constitute a significant portion of the project, especially for complex and custom islands. If the island involves plumbing and electrical work, professionals such as electricians and plumbers will likely be required, with additional rates for each professional.
Labor
A straightforward assembly of a mostly prefabricated island can be estimated based on the hourly rate of a handyperson, often ranging from $40 to $140 per hour. Custom builds will likely call for the price of a general contractor, who will typically charge 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 cost of hiring an electrician ranges between $200 and $550 on average, but costs vary significantly based on the type and extent of the work needed. Features such as light fixtures, electrical outlets, and garbage disposals will require the work of an electrician to get wired 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, it’s important to bring in a certified plumber to ensure it’s installed properly.
Gas
Gas line installations cost an average of $260 to $820. You’ll need to factor this expense into your budget if you are installing a gas cooktop or similar gas-powered feature to your kitchen island.
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Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the construction of the island itself, these are other expenses to consider when establishing a budget for their project.
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 on the lower end 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, as these designers possess expertise in the available cabinetry and fixtures offered by the store. In-house designers at home improvement stores are often accessible at no additional cost.
Above Island Lighting Costs
Installing a light fixture costs an average of $160 to $950. The type of light fixture is a major factor affecting this cost. For instance, pendant lights typically have lower installation costs compared to recessed lights, as the latter requires 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.
Cost to Remove an Existing Island
Removing a kitchen island that doesn’t have electricity, running water, or gas lines is easy with the right tools. If your island does have hookups, you can pay for a professional demo for as little as $400. A junk/waste removal company charges between $130 and $400 according to HomeAdvisor. This is a great option if you need to dispose of anything really big or heavy, like a piece of granite countertop.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Kitchen Island Yourself?
If you’re skilled and up for the task, DIY-ing your kitchen island build is a money-saving option.
Custom
Unless you are an experienced home remodeler, hiring a professional is your best bet to make sure the installation goes smoothly and according to code, especially if you are considering electric, gas, or water lines, which can require permits.
Prefab
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However, if you’ve purchased a fairly straightforward prefabricated kitchen island and you have some home remodeling chops, you may be able to take on the challenge of building the island yourself. All you’ll need to pay for is the cost of this type of island, which tends to be on the lower end of the $100 to $2,000 range.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can save roughly $40 to $140 per hour in labor costs by installing your own prefab kitchen island versus bringing in a professional handyperson. Unless a homeowner has carpentry experience, prefab is likely the best route to go for a DIY kitchen island install. For plumbing and electrical work, it’s crucial to hire a certified plumber or electrician to ensure the job is done safely and up to code.
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How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Island Project
Follow these cost-saving tips to reduce the project prize.
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Carefully plan your kitchen island project before starting, as making changes midway through the project can lead to additional expenses and delays.
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Prioritize your expenses and make cost-conscious decisions based on what’s most important to you.
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Opt for prefabricated or partially custom options.
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For people with the skills and know-how, consider a DIY install of a prefab kitchen island.
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Research different suppliers, materials, and contractors to find the best prices.
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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.
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
