How Much Does a Kitchen Refit Cost in the UK?
A realistic 2026 price guide covering budget, mid-range and premium kitchen renovations with full materials and labour breakdowns.
A new kitchen is one of the biggest home improvements you can make, and one of the most confusing to price. Quotes vary wildly because every kitchen is different — the size, the layout, the quality of materials, whether you are moving plumbing or electrics, and whether you are doing any of the work yourself.
In 2026, most UK homeowners spend between £8,000 and £20,000 on a full kitchen refit. Budget projects start from around £5,000 with flat-pack units and laminate worktops. Premium kitchens with solid wood cabinets, quartz worktops and high-end appliances regularly exceed £30,000.
Quick cost summary
Stop guessing. Get an actual estimate.
Our AI estimator gives you a full materials and labour breakdown for your specific project in under 60 seconds. Free, no signup needed.
Where the money goes
Cabinets are typically the single biggest cost in a kitchen, making up 30-40% of the total budget. A basic run of flat-pack units from B&Q or IKEA for a medium kitchen costs £1,500 to £3,000. Mid-range units from Howdens, Wren or Magnet run £4,000 to £8,000. Bespoke painted cabinets from independent makers start at £10,000 and go much higher.
Worktops are the second biggest variable. Laminate is the cheapest at £100 to £400 for a medium kitchen. Solid wood costs £500 to £1,800. Quartz, which is now the most popular mid-range choice, runs £1,500 to £4,500 supplied and fitted. Granite and marble are similar or higher.
Appliances can range from £500 for a basic set (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer) to £5,000+ for premium brands like Bosch, Neff or Miele.
Labour costs
Labour typically makes up 30-40% of a kitchen refit. The main trades involved are:
Total labour for a straightforward mid-range kitchen typically comes to £3,000 to £5,000. This rises significantly if you are moving plumbing, changing the layout, or adding structural work like removing a wall.
Commonly forgotten costs
Skip hire for the old kitchen runs £200 to £350. Flooring is often quoted separately and costs £500 to £2,000 depending on material. Wall tiling behind the worktops (splashback) adds £300 to £800. New lighting, especially under-cabinet LED strips, costs £50 to £200. Building regulations may apply if you are moving gas or significant electrical work, adding £200 to £500 for sign-off.
How to save money on a kitchen refit
Keep the same layout. The moment you start moving plumbing and electrics, costs jump. If your current layout works, a like-for-like replacement of units, worktops and appliances is significantly cheaper than a complete redesign.
Do some of the work yourself. Removing the old kitchen, painting, fitting handles, and basic tiling are all things a competent DIYer can handle. Leave plumbing, gas and electrics to qualified tradespeople.
Mix and match quality levels. Put your budget into the things you touch and see every day — worktops, drawer runners, handles — and save on things like back panels and plinths.
Stop guessing. Get an actual estimate.
Our AI estimator gives you a full materials and labour breakdown for your specific project in under 60 seconds. Free, no signup needed.
Regional price variations
London and the South East are typically 15-25% more expensive than the national average for both labour and some materials. Cities like Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh are now approaching South East rates. Rural areas may be cheaper on labour but can incur higher delivery costs for materials.
If you want a more accurate estimate for your specific kitchen, our AI estimator can generate a full materials and labour breakdown in under 60 seconds. Just describe your kitchen and answer a few quick questions.