New Kitchen Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Tier | Units & Worktops | Fitting Labour | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (flat-pack) | £1,500–£3,500 | £1,000–£1,800 | £2,500–£5,300 |
| Mid-range (rigid) | £4,000–£8,000 | £1,500–£2,500 | £5,500–£10,500 |
| High-end (rigid/handleless) | £8,000–£18,000 | £2,000–£3,500 | £10,000–£21,500 |
| Bespoke (hand-painted) | £15,000–£40,000+ | £3,000–£5,000+ | £18,000–£45,000+ |
Appliances (oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge, extractor) are separate and add £1,000–£6,000 depending on brand and spec.
Kitchen Fitting Labour: What Does It Cost?
Kitchen fitters in the UK typically charge:
- Day rate: £180–£350/day (London: £250–£450/day)
- Per-unit rate: £60–£120 per carcass/unit (some fitters price this way)
- Full kitchen fit: £1,000–£3,500 for a standard 10–15 unit kitchen
The fit for a budget flat-pack kitchen (IKEA, B&Q) typically takes 2–4 days. A rigid unit kitchen takes 3–5 days. Allow extra time (and budget) for:
- Removing the old kitchen (½–1 day usually included)
- Tiling (separate tiler, 1–2 days)
- Plumbing connections (separate plumber if not included)
- Electrical work (separate electrician for new circuits)
Worktop Costs Compared
| Material | Cost Per Metre (supply) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £30–£80/m | Budget option, wide range of looks |
| Solid wood (oak/beech) | £80–£180/m | Needs oiling; can be sanded |
| Quartz composite | £200–£500/m | Durable, low maintenance, templated fit |
| Granite | £250–£600/m | Natural variation; needs sealing |
| Corian/solid surface | £300–£700/m | Seamless joints; repairable |
| Marble | £400–£900+/m | High maintenance; stains easily |
Quartz and stone worktops require professional templating and cutting — add £150–£300 for templating and fitting on top of material cost.
What Drives Kitchen Costs Up Unexpectedly?
- Structural changes — removing a wall between kitchen and dining room involves a structural engineer, steel beam, and Building Regs approval. Budget £3,000–£8,000 on top of the kitchen itself
- Plumbing relocation — moving the sink to an island or opposite wall requires new waste runs; can add £500–£1,500
- Electrical upgrade — kitchens often need a new consumer unit circuit or additional ring circuit for appliances; budget £300–£800 for an electrician
- Flooring — if you're changing the kitchen floor, budget £500–£2,000 depending on material and size
- Boiler relocation — if the existing boiler is in the kitchen and the new layout doesn't accommodate it, relocation costs £1,000–£2,500
Supply Only vs Supply and Fit
You can buy kitchen units separately and hire a fitter, or buy a full supply-and-fit package from a kitchen company.
Supply and fit packages (Howdens, Wren, B&Q Magnet): all-inclusive but the kitchen company controls trade margins on units and worktops. Good value if you negotiate; poor value if you don't.
Buy units separately, hire your own fitter: more control over specification and cost. Works well with IKEA, Howdens trade (if you have a trade account), or online retailers. The risk is coordination — your fitter needs units and worktops to arrive on time.
Most independent kitchen fitters are happy to fit kitchens you've sourced yourself — and many prefer it as they're not responsible for unit quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new kitchen cost in 2026?
A budget flat-pack kitchen (units + fitting) costs £2,500–£5,300. A mid-range rigid unit kitchen runs £5,500–£10,500 all-in. High-end kitchens start at £10,000 and bespoke painted kitchens can exceed £45,000.
How much does kitchen fitting cost?
Kitchen fitting labour typically costs £1,000–£3,500 for a standard 10–15 unit kitchen. Day rates run £180–£350/day outside London, £250–£450/day in London.
How long does a kitchen installation take?
A budget flat-pack kitchen takes 2–4 days to fit. A mid-range rigid kitchen takes 3–5 days. Allow 1–2 weeks total for demolition, fitting, tiling, and snagging.
Does a new kitchen add value to a house?
Yes, a well-specified kitchen typically adds 5–10% to a property value. However, over-speccing relative to the property and area reduces your return — a £40,000 kitchen in a £200,000 house rarely pays back.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?
No, for a like-for-like kitchen replacement. You may need Building Regulations approval if you're removing a structural wall to open up the space, and electrical work must comply with Part P.
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