Custom Kitchen Island San Diego

Expert Design & Installation • 30+ Years Experience • Licensed & Insured

Transform Your Kitchen Into the Heart of Your Home

First Choice Home Builders has been creating stunning kitchen islands for San Diego homeowners for over 30 years. Whether you need extra prep space, seating for family gatherings, or a complete custom island installation, we design and build islands that become the centerpiece of your home.

Custom Island Design

Every island designed specifically for your space, cooking style, and family needs with 3D renderings to visualize your project before construction begins.

Professional Installation

Licensed contractors handle every detail from electrical and plumbing to cabinet installation and countertop mounting. Built to last decades.

Island Renovation & Upgrades

Already have an island? We upgrade existing islands with new countertops, added features, improved storage, or complete transformations.

Complete Project Management

We handle permits, coordinate trades, and ensure your project stays on schedule and on budget with zero surprise costs.

Transform Your Kitchen Into the Heart of Your Home

Experience Matters

With over 30 years serving San Diego County, we understand the unique needs of local homeowners. From La Jolla coastal homes to Mission Hills craftsman properties, we’ve designed islands for every style and space.

Our licensed contractors bring expertise in electrical, plumbing, and cabinetry to ensure your island is not only beautiful but built to California building codes and designed to last for generations.

Kitchen Island Shapes & Sizes for Every San Diego Kitchen

First Choice Home Builders has been creating stunning kitchen islands for San Diego homeowners for over 30 years. Whether you need extra prep space, seating for family gatherings, or a complete custom island installation, we design and build islands that become the centerpiece of your home.

L-Shaped Islands

L-Shaped Islands

Perfect for Entertaining

L-shaped islands work beautifully in medium to large kitchens where you want to create distinct zones. One leg provides prep space while the other offers bar-style seating for 3-4 people.

Best for: Open floor plans, families who entertain frequently, kitchens 14' x 16' or larger
U-Shaped Islands

U-Shaped Islands

For Multiple Cooks

U-shaped islands are ideal for serious cooks and large families where multiple people work in the kitchen simultaneously. Maximum storage and counter space.

Best for: Gourmet cooks, large families, minimum kitchen size: 16' x 18'
Galley Islands

Galley Islands

For Narrow Spaces

Galley-style islands are rectangular and work well in narrower kitchens. These streamlined islands typically measure 24-36 inches wide and provide efficient workspace.

Best for: Smaller kitchens, condos and townhomes, works in kitchens as small as 10' x 14'
Kitchen Island Features & Functionality

Circular Islands

For Unique Designs

Circular or curved islands make dramatic design statements in homes with unique architectural features. The rounded shape softens the kitchen’s look and improves traffic flow.

Best for: Modern homes, unique architectural styles, creating visual focal points
Island Shape Best For Recommended Kitchen Size Popular Features
L-Shaped Entertaining, open floor plans 14' x 16' or larger Seating, sink/cooktop, storage
U-Shaped Multiple cooks, large families Minimum 16' x 18' Wraparound workspace, max storage
Galley Narrow kitchens, condos As small as 10' x 14' Streamlined, efficient
Circular Unique designs, modern homes Custom—based on layout Dramatic look, better flow

⚠️ Minimum Clearance Requirements for Kitchen Islands

Where Families Gather & Memories Are Made

A kitchen island is more than extra counter space—it’s where families gather for breakfast, where you prep meals while helping with homework, where friends naturally congregate during parties, and where your kitchen transforms from a workspace into the true heart of your home.

Custom Kitchen Island Styles & Configurations

From sleek modern condos Downtown to traditional Craftsman homes in Mission Hills, we create islands that complement your kitchen’s architecture and aesthetic.

🌊 Modern with Waterfall Edges

Waterfall edge islands feature countertop material that flows down the sides to the floor, creating a sleek, contemporary look. Dramatic design element perfect for modern San Diego homes with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.
Popular in Downtown condos, Hillcrest, contemporary designs

🏛️ Traditional with Seating

Traditional islands feature classic design elements like furniture-style legs, decorative corbels, beadboard panels, and ornate moldings. Includes comfortable seating for 3-4 people and creates a warm, inviting focal point.
Perfect for Mission Hills Craftsman homes, La Jolla estates, historic neighborhoods

📊 Two-Tier Islands

Two-tier islands feature two different height levels—typically 36 inches for food prep and 42 inches for bar seating. This configuration hides kitchen mess from guests while providing ergonomic workspace for cooking.
Advantages: Hides prep work, creates distinct zones, comfortable bar-height seating

Kitchen Island Features & Functionality

Modern kitchen islands pack incredible functionality into a single fixture. The right features transform your island from simple counter space into a hardworking, multifunctional centerpiece.

Built-In Seating

The most requested island feature for San Diego families. Seating transforms your island into a casual dining spot, homework station, and social hub where family and friends naturally gather.

  • 24 inches of counter width per person minimum
  • 12-15 inch overhang for comfortable knee room
  • 42-inch height standard for bar stools
Kitchen Island Features & Functionality

📦 Smart Storage Solutions

Strategic storage makes islands essential kitchen workhorses. Well-designed storage keeps counters clear and everything within arm’s reach.

🚰 Island with Sink Installation

Adding a sink to your island creates a second work zone and allows the cook to face family/guests while washing vegetables.

💰 Added cost: $2,000-$4,000

🔥 Island with Cooktop Integration

Island cooktops create dramatic focal points and allow cooks to face guests while preparing meals. Popular in gourmet San Diego kitchens.

💰 Added cost: $3,000-$6,000

Maximize Every Inch

Smart storage design transforms your island from simple counter space into a hardworking kitchen command center. We incorporate pull-out drawers, hidden compartments, and custom organizers that keep everything accessible yet out of sight.

From dedicated wine racks to pull-out trash bins, appliance garages to spice pull-outs—every inch is optimized for your specific cooking style and storage needs.

Kitchen Island Features & Functionality

Our Kitchen Island Design & Installation Process

We guide San Diego homeowners from vision to completion with a seamless process tailored to your needs.

1

Free Design Consultation

We visit your San Diego home for a free, no-obligation consultation, measuring your kitchen, discussing your needs, style, and frustrations with the current layout. We assess electrical and plumbing requirements and offer initial design concepts with a budget estimate.

⏱️ Timeline: 1-2 hours
💵 Cost: FREE
2

3D Rendering & Planning

Our team creates photorealistic 3D renderings to visualize your island, including materials, dimensions, and hardware. We mark utility locations and offer unlimited revisions until you're satisfied with the design.

⏱️ Timeline: 1-2 weeks
🔄 Revisions: Unlimited
3

Island Placement & Traffic Flow

We optimize island placement for functionality, analyzing the work triangle, traffic patterns, sight lines, and door clearances. Masking tape outlines the island's footprint for you to test before finalization.

✅ Test Before Building
4

Professional Installation

Our licensed contractors protect floors, rough-in utilities, and install cabinets, countertops, and hardware. We secure the island, connect utilities, and clean thoroughly with minimal disruption to your daily life.

⏱️ Timeline: 3-5 days
✅ Expert work, guaranteed

Common Kitchen Island Design Mistakes

Avoid costly errors that can lead to thousands in fixes or years of frustration with a dysfunctional island.

❌ Poor Island Placement & Clearance

Placing an island too close to cabinets or appliances creates cramped walkways and blocked access. One client's 8-foot island in a 13-foot kitchen blocked refrigerator and dishwasher access entirely.

✅ The Fix:

Maintain 42-48 inches clearance on all sides. Use masking tape to test placement before finalizing your design.

❌ Wrong Kitchen Island Size

An oversized island overwhelms a kitchen, while a tiny one lacks function. Choosing based on showroom appeal rather than your kitchen's proportions causes this common error.

✅ The Fix:

For a 150-square-foot kitchen, target a 15-square-foot island (approximately 3'x5'). Proper sizing ensures visual balance and usability.

❌ Inadequate Storage Planning

Poor storage design like deep cabinets or fixed shelves wastes space. Standard configurations often ignore actual needs and lifestyle requirements.

✅ The Fix:

Design storage for your specific items—deep drawers for pots, pull-outs for trash, dedicated appliance spaces with outlets. Include roll-out shelves and spice storage near cooking areas.

❌ Electrical & Plumbing Errors

Insufficient or poorly placed outlets and late plumbing planning cause major issues and expensive fixes down the line.

✅ The Fix:

Plan outlets every 4 feet with 20-amp circuits for appliances. For plumbing, confirm drain and venting early. San Diego codes require permits—use licensed contractors for compliance.

Custom Kitchen Island Cost Range – San Diego

Transparent pricing for every budget level. All projects include design, materials, professional installation, permits, and cleanup.

Basic Island

$4K - $8K

Mid-Range Island

$8K - $15K

High-End Island

$15K - $30K+

Why Choose First Choice for Your San Diego Kitchen Island

With over 30 years of experience, First Choice Home Builders crafts custom kitchen islands that blend beauty, functionality, and durability for San Diego homeowners.

Licensed & Local Experts

CA License #987654, fully bonded and insured. We handle all permits and ensure San Diego building code compliance.

Transparent Pricing

Fixed-price contracts with detailed breakdowns. No surprise costs or hidden fees—ever.

3D Design Process

Photorealistic renderings with unlimited revisions ensure you love your island before construction begins.

Professional Installation

Licensed contractors complete projects on schedule with minimal disruption to your daily life.

30+ Years San Diego Experience

We've installed islands throughout San Diego County—from La Jolla to Coronado—understanding every neighborhood's unique style.

Quality Guarantee

Professional workmanship warranty and commitment to excellence on every project, large or small.

Frequently Asked Questions

At least 100–150 square feet of kitchen space with 36–48 inches of clearance on all sides. Work aisles need 42-48 inches minimum, while traffic aisles require 36 inches for comfortable movement.

Most islands are 60–96 inches long and 30–42 inches wide. A common, functional size is 72″ x 36″. The ideal size depends on your kitchen dimensions and how you plan to use the island.

Yes, with proper plumbing and electrical work. Adding a sink creates a second work zone and typically costs an additional $2,000–$4,000. It requires plumbing lines under the floor, proper venting, and GFCI electrical outlets.

Typically $8,000–$30,000+ based on size, materials, features, and customization level. Basic islands start around $4,000, mid-range islands run $8,000-$15,000, and high-end custom islands with premium features can exceed $30,000.

Yes, a well-designed kitchen island can increase kitchen value by up to 15% with 70–85% ROI. Beyond financial returns, islands dramatically improve kitchen usability and are highly desirable to potential buyers.

Quartz is the most popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance. Granite, marble, and butcher block are also excellent options depending on your style preferences and how you’ll use the island.

Both approaches work beautifully. Matching cabinets offers a classic, cohesive look, while contrasting colors or finishes create a stylish focal point. The choice depends on your design vision and kitchen style.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

Join hundreds of satisfied San Diego homeowners who have transformed their kitchens with custom islands from First Choice Home Builders. From concept to completion, we’re with you every step of the way.

Get a free estimate

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