One of the first questions anyone planning a kitchen renovation asks is: how much is this actually going to cost me? The honest answer is that it depends — but this guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay at every budget level in the UK in 2026, plus the hidden costs that catch people out.
UK Kitchen Cost Summary
| Budget Level | Kitchen Supply | Installation | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | £1,500–£4,000 | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,000–£7,000 |
| Mid-range | £5,000–£12,000 | £3,000–£6,000 | £8,000–£18,000 |
| High-end | £12,000–£30,000+ | £6,000–£15,000+ | £18,000–£45,000+ |
| Bespoke | £25,000–£80,000+ | £10,000–£25,000+ | £35,000–£100,000+ |
What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen?
Kitchen costs vary enormously depending on several factors. Understanding what drives the price up (or down) will help you make smarter decisions with your budget.
1. The Size of Your Kitchen
Larger kitchens need more units, more worktop, more flooring, and more time to install. A small galley kitchen of 8–10 units will cost significantly less than a large open-plan kitchen with an island. As a rough rule, add around £500–£800 per additional unit once you move beyond the basics.
2. The Brand You Choose
At the budget end, IKEA and B&Q offer complete kitchens from around £1,500–£3,000 for the units alone. Mid-range brands like Howdens, Wren, and Magnet sit between £4,000 and £12,000. Premium brands like Smallbone, Tom Howley, and bespoke local designers start at £20,000 and can reach six figures for large kitchens.
3. Worktop Material
Worktops alone can swing your budget by thousands. Laminate starts at around £100–£200 fitted per metre. Solid wood costs £200–£400/m. Quartz and granite run from £300–£700/m fitted. Dekton and ultra-compact surfaces can exceed £800/m. For an average kitchen, the difference between laminate and quartz could be £2,000–£5,000.
4. Appliances
Budget appliances (oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, fridge-freezer) from brands like Indesit or Hotpoint will cost £1,200–£2,000. Mid-range Bosch, Neff, or Smeg appliances cost £2,500–£5,000. High-end Miele, Wolf, or Gaggenau packages can reach £10,000–£20,000+. Don’t forget integrated appliances cost more than freestanding equivalents.
5. Labour and Installation
Installation typically accounts for 30–50% of the total kitchen cost. Expect to pay:
- Kitchen fitter: £150–£250 per day (average installation takes 3–7 days)
- Electrician: £500–£1,500 depending on work required
- Plumber: £400–£1,000 for moving or connecting appliances
- Plasterer: £300–£600 if walls need making good
- Tiler: £400–£800 for a standard splash back area
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Many renovation projects go over budget because of costs that weren’t anticipated. Here are the ones that catch people out most often:
- Structural work: Knocking through walls, RSJ beams, or moving load-bearing walls — costs can reach £3,000–£10,000
- Rewiring: If your kitchen is old, the electrics may need upgrading to meet Part P building regulations (£800–£2,500)
- Boiler relocation: Moving a boiler out of a kitchen can cost £1,500–£3,000
- Waste removal: Skips cost £200–£400. Some fitters will remove the old kitchen for an extra fee
- Decoration: Painting, new flooring, lighting — easily £500–£2,000 on top
- VAT: Always check whether quotes include VAT. A £15,000 quote ex-VAT becomes £18,000 with it added
How to Save Money on Your Kitchen
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to stay on budget. Here are the strategies our community members use most successfully:
Keep the Layout the Same
Moving the sink or changing where the gas comes in costs significantly more. If you can keep the plumbing and electrics roughly where they are, you’ll save £1,000–£3,000 easily.
Mix and Match
Use budget carcasses (the boxes) but invest in good doors, handles, and a quality worktop. The carcasses are hidden — no one sees them. IKEA units with replacement handleless doors from a third-party supplier is an extremely popular approach in our community.
Buy Appliances Separately
Kitchen retailers mark up appliances significantly. Buying appliances direct from John Lewis, AO, or Currys during a sale can save hundreds. Make sure they’re compatible with your units before ordering.
Get Three Quotes
Never accept the first quote for fitting. Get at least three from local tradespeople. Check reviews on Checkatrade or Rated People, and ask in our Kitchen Design Ideas UK Facebook group for recommendations in your area.
Is It Worth Renovating vs Moving?
A full kitchen renovation typically adds 5–10% to a home’s value — so if your home is worth £350,000, a quality kitchen could add £17,500–£35,000. That makes a £15,000–£20,000 investment look very sensible, especially compared to the cost of moving (stamp duty alone on a similar home could exceed £10,000). The key is not over-capitalising — spending £60,000 on a kitchen in a £300,000 home is unlikely to be recovered in the sale price.
Have questions about your kitchen budget? Ask in our community Facebook group — 20,000+ members have been through it and are happy to share their real costs and experiences.