Kitchen islands in Austin: seating, storage and room to cook
An island is one of the most-requested changes in Austin kitchens, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Too big, and you squeeze past it all day. Too small, and it is a cutting board on legs. We size it to your room, then build it with the power, plumbing and permits it needs.
Sizing rules we design to
- Walkways: about 42 inches on work sides, and 48 inches if two people cook at once (National Kitchen & Bath Association planning guidance).
- Seating: about 24 inches of counter per stool. Knee space of about 12 inches at 36-inch counter height, 15 inches at 42-inch bar height and 18 inches at 30-inch table height.
- Outlets: an island needs code-compliant receptacles. We plan them so they do not spoil the look.
- Prep sink or main sink: moving the main sink to the island usually means new drain and vent work, priced in writing up front.
What an island project usually takes
| Island project | Typical scope | Where it lands in our kitchen ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Add a simple island in an open kitchen | Cabinets, top, power | Often within $45k–$70k |
| Remove a wall and add a seating island | Beam, permits, plumbing and electrical moves | $70k–$110k |
| Custom island with sink, appliances and stone | New layout | $110k+ |
These are our published Austin ranges for a whole kitchen remodel, not island-only prices.
Keep reading
Questions we hear about this.
Straight answers to what Austin homeowners ask before a kitchen project.
Is my kitchen big enough for an island?
If you cannot keep about 42 inches of walkway all around it, a peninsula or a rolling cart usually works better, and we will tell you so at the design visit.
Can the island have a cooktop?
Yes, with proper ventilation. Downdraft and ceiling hoods each have trade-offs, and we walk through them before you choose.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen island?
Adding circuits, moving plumbing or removing a wall needs permits. We pull them and handle the inspections as part of the contract.
Can you keep my existing floor?
Often not seamlessly where old cabinets sat. We plan the floor before demolition so there are no surprises.
See your island in 3D before we build it.
You don't need every detail figured out, just what isn't working. Free, no obligation, and a real price you can hold us to.
(512) 601-5666