How Much Does It Cost to Build a Kitchen Island? [Custom Made+DIY]

A kitchen island is a functional part, a freestanding cabinet in the kitchen center. According to Houzz’s 2017 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, kitchen islands are one of the most requested and practical components.

Furthermore, over the years, the market size of the kitchen island has grown tremendously. In addition, changing lifestyles dramatically impact the global market value of a kitchen island, and experts predict that the market will reach heights in the coming years. 

For instance, according to a report by Maximize Market Research Pvt LTD, the global market of kitchen islands is expected to increase up to US$ 15.42 Bn by 2026. Irrespective of the covid situation which hampered the market due to lockdown in 2020.

According to an article by HomeAdvisor, the average cost of setting up a kitchen island is nearly between $3,000 to $5,000 on average.

However, how can you plan for the price of a kitchen island? How will you figure out how much it will cost? What factors might have an impact on the cost of purchasing one?

Kitchen island cost

So, the kitchen island costs depend on many variables. The deciding factor is whether you decide to purchase it from a furniture shop directly or build it by yourself. Here is an analysis of how the cost may differ in both cases.

Store-bought/Custom designed

While adding a kitchen island provides several benefits. For example, you can use it as an extra counter space, storage space, and even a dining center; it also adds value to your kitchen space.

Therefore, this does not come for free. It can cost a varied range of money based on whether you decide to buy a customized kitchen island directly from a store or you can DIY it. 

In brief, depending on the store you buy it from, a store-bought or professionally customized kitchen island might cost anywhere from $100 to $2000.

To conclude, purchasing a kitchen island has grown more convenient in recent years, thanks to internet sites like Wayfair and IKEA, which give you the freedom to choose the appropriate kitchen island for your kitchen to remodel. You can compare costs from your own house here.

DIY-Cost

Instead of buying a kitchen island from stores, you can even choose to build one of your custom kitchen islands. Additionally, this even provides you with an opportunity to add a personal touch to your kitchen island.

So, making a custom-built kitchen island is not a hard nut to crack. For instance, it involves a moderate level of plumbing and carpentry skills. In short, you will have to fix two stock cabinets to a base cabinet and a countertop. An article by Build Basics gives a detailed guide to how you can build your kitchen island in just two days.

Making your kitchen island varies based on several factors, but two of the most important ones to consider while DIY-ing your island are:

Countertop & Base-cabinet cost.

So, different countertop materials cost varying amounts depending on their popularity and qualities. Granite and marble countertops are the most expensive, while laminate and butcher block countertops are the least costly. 

As a result, select one appropriate for installing a kitchen island and your budget.

Unlike the cost of countertop material, the price of a base cabinet is unpredictably variable, as it is determined by the material, design, size, and number of shelves you select. 

However, a base cabinet with countertop material would set you back anywhere between $350-$3500 on average. Additionally, the per linear foot cost of cabinets ranges between  $500–$1,200.

Source: Forbes.com

The kitchen island cost is based on

multiple factors that affect the kitchen island cost, such as

Size & Shape

Generally, a more oversized kitchen island costs you greater than a small-sized kitchen island. A more oversized kitchen island would require more excellent labor and more significant material expense.

Additionally, the cost would vary based on the kitchen layout and the shape of your kitchen island. For example, a more complicated kitchen island shape such as a U-shaped or circular shaped island would cost greater than a regular rectangular kitchen island. 

Source: Fixr.com

Height

So, choosing kitchen appliances takes a significant amount of time for most people. However, the majority of people overlook a few key factors. The height of a kitchen island is an excellent example of this. A kitchen island has various height differences, such as a bar-height kitchen island and counter height kitchen island.

Thus, each of these height differences costs differently. 

The standard height of a kitchen island is thirty-six inches. Thus, varying the size to make it longer or shorter would cost more or less. 

Cost of additional accessories

Also, you can even choose to make your kitchen island more functional and helpful by adding other kitchen accessories. However, adding these available parts would increase the overall cost of your kitchen island. 

Electronic outlet

Adding electrical outlets to your kitchen island to power your built-in refrigeration system or other gadgets could make your kitchen activities more convenient and functional. It also adds to your kitchen’s wow factor by making it look more modern and aesthetically beautiful.

On the other hand, adding such electrical connections would necessitate the use of higher-level expert electricians.

Furthermore, an electrician will charge you between $50 and $100 per hour in most cases. This will depend on the complexity of your electronic outlets and the amount of time the electrician has available.

For instance, if you choose to replace all your GFCI outlet run, the cost may rise to $200.

Cooktop

The cost of installing a stove on your kitchen island would be included in your total price. The typical cost of installing a cooktop in the United States is between $500 and $1,000. The cheapest item costs roughly $375, while the most expensive item costs around $3000.

An addition of $500–$2,000 will be required for the cooktop’s ventilation.

However, this would vary depending on the brand, electrical connection cost, design, and complexity of the cooktop. 

The breakdown cost of cooktops is as follows:

Source: Fixr.com

Sink & Dishwasher

A fully functional kitchen island includes a sink and a dishwasher. This provides the user with greater ease in performing their task. 

The average cost is anywhere between $400 and $700. On the other hand, a sink may cost around $200 to $500. In addition to this, you will also have to pay for the installation and labor costs. 

Therefore, the average cost of adding a sink and dishwasher ranges between $3,000 to $5,000 per unit. However, the price may vary based on the type and design of the sink and dishwasher you choose to opt for.

Source: Fixr.com

Additional seating 

Firstly, seating can easily be added to large and small kitchen spaces. Even the tiniest kitchen may be able to accommodate an island with enough for one or two more chairs at the table.

Also, adding island seating options makes your kitchen space more inviting and guest-friendly. 

Furthermore, adding such an option to your kitchen island would require you to buy additional chairs and stools for your kitchen. Lastly, a custom-made kitchen island with seating options would nearly cost you $2,500 to $19,000. 

Installation Cost

What after you buy a kitchen island? The budget plan does not stop there, now comes the most crucial part, installing the island in your kitchen. This requires an extra amount of work as well as money.

Source: Fixr.com

The overall installation cost of kitchen islands includes the cost of the designer/contractor who would do the job, the electrical and plumbing work cost to fix the sink and dishwasher, and the kitchen flooring cost.

Designer/contractor cost

When choosing a kitchen island, the first thing anyone looks at is the design of the island. Besides, some people even hire professional designers to customize the kitchen island design to their interior. 

Thus, hiring a professional designer for the job can even help you better plan your budget and even in the proper installation of the island. 

However, hiring a professional would add up to the overall cost. For instance, the cost may vary depending on the experience and reliability of the profession. Also, it may range between $10,000 or even $20,0000 for the complete installation process. And, the per-day fees of a general contractor would range from $300–$400 per day. You can even choose to bargain the cost and reduce it a bit!

Plumbing cost

According to Angi, the total cost of installing a kitchen island sink ranges from $100 to $1250, depending on the size and type of sink. Additionally, the breakdown cost of plumbing is around $45–$150 per hour for water plumbing and gas lines plumbing.

It also claims that the entire installation process takes only 4 to 6 hours with a moderate level of plumbing and sink layout knowledge.

The price range may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the professional. However, if you choose to DIY it and do the plumbing yourself, that would cut the labor cost of plumbing the kitchen sink.

Plumbing	Price
Total cost per hour	$100 – $1250
Water plumbing per hour	$45 – $150
Gas plumbing per hour	$45 – $150

Kitchen flooring cost

Whether you are planning to install a prefabricated island or are thinking of customizing, you will have to do some flooring for your kitchen space.

For instance, installing a kitchen island in your kitchen area may cause minor damage to the flooring space as the process involves fixing heavy objects like the base cabinet to the floor.

Thus, you will also have to pay for repairing the kitchen flooring during the installation process.

Generally, this would cost you around $200 to $500 per square foot. 

How can you make your kitchen island more affordable?

If you’re on a budget and every kitchen island appears to be too expensive, here are some considerations to make when selecting an economical kitchen island:

Reduce the size 

In short, opt for a smaller kitchen island, requiring fewer materials and cabinet shelves.

Make it movable 

Choosing a portable kitchen island costs you less, and you can move it wherever and whenever you want to. Did you Know? You can also move permanent kitchen islands for your convenience.

For example, here is a cost difference between a stationary island vs. a rolling island:

Item	Unit Cost
Rolling island cart	$100 – $2000
Small stationary island	$100 – $3,500
Island table	$200 – $8000
Simple base cabinet: countertop included	$350 – $3500
Custom island cabinet: countertop included	$3000 – $10000

Choose a cheaper countertop 

Instead of opting for expensive countertop options such the natural stones like marble or granite countertop, you can go for more affordable options. For instance, technological advances have made it possible for cheaper manufactured countertop materials to resemble the expensive ones nowadays. 

Keep it simple, with fewer additional components 

So, if not required, keep your kitchen island simple and opt for simpler shapes, layouts, and designs.

Additionally, you can even drop the idea of adding unnecessary accessories to your island. For example, if you already have a separate sink and dishwasher, you don’t need to add one to your kitchen island.

Go DIY 

Building your kitchen island instead of hiring a professional can significantly reduce the price. For instance, you will save the money that would go into paying the professional in this case. 

What is the resale value of kitchen islands?

For instance, according to a report by HGTV, which talks about the 12 ways to add value to your kitchen, an addition of a kitchen island is on top of the list. 

Additionally, a kitchen island adds aesthetic value to your kitchen and adds monetary value to your house. While selling your kitchen island, on n average, you can get a resale value of around 78% of the retail price. 

Therefore, installing a kitchen island is a big deal that you will never regret!

How much does it cost to remove your existing island?

So, If you want to install a kitchen island and already have one, you will first have to remove the existing one. However, this step involves an additional expense, as it may sometime require professional guidance. 

Additionally, removing a kitchen island that includes electrical and plumbing connections requires a more significant expenditure than a regular kitchen island. According to Angi, removing a fully functional kitchen island would cost $130 – $400.

Conclusion

To conclude, installing a kitchen island can be costly. That is it may consume your savings for several months. However, once installed, it is of great benefit. For instance, You can use it as storage space, counter space, and even cooking space.

So, as kitchen islands are of different varieties and designs, you have a pool of options to choose from. For instance, you can go for the cheapest one.

Thus, in the end, it’s you and your personal preference.