A new kitchen is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home. It is also one of the easiest places to overspend if you do not know what things should cost.
This guide gives you real numbers so you can plan your budget before you step foot in a showroom.
A basic kitchen renovation costs £5,000 to £8,000. A mid range kitchen runs £8,000 to £15,000. A premium kitchen with all the trimmings can easily reach £20,000 to £30,000+.
Kitchen Costs at a Glance
| Budget Level | Total Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £5,000 to £8,000 | Flat pack units, laminate worktops, basic appliances, standard fitting |
| Mid Range | £8,000 to £15,000 | Rigid units, quartz or solid surface worktops, integrated appliances |
| Premium | £15,000 to £30,000+ | Bespoke or handleless units, granite or marble worktops, premium appliances, designer lighting |
Breaking Down the Costs
Kitchen Units
| Type | Cost (for a typical kitchen) |
|---|---|
| Flat pack (IKEA, B&Q, Wickes) | £1,500 to £3,000 |
| Rigid pre built (Howdens, Wren, Magnet) | £3,000 to £6,000 |
| Bespoke (independent kitchen company) | £6,000 to £15,000+ |
Flat pack kitchens from IKEA or B&Q are perfectly fine for most homes. They look good, they work, and they last 10 to 15 years with normal use. The main difference with rigid units is build quality and the feel of the doors and drawers. Bespoke kitchens are for people who want something truly unique or have an awkward shaped room.
Worktops
| Material | Cost per Linear Metre |
|---|---|
| Laminate | £30 to £80 |
| Solid wood (oak, walnut) | £80 to £200 |
| Quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone) | £200 to £500 |
| Granite | £250 to £500 |
| Marble | £300 to £700 |
| Dekton / Neolith | £350 to £600 |
Laminate worktops have improved dramatically in recent years. Modern laminates can look convincingly like stone and cost a fraction of the price. Unless you are set on the feel of real stone under your hands, laminate is the smart money choice.
Appliances
| Appliance | Budget | Mid Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | £200 to £400 | £400 to £800 | £800 to £2,000+ |
| Hob | £100 to £250 | £250 to £600 | £600 to £1,500 |
| Fridge freezer | £300 to £500 | £500 to £1,000 | £1,000 to £3,000 |
| Dishwasher | £200 to £350 | £350 to £600 | £600 to £1,200 |
| Extractor hood | £50 to £150 | £150 to £400 | £400 to £1,000 |
Buy the best oven you can afford. It is the one appliance you will use every day and the difference between a £250 oven and a £600 oven is noticeable. Everything else, mid range is fine.
Fitting and Labour
| Trade | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter (units, worktops, doors) | £1,500 to £3,000 |
| Plumber (sink, dishwasher, gas) | £300 to £800 |
| Electrician (sockets, lighting, cooker circuit) | £300 to £700 |
| Tiler (splashback or full wall) | £200 to £600 |
| Plasterer (if walls need making good) | £200 to £500 |
| Decorator (painting) | £150 to £400 |
| Skip hire (removing old kitchen) | £200 to £350 |
Labour typically accounts for 30% to 40% of the total kitchen cost. If you can handle the demolition and painting yourself, you will save £300 to £700.
Hidden Costs People Forget
- Takeaway food: You will not have a kitchen for 1 to 3 weeks. Budget £200 to £400 for eating out and takeaways.
- Building regs: If you are moving gas or adding new electrical circuits, you may need sign off. Your electrician should handle this, but check.
- Making good: Old kitchens often hide surprises behind the units. Damp, dodgy plumbing, outdated wiring. Budget an extra 10% for the unexpected.
- Flooring: New kitchen usually means new flooring. Add £500 to £1,500 for vinyl, tile, or laminate flooring.
How to Save Money on a New Kitchen
- Keep the existing layout. Moving plumbing and electrics is expensive. If you can work with where things are, you save thousands.
- Buy ex display. Kitchen showrooms sell display kitchens at 50% to 70% off. The units are usually in perfect condition.
- Do the demolition yourself. Ripping out the old kitchen is the easiest part. Saves you £200 to £500.
- Use a kitchen fitter, not a company. High street kitchen companies add 30% to 50% margin. Buy the units yourself and hire an independent fitter.
- Laminate worktops. Modern laminates are excellent. Spending £3,000 on quartz worktops when you are on a tight budget makes no sense.
A new kitchen in the UK costs £5,000 to £30,000+ depending on your taste and budget. For most homeowners, a well planned mid range kitchen at £8,000 to £12,000 will transform your home without emptying your savings. Keep the layout, buy smart, and hire an independent fitter to get the most for your money.