Kitchen Islands – Types, Cost and Benefits

Kitchen islands are a popular fixture in many homes. There are many different styles and designs a home owner can opt to go with, and this will mainly depend on your needs and personal preferences. Choices include cart, counter top and permanent fixture styles. The price will depend on the style you choose as well as the benefits. If you have been considering adding a kitchen island, now is the time to do it. You can redo the look of your kitchen and possibly even increase the value of your home.

The cart style of kitchen islands is often the least expensive. These carts are very simple, yet also very functional. Many come with two or three shelves beneath a cutting board top. This top may be made of stainless steel, wood or plastic. As these islands are completely mobile, you can place them anywhere in the room. Many choose to use the top surface to hold microwaves or other small appliances while some homeowners choose to use the top as an additional workstation.

Counter top kitchen islands are more expensive than cart style ones, but offer many of the same benefits. This style can be either mobile or stationary, and you do have more choices in terms of the island top. The counter top may be made of butcher block, ceramic tile, stainless steel or granite. If you are in need of extra storage space, look for one that comes with inside storage covered by swinging or sliding doors.

A customized kitchen island is the choice of many although it is the most expensive type. This permanent fixture can be used as a breakfast bar. Some people opt to go with built in cooking facilities or additional sinks. Shapes for this style of island include square, round, oval, rectangular or L-shaped. You can find a design that will work best in your kitchen. Be sure to look for features such as built-in wine or pot racks if that will help to organize the room.

With any of these kitchen islands, you need to take the dimensions into consideration. A minimum of 42″ clearance on all sides is needed to allow cabinet doors to open properly. Also, if you plan on using the island as a breakfast bar, 24″ of width will be needed for each bar stool. Kitchen islands are a great addition to any home; just be sure to choose the one that is right for you.