What is an Island Skin

An island skin is any material used to cover a kitchen island. These "skins" allow cabinet manufacturers to use less expensive base materials which are then covered with the island skin. Island skins are a great way to build expensive looking cabinets on a budget, since the under substrate layer is concealed by the attached skin. Island skins come in a wide range of materials, including stainless steel and copper. Island skin is also sometimes made from a thin sheet of the same wood as the cabinets.

This is another cost-saving technique that can provide the appearance of real hardwood cabinets for significantly lower cost.