How Much Does a Kitchen Peninsula Cost? A Practical Guide for Homeowners

If you love the idea of a kitchen island but don’t have the space for one, you might feel stuck with a layout that doesn’t quite work for your needs. That’s where a kitchen peninsula can be a game-changer! 

As a popular alternative to a freestanding island, a kitchen peninsula is especially ideal for kitchens where space or layout makes an island impractical. But just like islands, the cost of adding a peninsula in your kitchen can vary widely depending on its size, materials, features, and whether you’re including plumbing or electrical upgrades in your kitchen remodel. 

JSB Home Solutions has been in the remodeling business for almost 50 years and in that time, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners transform their cramped or awkward kitchens into functional, beautiful spaces by adding a well-designed peninsula. 

Thinking about adding a kitchen peninsula to your kitchen? This guide is here to help you understand what it is, why so many homeowners love the kitchen peninsula as an alternative to the kitchen island, and—most importantly—what kind of budget you can expect when adding one to your kitchen. You'll walk away with the clarity and confidence to plan your remodel the right way!

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What Exactly Is A Kitchen Peninsula and How Can It Change My Kitchen?

A kitchen peninsula is a connected counter extension that juts out from a wall or an existing row of cabinets—offering many of the same perks as an island, but with a more space-efficient design. Unlike a freestanding island, a peninsula is anchored on one end, making it a great fit for kitchens where space or layout won’t allow for full circulation around all sides. Peninsulas can help define open-concept spaces by creating a natural boundary between the kitchen and adjacent rooms, while still keeping things open and connected. They’re also incredibly versatile—adding extra prep space, storage, and room for barstools or casual dining. Whether you're dealing with a galley kitchen or just want to maximize every inch, a peninsula can be a smart, stylish way to improve both form and function.

What is the Average Cost of a Kitchen Peninsula?

The cost of adding a kitchen peninsula can range anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the scope of the project. A small, basic peninsula with stock cabinets and a laminate countertop will land on the lower end of the scale, while a larger setup with custom cabinetry, stone counters, and built-in features like appliances or a sink will increase the price significantly. Factors like the size of the peninsula, the materials you choose, and whether you need plumbing or electrical work all play a major role in the final cost. Labor is another big consideration—but remember that while a DIY kitchen remodel can save money upfront, an expert is ready and able to handle things you might not have considered.  Structural work, permitting and utility hookups are all part of the peace of mind included when having a professional team install your kitchen peninsula. They can ensure a polished end result that often seems out of reach when you bite off more than you can chew in a home remodel project.

Cost Factors To Consider When Planning Your Kitchen Peninsula

When planning your kitchen peninsula, it’s important to understand what really drives the cost. From materials and layout to labor and added features, here are the key factors that can impact your budget.

#1  Higher Quality Cabinets Increase the Cost of Your Peninsula Addition

The type of cabinetry you choose for your kitchen peninsula plays a major role in determining the overall cost. Stock cabinets are the most budget-friendly option and come in standard sizes and finishes, making them easy to install and readily available. Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility in sizing, styles, and finishes, but come at a higher price point. If you opt for fully custom cabinetry, expect to pay significantly more—these are built to your exact specifications, allowing for specialized storage solutions and premium materials. Ultimately, your cabinetry choices affect not just your budget, but also the look, functionality, and longevity of your peninsula.  Keep in mind, if you’re looking to streamline your kitchen activity, custom cabinets can provide precise, tailored storage options—whereas stock cabinets are often just basic boxes that group everything together.

Remember, the material itself also matters: MDF or particleboard is more affordable, while solid wood cabinets are more durable and longer-lasting but add to the initial cost. If you’re working with a tighter budget, cabinets are not the place to cut corners—investing in quality materials will ensure your kitchen holds up to daily use and avoids costly repairs or replacements down the line. Solid wood or high-quality plywood can offer the durability and longevity that make your investment worthwhile.

 

#2 Countertop Material Could Increase Cost of the Peninsula:  

The countertop material you choose for your kitchen peninsula plays a major role in both the overall cost and the long-term durability of the project. 

• Laminate is the most budget-friendly option, offering a wide variety of styles at a low price point—but it’s also the least durable and more prone to scratching, chipping, and heat damage. 
• Butcher block sits in the mid-range, providing a warm, natural look that works well in many design styles, though it requires regular sealing and maintenance to prevent staining or moisture damage. 
• On the higher end, quartz, granite, and solid surface materials offer exceptional durability, stain resistance, and aesthetic appeal, but they come with a much steeper price tag and often require professional installation due to their weight and complexity. 

Your choice here can significantly shift the total project cost, so it’s important to balance visual appeal, usage needs, and maintenance expectations. If you need help choosing which countertop is best for your project, read this blog on the 13 Top Choices for Countertops!

#3 Add-ons and Extras Will Increase the Peninsula Cost: 

Utilities can dramatically affect the cost and complexity of your kitchen peninsula project. Adding electrical outlets is often required by code and can easily add a few hundred dollars to the budget, depending on access and wiring needs. If you're planning to include a sink or dishwasher, plumbing costs can rise quickly—especially if lines need to be rerouted, which may involve cutting into floors or walls. Lighting, such as pendant fixtures or under-cabinet strips, adds both function and visual appeal but requires additional wiring and fixtures that increase labor and material costs. The most expensive utility upgrade tends to be ventilation, especially if you're installing a cooktop on the peninsula. This may require a downdraft system or overhead hood, both of which involve more complex installation and can add thousands to the total cost. Each of these elements enhances usability and design but should be factored carefully into the budget from the start.

Keeping your kitchen peninsula simple—without any extras—can certainly help reduce costs. But it’s also important to think about the purpose behind adding one in the first place. If you start cutting out features that would truly improve how your kitchen functions, you risk missing out on the benefits that made you want the peninsula to begin with. A balanced approach ensures it adds real value to your space.

#4 Size and Layout Complexity: 

The size of your kitchen peninsula can significantly influence the overall cost of the project. A small peninsula with basic functionality and minimal features will naturally cost less, while larger U- or G-shaped layouts require more materials, cabinetry, and labor, driving up the price. Where the peninsula is attached to an existing wall also matters—wall attachments often offer easier access to utilities and support, but the condition of the connecting wall can make a difference. The most expensive scenarios involve structural changes, such as removing or modifying walls to create space or open up the floor plan. These changes can involve permits, framing, drywall, electrical rerouting, and even load-bearing considerations, all of which can add thousands to your project cost.

#5 Labor and Installation: 

Labor and installation are key components of your kitchen peninsula investment—and hiring a professional kitchen contractor is one of the smartest ways to ensure the job is done right the first time. Experienced contractors bring expert craftsmanship, code compliance, and project management skills that help your remodel run smoothly and efficiently. While labor can make up 30% to 50% of your overall cost, it’s an investment in quality and peace of mind. Depending on the scope of work, permits may be required, and your contractor can handle that process for you, avoiding costly mistakes or delays. They’ll also help you navigate the project timeline, coordinating subcontractors and materials to keep everything on track. In the long run, working with a trusted professional often saves time, reduces risk, and delivers a finished product that adds real value to your home.

Kitchen Peninsula Cost Breakdown

To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s a quick breakdown of typical kitchen peninsula costs at three different levels: basic, mid-range, and high-end. This side-by-side comparison includes estimated pricing for key elements like cabinetry, countertops, labor, and utilities—so you can see how your choices impact your overall budget.

How Can I Add a Kitchen Peninsula and Stay on Budget?

If you're looking to add a kitchen peninsula on a budget, there are several smart ways to save without sacrificing function.

• Reusing existing cabinetry can significantly cut costs, especially if the boxes are still in good shape—just refresh with new fronts or hardware. Learn more about refacing to see if refacing your kitchen cabinets would work in your kitchen! 
• Opting for cost-effective countertops like laminate or butcher block also helps keep expenses down.
• Skip plumbing-heavy features like sinks or appliances avoids added labor and permit fees, and choosing semi-custom cabinetry gives you more flexibility than stock without the high price tag of fully custom work.

❇️ While saving money is fun, don’t get too caught up in budget cuts! There are times when it makes sense to spend more during a kitchen remodel project. If durability and long-term value are top priorities, investing in higher-end materials and craftsmanship will pay off over time. If you plan to sell your home soon, a stylish, well-built peninsula can add serious resale appeal. And if your peninsula will be a central prep space or everyday seating area, it's worth upgrading the finishes and functionality to support daily use. The key is balancing where you can save with where it’s smart to invest for lasting results.

What’s My First Step to Add a Peninsula to my Kitchen?

Whether you're going for a simple upgrade or a high-end feature piece, thoughtful planning makes all the difference in every kitchen remodel. Keep in mind, if you're looking to streamline your kitchen activity, well-designed peninsula cabinetry with built-in storage can help you stay organized and efficient every day. 

If you’re still deciding whether a peninsula is the right fit for your kitchen, it might help to explore your options—check out our blog on  Kitchen Island vs. Peninsula to compare the pros and cons of each. And remember, every kitchen is unique. That’s why talking to a design expert can make all the difference. 

If you're unsure where to start or how to balance your wish list with your budget, the team at JSB Home Solutions is here to help. Start by viewing some beautiful kitchens for inspiration on your own kitchen remodeling project on our kitchen galleries page.  We also offer free consultations to walk through your options with you and provide honest, practical guidance tailored to your space—no pressure, just smart solutions!