How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in 2026? – UK Price Guide
A full kitchen renovation in the UK costs between £8,000 and £45,000+ in 2026, depending on size, spec and whether structural work is involved. This guide uses live quote data from KBSA-certified fitters across 519 UK towns to show realistic 2026 pricing — so you can plan a budget, compare options, and avoid common cost overruns.
Kitchen Renovation Cost at a Glance
Three realistic 2026 price tiers based on actual UK quotes. Cabinet quality, worktop choice and appliance spec drive 70% of the variance — labour the rest.
Flat-pack or trade units, laminate worktop, mid-range integrated appliances, basic tiling. 2-3 weeks on-site.
Get quotes →Rigid-built units, quartz or solid-surface worktop, branded appliances, induction hob, splashback, LVT or porcelain floor. 3-5 weeks.
Get quotes →In-frame or bespoke joinery, marble or Dekton tops, Wolf/Sub-Zero/Miele appliances, wine fridge, boiling tap, full design service.
Get quotes →A KBSA-qualified fitter will measure, design and price based on your actual kitchen.
Get free quotes →Kitchen Renovation Cost by Component (UK 2026)
| Element | Budget | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (10-12 units) | £1,800 – £3,500 | £4,000 – £8,500 | £10,000 – £22,000 |
| Worktop (6-8m run) | £400 – £900 (laminate) | £1,500 – £3,200 (quartz) | £3,500 – £6,500 (Dekton/marble) |
| Appliances | £1,200 – £2,500 | £2,800 – £5,500 | £6,000 – £14,000 |
| Sink & tap | £200 – £450 | £500 – £1,200 | £1,400 – £3,000 (boiling tap) |
| Flooring (12-16m²) | £500 – £900 (LVT) | £1,200 – £2,400 (porcelain) | £2,800 – £5,500 (engineered/stone) |
| Tiling/splashback | £300 – £600 | £700 – £1,400 | £1,500 – £3,500 |
| Fitting labour | £1,800 – £3,200 | £3,500 – £6,000 | £6,500 – £12,000 |
| Plumbing/electrics | £800 – £1,500 | £1,500 – £2,800 | £2,800 – £5,500 |
| Plastering & painting | £600 – £1,100 | £1,100 – £1,900 | £1,900 – £3,500 |
Figures include materials, labour and 20% VAT. Removing walls or extending the footprint adds £8,000–£25,000 (Building Regs sign-off via Part A).
What Pushes a Kitchen Renovation Up (or Down)
Pushes cost UP
- Bespoke cabinetry — in-frame, painted hardwood, Blum soft-close hardware
- Stone worktops — quartz/Dekton/marble vs laminate (3-5x premium)
- Premium appliances — Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele, integrated coffee, wine fridge
- Layout changes — moving sink, hob or services adds £1,500-£4,000
- Structural work — knock-through, RSJ, kitchen extension
- London / South East labour rates — +20-30% vs national average
Pulls cost DOWN
- Keeping the same layout — services stay in place
- Trade-only suppliers — Howdens/Magnet/DIY Kitchens vs retail
- Laminate worktops in stone-look finish — saves £1,500-£3,000
- Mid-range appliances from a single brand — Bosch, Neff, Smeg packages
- Painting existing units — £400-£900 vs £4,000+ replacement
- Sourcing the kitchen yourself, paying a fitter separately
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
Allow 8-14 weeks end-to-end including design and lead times. Actual on-site work is 2-5 weeks for most renovations; longer if structural work is involved.
- Weeks 1-3 — Design & quotes. Site visit, plans, 2-3 quotes, choose fitter.
- Weeks 4-7 — Order & lead time. Cabinet manufacture (3-6 weeks), worktop template after install.
- Week 8 — Strip-out. Old kitchen removed, services capped, walls prepped.
- Weeks 9-10 — First fix. Plumbing, electrics, plastering, flooring base.
- Weeks 11-12 — Cabinet install. Carcasses, doors, drawers, plinths, integrated appliances.
- Week 13 — Worktops & tiling. Templated and fitted; splashback installed.
- Week 14 — Snagging & sign-off. Final electrics, decoration, defects fixed.
Get 3 Free Kitchen Renovation Quotes
Online price ranges are useful — but a real quote from a KBSA-qualified fitter who has measured your kitchen is the only way to plan a budget that holds. BestBuilders matches you with up to 3 vetted local kitchen fitters in under 24 hours.
Common Questions About Kitchen Renovation Cost
How much does an average UK kitchen renovation cost in 2026?
An average mid-range UK kitchen renovation costs £15,000–£28,000 in 2026 for a 3.5×4m kitchen with rigid cabinets, quartz worktop, branded appliances and full installation. Budget refits start around £8,000; high-end bespoke kitchens run £28,000–£45,000+.
Is it cheaper to renovate or replace a kitchen?
Replacing doors and worktops only — keeping the carcasses — costs £3,000–£6,000 vs £15,000+ for a full replacement. If carcasses are sound and the layout works, refacing saves 60-70%. Replacement is better value if units are damaged or you want to change layout.
How much should I budget for kitchen appliances?
Budget £1,200–£2,500 for entry-level appliance bundles (Bosch Serie 2, Beko), £2,800–£5,500 for mid-range (Bosch Serie 6, Neff, Siemens) and £6,000–£14,000+ for premium (Miele, Wolf, Sub-Zero). Boiling taps add £900–£2,000.
Do I need planning permission for a kitchen renovation?
No planning permission is needed for a like-for-like kitchen renovation. Building Regs apply if you move drainage, fit new electrical circuits (Part P) or remove load-bearing walls (Part A). A Competent Person Scheme electrician self-certifies Part P. Removing walls needs structural sign-off.
What's the cheapest place to buy a kitchen in the UK?
Howdens (trade only, via your fitter) and DIY Kitchens (direct online) are the cheapest sources for rigid units in 2026. Wickes and Magnet sit mid-range. IKEA is cheapest flat-pack but the carcass is thinner and door range narrower.
How long should a new kitchen take to install?
On-site installation runs 2–5 weeks for most kitchens (3-4 weeks typical) plus 8-12 weeks of design and lead time. A simple swap-out can be done in 10-14 working days. Add 2-3 weeks for layout changes or structural alterations.
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