Waterfall Island: What It Is and Why the Fraser Has One
In this article
"A waterfall island is a kitchen island where the countertop does not stop at the edge. It keeps going straight down the side, all the way to the floor, like water running over a ledge. At Ivy Ranch, D.R. Horton lists a waterfall island in the kitchens, and it names a ""large waterfall island"" in the Fraser plan. The Fraser is a one-story home with about 2,533 square feet, four bedrooms and a three-car garage.
This guide explains what a waterfall island is, what is good and not so good about one, and what to ask when you see one in person.
What Is a Waterfall Island?
A normal island has a flat top. The cabinets sit under the top, and the top ends at the edge.
A waterfall island adds a vertical piece of the same material on one or both ends. That piece runs from the top down to the floor. It looks like the top is pouring down the side.
It is a simple idea. It changes how the whole kitchen looks. The island turns from a box with a lid into one clean shape.
Why People Like It
It looks finished. The sides of the island get the same surface as the top. You see stone, not plain cabinet panels.
It protects the sides. The sides of an island take bumps. Chairs, shoes, vacuums and kids all knock into them. A stone side holds up better than a painted panel.
It makes the island the star. In an open layout, the kitchen is part of the great room. A waterfall island is the first thing you notice.
It gives a place to gather. Most large islands have room for seating. Ask the sales team what seating the Fraser's island has, because the builder does not publish that.
What to Think About
It uses more material. The side pieces add stone. Ask the sales team what the island is made of and what the vertical side costs if it is an option.
It shows seams and patterns. If the stone has veins, the top and side should line up. Look at how the pattern turns the corner. Good work looks smooth.
It can be harder to change. If you ever want to move or remove the island, the stone sides make that a bigger job.
Corners and edges. A sharp, square edge looks modern. It can also be easy to bump. Walk around the island and picture your family using it.
Cleaning. Stone wipes clean. Still, look at the bottom of the vertical piece, where it meets the floor.
What Ivy Ranch Says About Its Kitchens
The builder's community description says the kitchens have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a waterfall island. The community's listed features include granite countertops in the kitchen and quartz countertops in the bathrooms.
The Fraser page goes further. It says ""the kitchen features a large waterfall island, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a spacious walk-in pantry.""
The Camden page describes ""a large island, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances."" It does not use the word waterfall. If a waterfall island matters to you, ask the sales team whether the Camden has one. Our Camden vs Fraser guide compares the two plans in full.
The builder does not publish the size of the island or what the vertical side is made of. Ask in person, and look at it with your own eyes.
The Kitchen in Its Setting
In the Fraser, the great room, dining area and kitchen are connected in an open layout. The builder describes it as ""an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining.""
That open layout is why the island matters. When the kitchen is open to the living room, the island is what you see from the couch. People standing at the island can talk with people in the next room.
The lanai extends the living space outdoors. It is a covered patio at the back of the home. The Fraser's kitchen and the lanai give you two spaces for gatherings.
The Fraser also has a walk-in pantry. You can read about it in our walk-in pantry guide. Together, the island and the pantry make the Fraser the plan with the most kitchen features at Ivy Ranch.
Waterfall Island vs a Standard Island
Waterfall island | Standard island | |
|---|---|---|
Look | Top flows down the side | Top stops at the edge |
Sides | Same stone as the top | Cabinet panels |
Wear on the sides | Stone holds up to bumps | Panels can scuff |
Material used | More | Less |
Best for | An open, modern kitchen | Any kitchen |
A standard island is not worse. It is just a different style. Pick the one you like to look at and use every day.
How to Judge One in Person
When you visit, stand at the island and check these things:
Walk all the way around it. Is there enough room between the island and the cabinets?
Look at the corners. Are they sharp or soft?
Look at the stone pattern. Does it flow down the side?
Check the seating. Where would you put stools?
Open the cabinets. What storage is built into the island?
Ask what is standard. Some features may be options.
If you only visit one home, ask to see the Fraser's kitchen first.
What Does a Fraser Cost?
Fraser homes at Ivy Ranch have recently started in the high $860,000s. Lot, options and incentives change the final number, and the builder updates them often. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers.
A Quick Note on Style
A waterfall island works best when the rest of the kitchen is simple. If the cabinets, floors and walls all have a lot of pattern, the island can feel busy. Look at the model kitchen and ask yourself if the island is the thing you notice first. If so, it is doing its job.
Common Questions
What is a waterfall island?
It is a kitchen island where the countertop material continues down the side of the island to the floor. It looks like the top is flowing down. It is a style choice, and it protects the island's sides.
Does Ivy Ranch have a waterfall island?
Yes. The builder lists a waterfall island in the community's kitchens and names a large waterfall island in the Fraser plan. The Camden page describes a large island. Ask the sales team whether a waterfall edge is included in the Camden.
What countertops do Ivy Ranch kitchens have?
The builder lists granite countertops in the kitchen and quartz countertops in the bathrooms. Ask the sales team which colors are offered.
Is a waterfall island hard to clean?
No. Stone wipes clean with a soft cloth. Check the bottom of the vertical side, where it meets the floor, for dust.
Does a waterfall island cost more?
It uses more stone, so it often costs more as an upgrade. At Ivy Ranch the builder lists it in the kitchen description. Ask what is included in the base price for your plan.
Can you sit at a waterfall island?
Usually, yes, if the island has an overhang on one side. The builder does not publish the seating details for the Fraser, so look at it in person.
Which Ivy Ranch plan has the most kitchen features?
The Fraser. The builder lists a large waterfall island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a spacious walk-in pantry in its kitchen.
Call 561-704-0091 or See the Fraser Kitchen at Ivy Ranch to walk through the waterfall island with Simon.
Related reading: Camden vs Fraser at Ivy Ranch, Walk-In Pantry, Jack and Jill Bathroom, Nursery in Homestead, FL, Farmers Market in Homestead, FL, the Fraser plan page and the Ivy Ranch community page."