New Kitchen Cost: Budget to Luxury Pricing
How much does a new kitchen cost? Compare budget, mid-range, and luxury kitchen prices with a full breakdown of units, worktops, and fitting.
A new kitchen is the most popular home improvement in the UK and consistently ranks as the upgrade that delivers the biggest lifestyle impact. Whether you're refreshing a tired kitchen on a budget or creating a statement space, understanding the real costs helps you allocate your money where it matters most.
This guide covers kitchen refit costs - replacing the kitchen within your existing space. If you're also extending, see our kitchen extension cost guide.
Cost by Budget Level
Budget Kitchen: £3,000–£6,000
A complete kitchen replacement using affordable materials with a practical, clean finish.
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Units (flat-pack, 10–12 units) | £800–£2,000 |
| Worktop (laminate, 4m run) | £100–£250 |
| Sink and tap | £80–£200 |
| Appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer) | £800–£1,500 |
| Splashback (tiles or upstands) | £100–£300 |
| Fitting labour (independent fitter) | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Total | £3,380–£6,750 |
Suppliers: B&Q, IKEA, Wickes, DIY Kitchens
Mid-Range Kitchen: £8,000–£15,000
Quality rigid units, a durable worktop, and reliable appliances - the sweet spot for most homeowners.
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Units (rigid, soft-close, 12–16 units) | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Worktop (quartz or solid wood, 4–5m run) | £800–£2,000 |
| Sink and tap (composite/granite sink, mixer tap) | £200–£500 |
| Appliances (integrated Bosch, Neff, AEG package) | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Splashback (glass or large-format tiles) | £300–£800 |
| Lighting (under-cabinet LED + pendant) | £200–£500 |
| Fitting labour | £2,000–£3,000 |
| Total | £7,500–£15,300 |
Suppliers: Howdens, Wren, Magnet, Benchmarx, DIY Kitchens
Premium Kitchen: £15,000–£30,000
High-end units, engineered stone worktops, premium appliances, and designer details.
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Units (handleless, premium brand) | £5,000–£10,000 |
| Worktop (quartz/granite/Dekton, 4–5m) | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Sink and tap (undermount, boiling water tap) | £500–£1,500 |
| Appliances (Miele, Siemens iQ700, NEFF N90) | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Splashback (full-height quartz or glass) | £500–£1,500 |
| Lighting (integrated LED scheme + dimmers) | £400–£1,000 |
| Fitting labour | £2,500–£4,000 |
| Total | £13,400–£27,000 |
Suppliers: Schuller, Nobilia, Harvey Jones, Roundhouse, John Lewis
Luxury Bespoke: £30,000–£60,000+
Handmade cabinetry, natural stone, professional-grade appliances, and architect-led design.
- Custom-built by specialist kitchen makers
- Hardwood carcasses and hand-painted finishes
- Natural marble, quartzite, or sintered stone worktops
- Appliances: Wolf, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero
- Full design service included
Where the Money Goes
Understanding the cost split helps you prioritise:
| Component | % of Total | Where to Spend | Where to Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units | 30–40% | Soft-close hinges, solid shelves | Flat-pack vs rigid is less noticeable than you'd think |
| Worktops | 10–20% | Quartz delivers huge visual impact | Laminate looks great in modern designs |
| Appliances | 15–25% | Oven (you use it daily) | Fridge-freezer (mid-range is fine) |
| Labour | 15–25% | Experienced fitter (quality shows) | DIY what you can safely |
| Tiling/splashback | 5–10% | Full-height behind hob | Upstands elsewhere |
| Lighting | 3–5% | Under-cabinet LEDs (cheap, transformative) | Skip expensive pendant unless focal point |
Buying Smart: Retailer Comparison
| Retailer | Price Level | Unit Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | Budget | Flat-pack | Modular, good design, cheap | Self-assembly, limited customisation |
| B&Q | Budget–Mid | Flat-pack + rigid | Wide range, frequent sales | Variable quality at budget end |
| Wickes | Budget–Mid | Flat-pack + rigid | Own fitting service available | Fitting can be expensive through them |
| DIY Kitchens | Mid | Rigid (trade quality) | Best value rigid units, online only | No showroom, delivery lead times |
| Howdens | Mid | Rigid (trade only) | Consistent quality, fast supply, local depots | Trade-only (buy through your fitter) |
| Wren | Mid–Premium | Rigid | Good design range, frequent 50% off sales | "Sale" pricing can be misleading |
| Magnet | Mid–Premium | Rigid | Solid mid-range, own fitting teams | Smaller range than Wren |
Howdens tip: Howdens is trade-only, but most independent kitchen fitters have an account. Buy through your fitter to access Howdens' range and trade pricing - this is how most mid-range UK kitchens are bought.
Additional Costs to Budget For
The kitchen itself is only part of the total cost:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring (tiles or LVT) | £500–£2,000 | Often done alongside a kitchen refit |
| Plastering and making good | £300–£800 | Walls behind old units often need repair |
| Electrical (new sockets, lighting) | £300–£800 | Must comply with Part P |
| Plumbing (move sink/dishwasher) | £200–£600 | More if waste run changes significantly |
| Gas (move cooker supply) | £150–£400 | Must use a Gas Safe registered engineer |
| Decoration | £200–£500 | Paint, tiling above worktop |
| Skip hire | £150–£300 | Old kitchen disposal |
| Subtotal | £1,800–£5,400 |
These extras add 25–40% on top of the kitchen supply and fit cost - a common budget surprise. Factor them in from the start. See our hidden costs guide for more.
Choosing a Kitchen Fitter
Independent Fitter (Recommended)
An independent kitchen fitter buys from trade suppliers (often Howdens) and charges for labour separately. This is typically the best value route.
- Labour cost: £1,500–£3,000 for a standard kitchen
- Find through: Personal recommendations, TrustMark, Checkatrade, MyBuilder
- Check: Portfolio of completed work, references, insurance
Retailer Installation
Most kitchen retailers offer their own installation service. It's convenient but typically 20–40% more expensive than using an independent fitter.
- Labour cost: £2,500–£5,000 (often included in "fitted kitchen" price)
- Pros: Single point of responsibility, warranty covers supply and fit
- Cons: More expensive, less flexibility, fitter quality varies
DIY + Professional Connections
The most affordable approach - fit units yourself and hire specialists for:
- Gas connection: Must be Gas Safe registered (£100–£250)
- Electrical: Should comply with Part P - use a registered electrician (£200–£500)
- Plumbing: Connecting sink, dishwasher, washing machine (£150–£400)
Saving: £1,000–£2,500 in fitting costs. Only worthwhile if you're comfortable with carpentry and have the right tools.
Kitchen Design Tips
Maximise Storage
The number one complaint about existing kitchens is insufficient storage. Prioritise:
- Full-height wall units or pantry tower units
- Internal drawers in base units (not shelves - you can see everything)
- Pull-out corner solutions for dead space
- A dedicated tall unit for cleaning supplies
The Work Triangle
Keep the three most-used areas - sink, hob, and fridge - within easy reach of each other. Each leg of the triangle should be 1.2–2.7 metres. This layout principle has survived decades because it works.
Lighting Layers
Three types of lighting transform a kitchen:
- Task lighting - under-cabinet LED strips (£50–£150, DIY)
- Ambient lighting - dimmable ceiling spots (£200–£500)
- Feature lighting - pendant over an island or dining area (£50–£300)
Under-cabinet LEDs are the single best-value kitchen upgrade - they cost under £100 and make every worktop look better.
Kitchen Refit vs Kitchen Extension
| Factor | Refit Only | Extension + New Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £5,000–£25,000 | £40,000–£90,000 |
| Time | 1–3 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Disruption | Moderate | Significant |
| Value added | 3–5% | 5–10% |
| Space gained | None | 15–30m² |
| Planning needed | No | Possibly |
If your kitchen is the right size but just dated, a refit is dramatically cheaper than extending. If you need more space, see our kitchen extension guide or consider whether to extend or move.
Next Steps
- Measure your kitchen - length of each wall run, window and door positions
- Set your budget - use the tier breakdowns above as a starting point
- Visit showrooms - see materials in person before committing
- Get 3 fitter quotes - find vetted fitters through TrustMark or see our guide to quotes
- Order early - kitchen lead times are 2–8 weeks depending on supplier
- Budget for extras - flooring, plastering, electrics, and gas work add 25–40%
- Get a project estimate - use our free calculator for overall costs
Frequently Asked Questions
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