Cost of a Kitchen Island in 2022
A kitchen island adds value to your home. Additionally, it enhances functionality, adds storage space, and facilitates socializing in your kitchen. Hence, it is important to have one installed. On average, a typical island will cost $250-$2000 while high-end ones can go for up to $20,000. Below we look at the types, sizes, materials used, and other factors affecting the price of installation.
Types of Kitchen Islands
Butcher Block
These are simple and usually have a wooden top. You can choose to put storage cabinets beneath or not. On average 2 feet (ca. 61 cm) by 3 feet (ca. 91 cm) block island cost $300 with storage cabinets and $200 without cabinetry. Alternatively, you can have a laminate top instead of a wooden one for around $500. A laminate top not only lasts longer but also offers a better food prep surface.
Table Island
If you need a simple, cost-effective installation, you can just grab a table at IKEA for as low as $200 to as high as $10,000. For this price, you can get a table island measuring 60inches (1.52 m)×18inches (0.46 m)×36 inches (0.91 m). The advantage of such an island is that you do not need professionals to install it. Therefore, you do not have to pay for any labor costs.
Rolling Cart
These kitchen islands have wheels at the bottom. They come in handy if you like moving furniture around in your home. Mostly, these have cabinets on the sides. The cost of such an island measuring 42inches (1.07 m)×18inches (0.46 m)×38inches (0.97 m) is around $100-$2,500.
Base Cabinet With Countertop
The standard cost of installing a 48inches (1.22 m)×30inches (0.76 m)×36inches (0.91 m) base cabinet kitchen island is $350 to $4,000. The cost varies depending on the material you chose for the countertop.
Island Fitted With Appliances
Other than the types of kitchen islands mentioned above, you can also have one with appliances fixed. You can either choose a sink, an oven or a dishwasher, or all three. This said you can have whichever appliances you want to be fitted into your kitchen appliances. A kitchen island with a sink and a dishwasher for instance costs an average of $3,500 to $5,000.
The above are just examples of kitchen islands you can choose from. They can either be custom-made or ready-made. Of course, the custom-made is a little expensive especially if you are hiring a laborer. The estimated cost of a custom kitchen island is around $3,000 to $10,000.
Which Surfaces Are available?
The kind of top you use for your kitchen island will determine the final look as well as the cost. Let’s look at the choices you have.
Wood
If you are seeking a rustic, vintage style, then this is the best option. The good thing is that you can varnish wood to make it water and heatproof. For a 3 m×600 countertop, wood will cost you $190-650.
Quartz Surface
Quartz gems are not only beautiful but durable as well. A 3 m×600 quartz top will cost you from $140 to $440. Although this is more expensive than wood, it lasts longer.
Laminate
This material is simply made by combining a core board and a fancy veneer. However, do not let this simplicity deceive you. Laminate can be more durable than you might think. They have a waterproof coating which keeps the hardboard dry and therefore long-lasting. The cost ranges from $120 to $200.
Glass
Now, if you have a small space, this is a recommendable choice because glass gives the illusion that a space is big. With glass, you have to be a little delicate. But, you can get tampered glass nowadays which is stain, heat, and waterproof. The estimated budget for a 3 m×600 is $190-$250.
Marble and Granite
This kind is the most durable and therefore, the most expensive too. Applying polish regularly maintains the marble’s or granite’s color. On average, a 3 m×600 granite or marble countertop goes for around $100 to $700.
Dekton
This is a mixture of sediments from porcelain, glass, and quartz. When making this material, contactors apply high pressure and heat to combine the raw materials. The resulting product is water and heat-resistant and durable as well. In the event that dekton chips, it is very easy to repair. With all the amazing properties of dekton, it is hence costly. You get 2 m for around $500.
Factors Affecting Cost of Kitchen Islands
Size
Comprehensively, the space of your kitchen will determine the size of the island. If you8 have a walk-in space, then a large kitchen island is the way to go. On the other hand, if you have a small kitchen space, then a small island like a table, butcher block, or even a rolling cart is the better option. Evidently, if you want a larger kitchen island, the more money you will have to part with and vice versa.
Materials
The worktop finish material will ultimately determine the cost of your kitchen island. As explained above, different surfaces have different price tags. If you are hunting for a durable island then marble is the way to go, but be ready to put in more cash. On the contrary, if you want cheap then the best choices would be wood or laminate.
Appliances
You can use a kitchen island to free up space in other areas of the kitchen. You can have cabinets, a dining area, drinks refrigerator, overhanging cabinets, sink, dishwasher, or even an oven on the island. All these devices come at various prices and so is their installation. If you want all or some on your kitchen island then the cost differs. For instance, if you want a bespoke island, expect to pay up to $30,000.
Flexibility
A while back, when you heard of the kitchen island, only permanent ideas came to mind. However, nowadays, innovators have developed mobile islands. These can come in handy especially if you want more space when cleaning or entertaining. You can also relocate the island to a different part of your home say the backyard for a backyard party.
Design
When it comes to design, you can either pick tailor-made or off-the-shelf kitchen islands. Due to the specific details, a customized one comes with, it is more expensive as compared to a ready-made one. For the customized kitchen island, you have to recruit experts such as plumbers for the drainage system, electricians for the wiring of electric appliances, and so on. This increases the cost but overall, it makes your kitchen lavish.
Thickness
Mostly, many contractors use 30 or 20 mm for countertops. This said you can also use 80 or 40 mm. Often, it is the material used that determines the minimum thickness of your kitchen island’s worktop. For instance, dekton only comes in 20 mm while wood is variable. You can use 38 mm of wood for a typical kitchen island or you can go for up to 80 mm for a lavish island. Granite and marble usually have a standard width of 30 mm. The thicker the working area is, the more expensive it is.
The above are some aspects you should consider before installing a kitchen island. For best results, you can consult with a professional. An expert will evaluate your available space, your needs, budget, design, and theme of your home and recommend the most suitable kitchen island for you.
Final Say
If reselling your home is something you are looking forward to, then adding a kitchen island will surely increase its market value. With the aforementioned details, you can make a suitable decision.
