Quick Answer
A new kitchen in the UK costs £2,000–£5,000 for a flat-pack budget fit-out, £5,000–£15,000 for a mid-range semi-custom kitchen, and £15,000–£50,000+ for a bespoke fitted kitchen. Most UK homeowners spend around £8,000–£12,000 all-in for a good quality kitchen in 2026.
The kitchen is consistently ranked as the most important room in the home when it comes to property value and daily quality of life. It's also one of the biggest investments you'll make as a homeowner — and one of the easiest to overspend on without good planning. This 2026 guide gives you honest, up-to-date pricing for new kitchens across all budget levels.
Kitchen costs in the UK vary enormously depending on whether you choose flat-pack units from IKEA or a fully bespoke handmade kitchen, whether you keep the existing layout or move everything around, and where you live. A kitchen that costs £10,000 to install in the Midlands might cost £14,000 in London for exactly the same work.
All prices below are based on 2026 UK market rates and include both supply and installation unless stated otherwise. Ready to compare quotes from local kitchen fitters? Post your kitchen job on GetQuickHelp for free.
In this guide
Kitchen Costs by Type
There are three broad categories of kitchen in the UK market, each with very different price points and quality levels:
| Kitchen Type | Supply Cost | All-in Cost (incl. fitting) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack / DIY | £800 – £3,000 | £2,000 – £5,000 | IKEA, B&Q Cooke & Lewis |
| Semi-custom / rigid units | £3,000 – £8,000 | £5,000 – £15,000 | Howdens, Wren, Wickes |
| Made-to-measure | £8,000 – £25,000 | £12,000 – £35,000 | Harvey Jones, John Lewis |
| Bespoke handmade | £20,000 – £80,000+ | £30,000 – £100,000+ | Tom Howley, deVOL, Plain English |
Flat-pack kitchens from IKEA or B&Q are the most affordable option. The units are self-assembled and the quality of the carcasses is surprisingly good — IKEA's SEKTION range uses real particleboard with a durable finish and a 25-year guarantee. The main difference versus more expensive kitchens is in the door quality, drawer mechanisms, and worktop.
Semi-custom kitchens from retailers like Howdens (trade only), Wren, and Wickes use rigid pre-assembled carcasses, which are faster to fit and generally more robust than flat-pack. These represent the sweet spot for most UK homeowners: a noticeable step up in quality without the price tag of a bespoke kitchen.
Bespoke kitchens are for those who want exactly what they want. Every cabinet is made to your exact measurements, in your exact finish. Lead times of 8–20 weeks are common, and prices are correspondingly high.
Labour Costs Breakdown
Labour typically accounts for 30–50% of a kitchen installation budget. Here's what to budget for each trade involved:
| Trade | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter (3–5 days) | £800 – £2,000 | Units, worktops, appliances, plinths |
| Plumber (1–2 days) | £300 – £700 | Sink, dishwasher connections, boiler if moved |
| Electrician (1–2 days) | £300 – £700 | Sockets, under-cabinet lighting, cooker circuit |
| Plasterer / decorator (1–2 days) | £300 – £600 | If walls need re-skimming or tiling |
| Tiler (1–2 days) | £200 – £600 | Splashback tiles |
| Worktop templater | £100 – £250 | For stone/quartz worktops — usually included by supplier |
A kitchen fitter will handle the installation of units, worktops, doors, handles, and appliances. However, they're not usually qualified to do the gas, plumbing, or electrical connections — those require separate tradespeople. For electrician costs, see our guide on how to find a trustworthy electrician.
What's Included in a Kitchen Installation
A full kitchen installation typically covers:
- Strip-out and disposal of old kitchen units and appliances
- Supply and installation of new base and wall units
- Worktop supply and fitting (laminate, solid wood, quartz, or granite)
- Sink and tap installation
- Plumbing connections for dishwasher and washing machine
- Electrical connections for appliances and under-cabinet lighting
- Splashback tiling or upstands
- Plinths, cornices, and finishing strips
- Appliance installation (oven, hob, extractor)
💡 Tip
Always get a written quote that lists exactly what's included. Cheap quotes often exclude waste disposal, appliance installation, or electrical work — these can add £500–£1,500 to the final bill.
What Affects the Cost of a New Kitchen
| Factor | Cost Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen size | High | More units = more materials and labour time |
| Worktop material | High | Laminate £150; solid quartz £600–£2,000+ for 5m run |
| Layout changes | High | Moving the sink or adding an island adds plumbing and electrics costs |
| Appliance quality | High | Budget appliances £800 total; premium £3,000–£8,000+ |
| Location | Medium-High | London labour premium of 20–30% |
| Structural work | Very High | Removing walls, adding bifold doors — may need planning permission |
| Flooring | Medium | Often replaced at same time — £500–£2,000 extra |
One of the biggest decisions is your worktop material. Laminate worktops from Howdens or B&Q cost as little as £150 for a 5-metre run and can look excellent. Quartz worktops (Silestone, Caesarstone) cost £600–£2,000 for the same length but are incredibly durable and easy to clean. Solid wood sits in the middle at £400–£1,000 and looks stunning but requires more maintenance.
For guidance on hiring the right people, read our article on how to hire a builder in the UK and our questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson.
DIY vs Professional Kitchen Installation
Installing a kitchen yourself can save £1,500–£3,000 on labour, but it's a significant undertaking that requires competence in carpentry, basic plumbing, and electrics. Here's an honest comparison:
| Approach | Saving | Risks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full DIY | £1,500 – £3,000 | Mistakes cost more to fix; gas/electrics must still be done by pros | Experienced DIYers only |
| DIY units, trade plumbing/electrics | £800 – £1,500 | Low — you handle the carpentry, pros handle the rest | Confident DIYers |
| Full professional installation | £0 | None — warranty and peace of mind included | Most homeowners |
Note: Gas connections must always be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer — it's illegal to do this yourself. Electrical work in a kitchen (a "special location" under Part P) must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician. You cannot legally self-certify kitchen electrics. See our guide to finding a trustworthy electrician for what to look for.
Before you commit to any tradesperson, make sure you also read our guide on tiling costs — kitchen splashback tiling is often where costs creep up unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen installation take?+
A straightforward kitchen swap (same layout, no structural changes) typically takes 5–10 working days. A full renovation involving new plumbing layout, electrical work, plastering, and flooring can take 2–4 weeks. Bespoke kitchens may have a longer project timeline.
Does a new kitchen add value to my home?+
Yes. A well-designed, quality kitchen is consistently cited by estate agents as one of the best home improvements for adding value. A mid-range kitchen renovation in the right property can add 3–6% to the sale price. However, over-speccing a kitchen (spending £40,000 in a £200,000 house) rarely pays back.
What is the cheapest way to get a new kitchen in the UK?+
The cheapest approach is to buy flat-pack units from IKEA or B&Q during a sale, keep the existing layout, do the unit assembly and installation yourself, and hire a plumber and electrician for the connections only. A basic 10-unit kitchen can be achieved for £2,500–£3,500 this way.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?+
For a like-for-like kitchen replacement, no planning permission is needed. If you are building an extension to create a larger kitchen, or making structural changes (removing a load-bearing wall), you will need planning permission and/or Building Regulations approval.
How much does it cost to fit a kitchen from Howdens?+
Howdens kitchens are sold through their trade accounts (you need a builder or kitchen fitter to order for you). The units themselves typically cost £2,000–£8,000 depending on the range and size. Professional fitting adds another £1,500–£3,000. Total installed cost: £4,000–£12,000 for a typical kitchen.
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