Cost of a New Kitchen
A new kitchen in the UK typically costs between £5,000 and £25,000 fully installed, depending on size, materials, and whether plumbing or electrics need moving. Budget kitchens start from around £2,000 in units alone; mid-range fitted installations average £8,000–£15,000.
What Affects the Cost
Kitchen size and layout. A galley kitchen with six to eight units costs significantly less than a large L-shaped or island kitchen with twenty-plus carcasses. Every additional metre of worktop, every extra cabinet, and every structural change adds to the total. Layouts that require moving the sink, dishwasher, or washing machine will push costs up further — see our Plumbing Guide for what’s involved in repositioning pipework.
Unit and worktop quality. Flat-pack carcasses from a budget range can cost £80–£150 each; rigid-built or bespoke cabinets run from £200 to over £1,000 per unit. Worktop materials span from £30/m for laminate up to £500–£800/m for solid stone. The choice of worktop alone can swing the overall budget by several thousand pounds.
Appliances. Appliances are often the single largest variable. A full suite of integrated oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine can range from £1,200 on a budget to £8,000 or more for premium models. Decide early whether appliances are included in your fitter’s quote or supplied separately.
Plumbing and electrical work. If your sink, boiler connections, or appliance positions stay in the same place, plumbing costs are minimal. Moving them requires a qualified plumber and possibly a Gas Safe registered engineer, adding £300–£1,500 depending on the extent of work. Similarly, adding new sockets, under-cabinet lighting, or an electric hob circuit requires a Part P-registered electrician.
Plastering and wall preparation. Removing old tiles, patching the walls, and re-skimming before fitting is a hidden cost many overlook. Our Walls & Plastering Guide covers what to expect when prepping kitchen walls. Budget £300–£800 for a full skim if your walls need it.
Fitting labour. A kitchen fitter typically charges £150–£250 per day. A standard kitchen takes two to five days to install; more complex projects can take a week or more. This makes labour one of the most significant costs, particularly if tradespeople are coordinated across multiple disciplines.
UK Average Cost Breakdown
| Task | DIY Cost | Trade Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget flat-pack units (10 carcasses) | £800–£1,500 | £800–£1,500 + fitting | Materials cost is the same; saving is purely labour |
| Mid-range rigid units (10 carcasses) | £2,000–£4,000 | £2,000–£4,000 + fitting | Pre-assembled carcasses; easier to fit correctly |
| Laminate worktop (3m) | £90–£200 | £150–£350 | Includes cutting and jointing |
| Solid wood or quartz worktop (3m) | £400–£1,500 | £700–£2,500 | Stone typically templated and fitted by supplier |
| Kitchen fitting labour only | N/A | £750–£2,500 | 2–5 days at £150–£250/day depending on complexity |
| Plumbing (like-for-like sink & appliances) | £0 if unchanged | £200–£600 | Moving pipework adds considerably more |
| Electrical work (sockets, lighting) | Not DIY-able (Part P) | £300–£900 | Must be certified; varies by work required |
| Splashback (tiled, 2m²) | £80–£200 | £200–£500 | Glass splashbacks typically cost more; see our Glass vs Tile Splashback Guide |
| Wall preparation and plastering | £50–£150 (materials) | £300–£800 | Depends on condition of existing walls |
| Full appliance suite (budget) | £1,200–£2,500 | £1,200–£2,500 + installation | Self-supply and have fitter install saves on markup |
DIY vs Tradesman — Is It Worth It?
Fitting a kitchen yourself is achievable for a competent DIYer — and the labour saving is substantial, often £1,500–£5,000 on a mid-range project. Flat-pack units are designed with self-installation in mind, and tasks like hanging wall cabinets, fitting base units, and installing a laminate worktop are within reach if you have patience and basic power tools. For worktops, learning to cut a kitchen worktop accurately is one of the more demanding DIY steps but is very doable with the right blade and technique.
However, there are areas where DIY is either legally restricted or carries meaningful risk. Electrical work in a kitchen — adding or moving circuits, installing a cooker switch — must be carried out or certified by a Part P-registered electrician under Building Regulations. Gas appliance connections must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Plumbing can legally be DIY for most cold and hot water connections, but a botched joint behind a unit can cause significant damage before it’s noticed.
A common and cost-effective approach is a hybrid: you do the demolition, wall prep, painting, and tiling, then bring in a kitchen fitter for the unit installation, and a plumber and electrician for their respective disciplines. This keeps professional costs focused where they’re genuinely needed. Read our full Kitchen Guide for a step-by-step overview of the entire process.
Regional Price Variations
Kitchen fitting rates in London and the South East are typically 20–40% higher than in the Midlands, North of England, Scotland, and Wales. A kitchen fitter charging £175/day in Manchester or Leeds may charge £250–£300/day in London. Plumbers and electricians follow a similar premium in the capital. Materials costs are broadly consistent nationwide if you’re buying from national suppliers, though local trade accounts and regional suppliers can offer better pricing outside London. Always get at least three quotes from local tradespeople rather than relying on national average day rates.
How to Get the Best Price
- Get at least three written quotes from kitchen fitters — prices vary significantly even within the same area. Checkatrade and similar platforms can help verify trader reviews and credentials.
- Supply your own appliances. Tradespeople often mark up appliances; buying direct from a supplier or retailer and having your fitter install them can save hundreds.
- Keep your layout the same. Avoiding moving the sink, oven position, or boiler connections removes plumber and electrician costs from the project entirely.
- Do your own demolition. Ripping out the old kitchen yourself (safely, with services isolated) saves a day’s labour and is straightforward for most homeowners.
- Time your purchase carefully. Kitchen retailers frequently run significant sales events; buying units and appliances during a promotion can reduce material costs by 20–30%.
What a Good Quote Should Include
- A full breakdown of labour costs, including day rate and estimated number of days, so you can compare like for like across quotes.
- Clear statement of what materials are included versus what you supply — particularly for appliances, worktops, and sink fixtures.
- Confirmation of which trades are included (fitting, plumbing, electrical) and which you need to arrange separately.
- A timeline with a projected start date, completion date, and any dependencies (e.g. worktop template must happen before stone is cut).
- Payment terms — be wary of any quote requiring more than a 25–30% deposit upfront; stage payments tied to completed work are standard practice.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Asbestos in older properties. Homes built before 2000 may have asbestos-containing materials behind tiles or in floor coverings. If found, removal must be handled by a licensed contractor — this is a legal requirement under HSE regulations, not optional.
- Structural issues behind units. Once old cabinets come off, damp patches, damaged plasterboard, or rotten timber frames are often revealed. Budget a contingency of 10–15% of your total project cost for remedial work.
- Waste disposal. Skips or large van loads of old kitchen units, tiles, and packaging from new units add up. A skip hire for a week in most areas costs £200–£400 — check whether your fitter includes this or prices it separately.
- Decorating after fitting. Kitchen installation often damages painted walls around edges, sockets, and ceiling lines. Budget for repainting or touching up once the fit is complete, as this is rarely included in a fitter’s quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a budget new kitchen cost fully installed in the UK?
A budget new kitchen with flat-pack units, laminate worktop, and basic appliances typically costs £3,500–£6,000 fully installed. This assumes a straightforward layout with no plumbing or electrical relocation.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?
In most cases, no — replacing a kitchen is considered permitted development. However, if you’re making structural changes, converting a room, or the property is listed, you should check with your local planning authority via gov.uk before starting work.
Can I fit a kitchen myself legally in the UK?
Yes, for the units, worktops, and tiling. However, any electrical circuit work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and be carried out or certified by a registered electrician, and gas connections must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
How long does it take to fit a new kitchen?
A straightforward kitchen replacement typically takes two to five days for an experienced fitter. Larger kitchens, those requiring plastering, or projects involving plumbing and electrical changes can take one to two weeks when coordinating multiple trades.
Is VAT charged on kitchen fitting?
Standard rate VAT at 20% applies to kitchen fitting labour and materials. There is no reduced rate for kitchen refits in standard residential properties — your quote should clearly state whether prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
Order one or two spare cabinet doors and a length of matching worktop edging at the time of purchase — manufacturers frequently discontinue finishes, and sourcing replacements years later for minor repairs is often impossible. Storing them flat in a dry space costs almost nothing and can save a full door replacement down the line.
Sources
- Which? — Cost of a new kitchen — which.co.uk
- HSE — Asbestos: The hidden killer (domestic guidance) — hse.gov.uk
- Checkatrade — How much does a new kitchen cost in 2025? — checkatrade.com
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
