Average Cost of a Kitchen Refit Per m² in 2026 (UK)
A full UK kitchen refit in 2026 typically works out at £1,000–£4,500 per m², or around £8,000–£45,000 for a complete job depending on kitchen size and spec. Budget refits land near £1,000/m², mid-range around £2,000/m², and high-end designs push past £3,500/m². The biggest cost drivers are units and worktops, appliances, and whether you move plumbing or electrics.
Planning the work? Check what it usually costs, or work out your own estimate. The free quote form is at the top of this page.
How much is a kitchen refit per m² in 2026?
Typical 2026 UK kitchen refit costs per m²:
- Budget / flat-pack refit — £900–£1,300 per m²
- Mid-range rigid units — £1,600–£2,600 per m²
- High-end / bespoke — £3,000–£4,800 per m²
- Whole-job total (typical 10–12 m² kitchen) — £12,000–£28,000
Most UK homeowners spend between £12,000 and £20,000 on a mid-range refit of an average-sized kitchen — roughly £1,800–£2,200 per m² once units, worktops, appliances, fitting and finishing trades are all counted.
Kitchen Refit Cost by Spec (Per m² and Total)
Per-m² pricing is the fairest way to compare kitchens of different sizes. The three specs below assume a like-for-like layout with no structural changes. A typical UK kitchen is 10–12 m²; a galley may be 6–8 m² and a large open-plan kitchen 16–20 m².
Budget refit — flat-pack units, laminate worktop
Flat-pack or entry-level rigid units, laminate worktops, standard integrated appliances and vinyl or laminate flooring. Ideal for rentals, first homes or a quick refresh where the layout stays the same.
Mid-range refit — rigid units, quartz or solid worktop
Pre-assembled rigid units, a quartz or solid-surface worktop, mid-tier branded appliances, an induction hob and some new plumbing or electrics. The most popular choice for family homes.
High-end / bespoke refit — handmade units, natural stone
Bespoke or in-frame cabinetry, natural stone or premium composite worktops, high-end appliances (e.g. Miele, Neff, Bora), a kitchen island and often layout changes or a knock-through. Design and project management add cost.
What Actually Drives Your Per-m² Cost
Two kitchens of the same size can differ by £15,000 or more. These are the factors that move the needle most.
1. Units & carcasses
Flat-pack vs rigid vs handmade is the single biggest variable — often 30–40% of the bill. Bespoke in-frame cabinetry can cost 3–4× the flat-pack equivalent.
2. Worktop material
Laminate runs £40–£80/m; quartz £250–£450/m²; granite £300–£500/m²; and marble or porcelain slabs more again. Worktops alone can swing £3,000+.
3. Appliances
A budget appliance pack is £1,500–£2,000; premium ovens, induction hobs, boiling taps and integrated fridge-freezers push £8,000–£12,000.
4. Moving services
Relocating the sink, hob or waste adds £800–£2,500 for plumbing, gas and electrical first-fix. Keeping the layout keeps costs down.
5. Structural changes
A knock-through, RSJ or removing a wall to go open-plan adds £2,500–£6,000+ plus building control fees — a common hidden cost.
6. Finishing trades & region
Plastering, tiling, flooring, decorating and waste removal add up. Labour rates in London and the South East run 20–40% above the UK average.
Kitchen Refit Cost by UK Region
Figures below are for a typical mid-range 11 m² kitchen refit, fully fitted, including units, worktop, appliances and trades.
Worked example (illustrative): 11 m² mid-range kitchen, Bristol
A 1930s semi where the owners kept the existing layout, chose rigid shaker units and a 20mm quartz worktop, and upgraded to induction cooking.
| Rigid shaker units & handles | £6,800 |
| Quartz worktop & upstand | £3,100 |
| Appliances (oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer) | £3,400 |
| Fitting labour (10 days) | £4,500 |
| Electrics, plumbing & lighting | £1,650 |
| Tiling, flooring & decorating | £2,000 |
| Total | £21,450 |
Common Questions
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