Costs

How Much Does a New Kitchen Worktop Cost in 2026? (UK)

In 2026 a new UK kitchen worktop costs anywhere from £300 for budget laminate to £3,500+ for engineered quartz or granite, fitted. A typical mid-range kitchen lands at £1,200–£2,500 supplied and installed. Price is driven almost entirely by the material, the linear metres of run, the number of cut-outs (sink, hob) and whether template & fitting are included.

Cost by material What moves the price Fitting timeline

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Kitchen worktop cost — the short answer

Budget laminate: £300–£700 supplied & fitted for an average kitchen.
Solid wood (oak/walnut): £600–£1,500 depending on species and length.
Engineered quartz: £1,500–£3,000 fitted — the most popular mid-to-premium choice.
Granite: £1,400–£3,000 fitted; rarer stones push higher.
Biggest cost drivers: material, linear metres, cut-outs, edge profile and templating.

Worktops are usually priced per linear metre (laminate) or per square metre of slab (quartz, granite). The number of sink and hob cut-outs, upstands, breakfast-bar overhangs and the edge profile all add to the slab fabricator's quote, so a small but complex kitchen can cost more than a large simple one. If the worktop is part of a wider refit, compare it against the full cost of a new kitchen in 2026 and typical kitchen fitter charges before you commit.

Cost by Material

Worktop Cost by Material (Average Kitchen, Supplied & Fitted)

Indicative fitted costs for a typical 5–6 linear-metre kitchen with a sink and hob cut-out. Inc. VAT.

Material	Typical fitted cost
Laminate (post-formed)	£300–£700
Solid wood (oak, walnut, iroko)	£600–£1,500
Granite	£1,400–£3,000
Engineered quartz	£1,500–£3,000
Solid surface (Corian) & sintered stone	£2,000–£3,500+
Typical mid-range total	£1,200–£2,500

For stone and quartz, the fabricator templates the kitchen after the units are fitted, then cuts and installs the slab 1–2 weeks later — so budget for a short gap between units going in and the final worktop.

Price Drivers

What Moves a Worktop Quote Up or Down

Material & thickness

The single biggest factor. A 30mm quartz slab costs far more than 22mm laminate, and premium colours or veined “marble-effect” quartz add a further premium.

Linear metres & layout

Longer runs, islands and returns mean more slab and more joints. L- and U-shaped kitchens need more cuts than a single galley run.

Cut-outs & edges

Each sink, hob, tap and drainer cut-out is chargeable, and shaped edge profiles or a mitred “waterfall” end on an island add fabrication time.

Templating & fitting

Laser templating and fitting are usually included for stone, but check — some merchants quote supply-only, leaving you to arrange a separate fitter.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

Is quartz or granite cheaper for a worktop?

They overlap heavily — both typically £1,400–£3,000 fitted. Granite is a natural stone with unique veining; engineered quartz is more uniform, non-porous and needs no sealing, which is why it has become the most popular choice.

How long does it take to fit a new worktop?

Laminate can be cut and fitted in a day. Stone and quartz are templated once the units are in, then fabricated off-site and installed 1–2 weeks later — the install itself usually takes only a few hours.

Can I just replace the worktop without a new kitchen?

Yes — replacing only the worktop is one of the most cost-effective kitchen updates. As long as the base units are sound and level, a fitter can swap the surface, sink and taps without touching the cabinets.

Do quartz and granite worktops need sealing?

Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing. Granite is porous and should be sealed on installation and re-sealed roughly once a year to resist staining from oil and wine.

How much does it cost to replace just the kitchen worktop?

Replacing the worktop alone typically runs £300–£700 for laminate and £1,400–£3,000 for quartz or granite on an average 5–6 metre kitchen, plus a small charge to disconnect and refit the sink and taps. Because the base units stay in place, a straight swap is far cheaper than a full kitchen and is usually finished in a day for laminate or within a fortnight for templated stone. Choose any new sink before the fabricator templates so the cut-outs line up.

Which worktop material offers the best value in 2026?

For most kitchens engineered quartz gives the best balance of price and durability: at £1,500–£3,000 fitted it is non-porous, scratch- and stain-resistant and never needs sealing. Laminate is unbeatable on upfront cost at £300–£700 on a tight budget, while solid wood suits a warmer, traditional look for £600–£1,500. Granite is comparable to quartz on price but needs periodic sealing to stay stain-resistant.

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