A kitchen is the heart of any home—a space where meals are prepared, families gather, and social interactions unfold. Whether you want to modernise an outdated kitchen, improve functionality, or add value to your home, renovating your kitchen is a great investment.
However, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is the cost involved. “How much does a new kitchen cost?” is a crucial question to answer before diving into the renovation process. The cost of a new kitchen in the UK depends on various factors, including size, materials, labour, and customisation choices.
A budget-friendly kitchen update may cost around £5,000 – £10,000, whereas a mid-range renovation can fall between £10,000 – £20,000. On the higher end, a luxury kitchen with premium materials and smart appliances can easily exceed £30,000.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the average cost of a kitchen, explain the factors that affect pricing, and share practical tips to save money while still achieving a beautiful and functional kitchen. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or a minor update, this guide will help you budget wisely.
What Is the Average Cost of a New Kitchen in the UK?
The cost of a new kitchen varies widely based on your choices. Some homeowners opt for a simple kitchen refresh by replacing doors, repainting cabinets, and installing new worktops, while others go for a full renovation involving structural changes, new appliances, and premium materials.
To give you a clearer idea, here’s a general cost breakdown for different types of kitchens in the UK:
| Kitchen Type | Estimated Cost (UK) | Features Included |
| Budget | £5,000 – £10,000 | Basic cabinets, laminate worktops, standard appliances |
| Mid-Range | £10,000 – £20,000 | Upgraded cabinets, quartz worktops, branded appliances |
| High-End | £20,000 – £50,000+ | Custom-built units, luxury materials, smart kitchen technology |
If you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for pre-made kitchen units, affordable laminate worktops, and basic appliances. A mid-range kitchen typically includes higher quality worktops like quartz, soft-close cabinets, and branded appliances.
On the luxury end, you’ll find bespoke cabinetry, top-tier appliances, smart kitchen technology, and premium stone surfaces like marble or granite. When planning your budget, remember that labour and installation costs can significantly impact the overall price.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a New Kitchen?
Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens require more materials, additional labour, and often more complex electrical and plumbing work. A small kitchen renovation can cost around £5,000 – £10,000, while a large kitchen upgrade may exceed £25,000.
Materials & Finishes
The materials you choose for cabinets, worktops, flooring, and splashbacks have a major impact on costs. Laminate and MDF cabinets are more budget-friendly, whereas solid wood or custom-built cabinets can be expensive. Similarly, granite or quartz worktops cost significantly more than laminate or composite options.
Appliances
Basic appliances such as ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers typically cost £1,000 – £3,000. However, if you prefer integrated or high-tech appliances like smart refrigerators and built-in coffee machines, expect to spend £5,000 – £7,000 or more.
Labour & Installation Costs
Hiring professionals such as kitchen fitters, electricians, and plumbers adds to the overall cost. Installation charges can range from £1,500 – £8,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
Custom vs. Pre-Made Kitchens
Custom-designed kitchens allow for greater personalisation, but they come at a higher cost compared to off-the-shelf kitchen units from retailers like IKEA, B&Q, or Wren Kitchens.
How Much Do Kitchen Components Cost?
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the costs of major kitchen components:
Kitchen Units & Cabinets – £1,500 to £10,000+
- MDF or flat-pack cabinets: £1,500 – £3,000
- Solid wood or custom-built cabinets: £5,000 – £10,000+
Worktops – £500 to £5,000
- Laminate: £500 – £1,500
- Quartz: £2,000 – £4,000
- Granite: £3,000+
Appliances – £1,000 to £7,000
- Basic freestanding appliances: £1,000 – £3,000
- High-end integrated appliances: £5,000+
Flooring – £500 to £3,000
- Vinyl: £500 – £1,500
- Tiles: £1,000 – £3,000
Plumbing & Electrical Work – £1,000 to £5,000
- Rewiring and new plumbing installations may increase costs.
Installation & Labour – £1,500 to £8,000
- The complexity of the design affects labour costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Kitchen?
The installation of your kitchen is one of the biggest expenses, and hiring experienced professionals is crucial to ensuring high-quality results. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Service | Estimated Cost (UK) |
| Kitchen fitter | £150 – £200 per day |
| Electrician | £50 – £100 per hour |
| Plumber | £40 – £80 per hour |
| Flooring installation | £10 – £50 per sqm |
If you’re planning structural changes, such as removing walls, additional building costs will apply. Labour costs can also increase if your kitchen layout needs extensive plumbing or electrical work.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
The duration of your kitchen remodel depends on the complexity of the project. Here’s a rough timeline:
| Renovation Type | Estimated Time |
| Small kitchen update | 1-2 weeks |
| Mid-range renovation | 3-4 weeks |
| Full remodel with structural work | 6+ weeks |
Delays can occur due to waiting for materials, unforeseen structural issues, or planning approvals.
Can You Renovate a Kitchen on a Tight Budget?
Yes! There are plenty of cost-effective ways to upgrade your kitchen:
- Refacing existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Opting for laminate or wood-effect worktops instead of stone.
- Buying second-hand or ex-display kitchen units.
- DIY painting and tiling to save on labour costs.
Even small changes like updating handles, installing LED lighting, or painting walls can make a big difference without spending a fortune.
