Planning a kitchen renovation is an exciting project, but one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: How much does a new kitchen cost to install? The truth is that the price can vary depending on the materials, size of the space, complexity of the design, and the professionals you hire. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that impact kitchen installation costs and how you can cut costs without compromising quality.
Understanding the Total Kitchen Installation Cost
The cost of a new kitchen in the UK typically starts at around £7,000 for a basic refit and can exceed £25,000 for a high-end bespoke design. This includes everything from the removal of your existing kitchen and new kitchen units to the installation of worktops, appliances, flooring, lighting, and tiling. Your location also plays a role—kitchen fitting in areas like the Southeast often comes with higher labour costs.
Labour is one of the biggest contributors to the overall cost. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around £3,500 in total labour costs for a standard-sized kitchen. This usually includes fitting kitchen cabinets, plumbing work, electrical work, tiling walls, painting, and installing flooring. The final figure may increase based on any additional work required, such as structural changes or moving appliances.
The Cost of Kitchen Units, Worktops, and Appliances
The type and quality of kitchen units you choose will greatly impact your kitchen cost. Flat-pack units are a budget-friendly option, while custom-made or bespoke units are a premium choice that comes at a higher price. Likewise, the selection of your kitchen worktop—whether laminate worktops, composite, or quartz worktops—will affect the final kitchen fitting costs. Laminate is an affordable choice, but many homeowners prefer quartz for its durability and high-end appearance.
When it comes to electrical appliances like the fridge freezer, extractor fan, oven, and dishwasher, prices can vary significantly. A full set of good-quality appliances can easily add several thousand pounds to your total kitchen renovation bill.
What About Kitchen Islands and Flooring?
A kitchen island can completely transform your layout and functionality, especially in large kitchens. However, it adds both material and labour costs. If plumbing or electrical work is required within the island, expect the installation costs to rise. Kitchen flooring is another essential element of your renovation. Vinyl and laminate are common for everyday use, while ceramic tiles and engineered wood are more premium options that increase the overall cost.
Hidden or Unexpected Costs to Consider
In any kitchen renovation, it’s important to allow for extra costs. Unexpected costs, such as discovering old pipework that needs replacing, correcting previous poor workmanship, or additional plastering, can quickly add to the final bill. Failing to plan for these can lead to costly mistakes and delays in your project timeline.
Additional costs also include waste removal, skip hire, or even long lead times on certain materials, especially bespoke or imported products. Choosing reliable kitchen companies or experienced kitchen fitters can help you avoid unnecessary delays or having to wait longer due to mismanaged scheduling.
How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
There are several ways to save money on your kitchen fitting without compromising on quality. Replacing like for like and keeping the existing kitchen layout reduces the amount of plumbing and electrical work required. Reusing old units or repainting them with high-quality finishes can also cut costs significantly.
Flat-pack units are a great way to reduce kitchen cabinet costs, particularly if you’re comfortable assembling them yourself or using trusted installation services. Choosing laminate worktops over stone or quartz can also lower the price tag without making your kitchen look cheap.
Some homeowners take on basic tasks such as painting or tiling themselves, leaving the technical elements like gas and electrical installations to professionals. This can reduce the total labour cost and help you focus your budget on good quality materials that last.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect to Pay
So, how much does a new kitchen cost to install in total? For a small kitchen with budget materials, you can expect to pay between £7,000 and £12,000. A mid-range kitchen using composite worktops and quality units will likely cost between £12,000 and £25,000. For a large kitchen with premium features like a kitchen island, quartz worktops, and bespoke units, the price may exceed £25,000.
Keep in mind that all kitchen fitting costs vary depending on square footage, the complexity of the design, and the quality of the materials and appliances chosen. Every project is different, but working with a professional decorator or installer helps ensure the end result reflects your vision while avoiding costly repairs or disappointing finishes.
Plan Your Dream Kitchen with LGC Decorators
At LGC Decorators, we’ve helped countless homeowners bring their dream kitchens to life. From replacing old kitchen cabinets to complete kitchen renovation projects, our experienced team delivers high-quality results without unnecessary stress. Our previous clients appreciate our attention to detail, competitive pricing, and ability to cut costs where possible without compromising on the finish.
Whether you’re updating your existing kitchen or planning a full redesign with new appliances, tiling, and flooring, our team is here to help. We’ll provide a clear breakdown of your estimated total cost and offer expert advice on how to achieve the best price for the look you want.
Get in touch today to request a quote or explore our previous work. We’ll help you create a kitchen that’s stylish, functional, and built to last.