How Much Does a Kitchen Island Cost?

Ready-Made vs. Custom Kitchen Island Costs

Ready-made islands cost between $100 to $2,000, with smaller islands with fewer features on the cheaper end of this spectrum. Larger, more stylish islands with drawers and shelves are pricier. 

Custom-built kitchen islands range in price from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. The total cost varies according to the size of the island, the materials used, and whether it has electricity and running water.

Prefab Kitchen Island

Prefabricated kitchen islands are a good bet for those with a strict budget. Rolling carts are the cheapest option here, with a cost range of $100 to $2,500. More permanent fixtures, such as small non-rolling islands, cost up to $3,500, while base cabinets with built-in countertops cost $350 to $4,000.

Custom Islands

Custom-built kitchen islands offer an advanced feature set over prefab models. They fit into any pre-existing kitchen design. However, you’ll pay more for these than other options, as custom models start at around $3,000 and extend to $10,000 or more, depending on the size and features.  

Adding fixtures like plumbing and appliances will increase this range to $6,000 to $10,000 or more for your kitchen installation costs, especially since you’ll need a local plumber and local electrician to help you get it done right. Other factors that raise the total price include adding cabinetry, installing waterfall countertops, or including a breakfast bar. 

"Be sure to get several quotes when installing an island. Depending on your needs and kitchen design, adding features like power and plumbing may be simple or more complex," says Andy Kilborn, Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. "The price of adding electrical and plumbing could be $1,200 to $4,000 or more, depending on the design—such as whether the ceiling is finished above the space where the island is being installed."

Kitchen Designer Rates

Hiring a kitchen designer costs most homeowners an average of $10,000, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $17,500. Hiring a kitchen designer is a great idea if the island is part of a larger kitchen remodeling project. Dedicated kitchen designers make the most of your available space, helping create a kitchen that meets your needs while fitting in with the design plans of your home. 

To that end, a total kitchen remodel costs an average of $23,000, with costs ranging from $13,000 to $34,000

Kitchen Island Add-On Costs

Whether you go prefab or custom, adding on appliances and fixtures dramatically increases the price of a kitchen island. Here are some common add-ons that impact the price. 

• Sink and dishwasher: Kitchen islands with a sink and a dishwasher cost $3,000 to  $5,000, and this option is not always available with prefab units. Installing a sink costs $400 on average but varies according to features, while installing a dishwasher costs$150 to $300.

• Hiring a plumber: You’ll need a pro to install attached sinks and dishwashers. Hiring a plumber costs$45 to $150per hour depending on the type of job and your location, with some plumbers charging a flat fee for certain projects. 

• Installing electrical outlets: Some fixtures require electricity for use. Hiring an electrician costs$50 to $100per hour, although they charge flat fees for certain projects. Installing or replacing GFCI outlets costs$200 on average, and installing an electrical switch costs$150.

• Adding an oven or range hood: If your prefab design boasts space for an oven or a range hood, adding one will cost about the same as installing a wall unit. Most ovens cost about $250 to $15,000, depending on the model you choose, while installing a range hood costs between $400 and $1,500. However, adding an oven to a pre-existing island necessitates cutting and repairing countertops to make room—at a cost of $400 or so. 

• Installing cabinets: Cabinets are important for storage and aesthetics and cost $5,000 on average. The cost range here varies from $300 to $18,000, depending on the size and materials. Customs cabinets cost an average of $4,300. Additional features add to these price ranges, with molding and trim costing $9 per square foot and finished ends costing $75 to $175each. 

• Countertop options: Installing countertops costs an average of $3,000, though this price ranges significantly depending on the design. Waterfall islands that give the appearance of being manufactured from a single stone add at least $1,000 to the overall price, as this type requires a computer-controlled laser cutter. The cost also varies by countertop material, as illustrated below. 

Kitchen Island Styles

Kitchen islands are also available in a wide variety of styles, each with its own price range and use case scenarios.

Rolling Cart Island

The humble rolling cart island is a budget-friendly option for those looking to add a bit of workspace and storage to their kitchen. This is the most wallet-friendly option, starting at $100 and increasing to $1,000 for larger and more advanced models. These islands are fairly bare-bones but typically include cabinets on the side and drawers or open shelving on the bottom. 

Unlike many other kitchen island options, rolling carts move easily throughout the home. One trend is to use a stainless steel toolbox with a butcher block top as a rolling cart. 

Rectangular Island

The shape of a rectangular kitchen island integrates nicely with just about every kitchen design, works well with an open-floor plan, and divides the space without needing a wall. These islands cost $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and features. Many rectangular options allow for sinks, seating, and cooktops. You’ll find rectangular kitchen islands in many different sizes and materials at various price points. 

L-Shaped Island

L-shaped kitchen islands provide plenty of versatility, thanks to increased counter space and storage, though they may not fit into every kitchen design. These kitchen islands are more costly than other options at $1,000 to $7,000. You’ll most likely find them outfitted with cooktops, sinks, dishwashers, and extra room for seating. As with most island types, L-shaped models are available in many sizes and materials to match many medium- or large-sized kitchens. 

U-Shaped Island

If you have a large kitchen and need plenty of space for cooking, storage, and seating, look into installing a U-shaped island. These feature-packed models cost between $2,000 to $9,000 and boast enough room for seating around the circumference, two or three sinks, and a cooktop or two. Most U-shaped kitchen islands are custom-built, require plenty of space, and shine in kitchens with large and open floor plans. 

Galley Island

As the name suggests, galley kitchen islands are a great fit for galley kitchens, as they are long and rectangular. Galley islands cost between $500 to $5,000, depending on the size and materials used during the manufacturing process. These are just longer rectangular islands, so while they excel in galley kitchens, they work just about anywhere.