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myKitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of replacing kitchen units is around £3,000.
- The job will take approximately 5 days to complete.
- The price of various kitchen units and the costs to have them installed
- How long the job should take and an overview of the process involved
- How to find and hire a local kitchen cabinet fitter with MyJobQuote.
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£3,000
Table of Contents
How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost to Install?
Kitchen units are often the focal point of your kitchen but with so many designs to choose from it can be a little overwhelming to find the right units for your kitchen.
Kitchen units make up the bulk of the kitchen and although each unit is not particularly expensive, there are so many of them in the average kitchen that the cost, when added up, can be substantial. The doors, drawers, fixings and facings can easily be changed to update the look of a kitchen.
But the bulk of the work and the cost is in the actual casings or carcasses of the kitchen units. Most kitchen units have carcasses or casings which are the same standard sizes.
The company supplying the actual units may well offer a fitting service but do not simply accept their price, always get at least three quotations for any major projects. Finding local tradesmen to offer quotations is quick and easy using the free service provided on this website.
Simply post the details of the job you need completing along with contact details, then sit back and let up to 3 local contractors get in touch to provide written quotations.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen doors in an existing kitchen? Also to fit a corner carousel and a new worktop?
"Most joiners would charge a set price normally a day rate. The price of the new doors etc would be on top of his rate"
Kitchen Unit Installation Prices
The cost of new kitchen cabinets will mainly depend on how big your kitchen is.
Estimated figures in the table below are a guide to kitchen unit prices including both supply and labour.
At the lower end of the scale, you can expect to find cabinet prices based on flat-pack delivery. Rigid-built kitchen cabinets will be at the higher end of the estimations:
| Kitchen Size | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (8 - 10 units) | £1,600 - £3,000 |
| Average (11 - 15 units) | £2,200 - £4,300 |
| Large (16+ units) | £3,500 - £6,000 |
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How Much Does Kitchen Unit Fitting Cost?
Building kitchen units is way beyond the scope of the average DIY enthusiast, but fitting the casings can be done as a DIY project by those with some joinery skills and experience.
However, the vast majority of those installing new kitchen units will require the services of a local joiner or kitchen fitter. When it comes to prices for fitting kitchen units it is also best to shop around.
The typical kitchen fitter will charge around £150 to £250 per day, so if two tradesmen are required, you can expect to pay £300 to £500 per day.
Your overall kitchen cabinet costs will depend on how much work is involved. Here's a guide:
| Kitchen Size | Duration | Labour Cost Per Tradesman |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 3 days | £450 - £750 |
| Average | 4 days | £600 - £1,000 |
| Large | 5 days | £750 - £1,250 |
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As the table shows, the cost of replacing kitchen cupboards is heavily based on labour fees.
So, if you live in more expensive areas of the country like London and the South East, the cost of labour will be higher and the installation of your new kitchen units will cost more.
Things to Consider with Installing Kitchen Units
There are ways of keeping the cost of a kitchen down. Some of these may involve compromises on your original vision, but that doesn't always mean downgrading from a complete kitchen refurbishment.
Having said that, simply getting the casings fitted and using the old worktops can save a fortune, especially if you have marble or granite worktops which can cost upwards of £2,500.
The more straightforward a project is, the cheaper it will usually be. For example, standard wall units are not as expensive as special rounded corner cabinets or cabinets with a glass inlay.
You should expect to pay around £4,000 for a range of good quality kitchen units for an average-sized kitchen, but choosing non-standard cabinets to make the best use of every available space can easily double this cost, so be careful when planning to avoid costs spiralling out of control.
Electrics
When planning to remodel a kitchen, try and keep all the appliances in their original positions if possible. Moving appliances generally means wiring work which requires an electrician and can add up to £1,000 to the final cost.
Flooring
Don’t forget the kitchen flooring when working out the cost of the project, even if you want to keep the existing flooring, the removal of the old units will likely damage the flooring anyway so better to include new flooring into the budget!
Luckily, there are many fairly cheap flooring options which still look great, such as laminate or vinyl products which are very realistic nowadays and can do a decent job of emulating much more expensive real wood or stone tiles extremely well.
Flat-Pack vs Rigid-Built Kitchen Units
There are two main types of kitchen units to be aware of - flat-pack units and rigid-built kitchen units. The type you choose will make a big difference to your new kitchen quote, as well as the cost and quality of the product.
Flat-Pack Units
As the name suggests, flat-pack units are provided in boxes and will need to be assembled ahead of installation.
Here are some pros and cons to bear in mind:
Pros
- ✔ Cheaper option than rigid-built units
- ✔ Easy to transport
- ✔ Available from national retailers
Cons
- ✖ Need to be assembled on-site
- ✖ Poor assembly can lead to problems later
- ✖ Joints may weaken over time
- ✖ Less customisable
Rigid-Built Units
Also known as pre-assembled kitchen units, rigid-built units are delivered fully assembled and simply need to be professionally installed. As they are already manufactured as complete units, they are often considered to be higher quality than flat-pack, although this can still depend on the individual scenario.
Again, there are pros and cons to be aware of:
Pros
- ✔ Faster to install
- ✔ More durable than flat-pack units
- ✔ More custom options available
- ✔ Often higher quality
Cons
- ✖ More expensive option
- ✖ Bulky to transport
- ✖ Not a great choice for DIY
- ✖ Bespoke orders can take time
Doing it Yourself
A bit of DIY can often be a good way to save money, but fitting new kitchen units is often a bit ambitious for the average DIY enthusiasts. However, taking out the old kitchen units and removing any waste yourself can help keep the cost down, and you can potentially even make some money back by selling the old cupboards!
Even with confidence in your DIY skill there are areas in which you shouldn't try and compensate in the kitchen, and that's anything that involves gas or the electrics. Don’t touch gas appliances without a professional and don’t remove or replace any hard-wired electrical appliances either.
So you can save by removing old units and doing waste disposal yourself, but you will probably still need to pay a kitchen specialist to install them.
Checklist: Kitchen Unit Installations in the UK
When hiring someone to install your kitchen units, there are a number of points to consider:
- Are there any aspects you can do yourself? Kitchen cabinets make up the bulk of any kitchen overhaul, yet removing the old cabinets yourself is a great money-saver.
- What additional costs are there to consider? Unless you're advised otherwise, you can assume new flooring will be required when replacing kitchen cabinets and potentially replacing worksurfaces at the same time. However, you can potentially avoid moving appliances and plug sockets to save on the need of electrical rewiring.
- Have you requested more than one quote? It's recommended to seek out at least three separate quotes, and with the help of MyJobQuote you can do so without any obligation to continue. Always ensure any quotes are in writing and include a breakdown of the work involved to avoid any hidden costs.
- Is waste removal included? One important factor to consider, is whether your chosen tradesmen will dispose of the old units and any other debris created during the installation. Even if you've already removed old units yourself, there's plenty of other rubbish that will need clearing afterwards.
- Do they have examples of previous work? Check their online presence and MyJobQuote profile, ask for their experience and details of any recent work as well as photos. Search for reviews and ask friends and family if they have any recommendations.
- Are they covered by public liability insurance? Although not a legal requirement, it is something worth asking. The majority of reputable companies and tradesmen will be insured in the event of accidental damage or personal injury. This not only covers them, but also yourself and your property. Additionally, enquire about a warranty for once the work is completed.
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FAQs
Why Buy New Made-to-Measure Kitchen Units?
The kitchen is often the heart of the home where many of us spend the most quality time with our families, so if there is any room which is really worth spending money on, it's the kitchen! You can design your kitchen around the shape and your requirements so that no area is wasted and create as much storage and worktop space as you need.
Which Kitchen Unit Materials Are the Most Durable?
Durability depends on factors such as the material used and the quality of the finished product. Most commercially available kitchen units are made from engineered wood, such as chipboard or MDF, with a variety of finishes. Solid wood is another option (albeit more expensive) which with proper maintenance, can be highly durable and last much longer. Choosing a reputable brand and checking material specifications can help ensure your kitchen units last for many years.
What’s the Best Thickness for Durable Kitchen Units?
Kitchen units vary in thickness from around 12mm to 18mm. In general, those that are between 15mm and 18mm thick are often considered good quality for kitchen cupboards, with 18mm options normally offering long-term qualities. However, 15mm thickness is perfectly fine for everyday use, just an extra 3mm can make all the difference.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Replace Kitchen Units?
Replacing or upgrading your units does not usually require any planning permission, as it’s considered an internal refurbishment, even if you're refitting the entire kitchen. However, listed buildings may need listed building consent, even for small interior changes. As for building regulations, this only applies if any electrical, structural, or ventilation work is required as part of the installation.
How Do I Dispose of Old Kitchen Units Responsibly?
When removing units yourself, selling them or donating to charity is an option providing they are in a reusable condition. Alternatively, take them to a recycling depot and check upon arrival that they won't go into landfill or simply contact your local council for advice beforehand. Some kitchen installers will also offer an eco-friendly waste removal as part of the new installation cost.
