Kitchen Wrapping Cost

Kitchen wraps are turning out to be a super smart way for householders to give their kitchen a makeover without the hassle of a full-on refurb. Wrap on over your existing units, doors & work surfaces, and instantly, the space gets a whole new look & feel - all without the need to rip out the old.

If you think you can handle this one on your own - go for it - but unless you're a total pro, it's generally a good idea to get the pros in to do the job for you, especially round edges, corners & fixtures where things can go a bit wonky.

A full kitchen re-wrap on average costs around £2,500 - that's a nice chunk of change, but a heck of a lot more palatable than the cost of a complete rip-out & re-fit.

How Much is Kitchen Wrapping?

The cost of kitchen wrapping will vary depending on a number of factors, which can include the size of the kitchen, the number of units that require wrapping and the type of vinyl wrapping that you have chosen.

For example, a small kitchen with only a few units will cost far less than a large kitchen with many units and some complex shapes. Additionally, the choice of vinyl will have an impact on the price, with standard matt vinyls representing the most affordable choice, whereas high-gloss or wood or marble effect vinyl costing significantly more.

Whether the work is carried out by a professional or as a DIY project will naturally be a key factor in the overall price. Of course, completing the job DIY will be much more inexpensive, but you do run the risk of a lower quality finished product. A professional installation will cost more, but you can guarantee a good, quality finish.

Kitchen wrapping will always be more cost-effective than a full refit, which can cost as much as £10,000, but it is still more expensive than simply painting the walls and adding some new fixtures and fittings.

Kitchen wrapping provides a simple refresh, without paying for a full-scale renovation. On average, you can expect to pay around £2,500, but the table below breaks this down in more detail.

Kitchen Wrapping Prices

Kitchen Wrapping Supply Costs

To complete kitchen wrapping successfully, there is a requirement for a range of materials and tools, which, of course, contribute to the final cost. Obviously, the most crucial element is the wrapping itself, which is available in a range of finishes including matt, gloss, textured, wooden effect and more.

The more complex the vinyl wrap is, the more costly it is likely to be, with simple matt finishes on the cheaper end, and the wooden or marble effect versions on the higher end.

There are a few other essential tools, such as smoothing tools, squeegees, precision cutting tools and heat guns. It is crucial that proper preparation is completed on the units, with surface cleaners, degreasers and in some cases, some light sanding required.

Improper preparation can prevent the wrapping from sealing to the units or worktops properly, leading to bubbling, ripping or lifting in the short or long term.

If you are wrapping a larger kitchen, you can buy the vinyl in larger rolls or entire kits to provide some savings, whereas smaller kitchens may find better value in individual sheets.

At this point, it is crucial to pay for the best quality material that fits within your budget, along with either the proper tools or the proper assistance to make sure that the project is a success and lasts for a long time.

Additional Costs of Kitchen Wrapping

As with any home improvement work, there are always some potential additional costs that crop up at some point. With kitchen wrapping, there are a few different things that can require a little more attention, thus driving the price up slightly.

For one, the wrapping of internal cabinet edges and curved surfaces is a little more complex and may require a little more time and labour. Another potential cost is the replacement of any handles or hinges that don’t suit the new decor, as well as repairing any damaged areas of the worktops or units before the installation can be completed.

Waste disposal is another thing to consider, with there likely to be plenty of vinyl off-cuts and other materials that may need disposing of.

Of course, for smaller kitchens, a wheelie bin may suffice, but for larger jobs, you may need to look at renting a small skip. If you plan to tackle this as a DIY job, you may need to rent or purchase specialist tools like smoothing tools and heat guns.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Kitchen Wrapping

The cost of hiring a professional to carry out the installation of kitchen wrapping will depend on the size and complexity of the kitchen. Small kitchens will be completed in around 1 to 2 days, medium kitchens 2 to 3 days, and larger kitchens can take between 3 and 5 days.

Cost-wise, professional installers will charge either a rate per project or a quote per unit. Per unit charges are likely to be between £15 and £30 a unit, or a full package can be anywhere between £1,500 and £4,000, depending on the size of the space.

This labour cost will include the preparation of the surfaces, the removal of handles and hinges, precise cutting and installation of the final and the final smoothing. While DIY wrapping can reduce labour costs, it is often more time-consuming and may result in a much lower-quality finish.

Cost Factors for Kitchen Wrapping

There are several different factors that can impact the overall cost of kitchen wrapping. Firstly, consider the number of units and drawers, which will be the main defining factor in price.

Next, think about the type of vinyl that you wish to install, as we have mentioned, matte is on the cheaper end, with high gloss and effect vinyl on the upper end. Next, think about the complexity of your units - do they feature curves or unique shapes?

If you are looking to have appliances and worktops included in the wrapping, you will need to factor these into the price also.

If your existing units and tops require some maintenance to bring them back to their best before installation, you will have to consider this too. Finally, choosing whether to employ a trained installer or complete the project as a DIY job will be a crucial consideration in the overall costing of the job.

Building Regulations Related to Kitchen Wrapping

There are no specific building regulations that relate to kitchen wrapping; however, it is important to be aware of some best practices at this stage.

For kitchen wrapping, you should ensure that you select a vinyl that is both moisture and heat-resistant, particularly around cooking appliances.

Of course, if there are any modifications to worktops or appliances, the kitchen features must still comply with the general kitchen safety regulations to ensure safety for all inhabitants.

Types of Kitchen Vinyl Wrap Finishes

We’ve mentioned various finishes for kitchen wrapping throughout this guide, but here, we’ll break them down individually.

Matte finish vinyl wrap is a non-reflective and easy-to-clean wrap, ideal for hiding imperfections like scratches and scuffs.

Gloss, on the other hand, offers a sleek and reflective look that can make spaces appear much larger than they are, but it is more difficult to install and requires much more focus to prevent things like bubbling and creasing.

Textured finishes, such as concrete or marble effect, add real depth and a real feel to the wrapping, which makes them incredibly popular.

Metallic vinyl is another decorative option, but these tend to only work well in certain decors and are quite a bit more expensive than other options. As a general rule, a vinyl wrap is easy to maintain and clean.

Alternative Types of Kitchen Refurbishment

If you are still considering some other options for wrapping, there are a few available. Firstly, the repainting of units and cabinets is the most budget-friendly option; however, it may not provide the same level of quality finish that vinyl wrap does, and it may require lots of touch-ups throughout the years.

Replacing the doors only on units is a mid-range option that may limit the cost of a full refit, whilst also providing a brand new feel and finish on the surface.

Of course, a full kitchen refit is the ultimate solution, but this takes a lot of time, planning, and a large budget. A final option would be to spray paint the units, which again requires a lot of planning and also a very experienced professional, which will drive the price up to a similar scope as wrapping.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Kitchen Wrapping

When it comes to hiring a contractor for kitchen wrapping, it is crucial to evaluate their experience and take a look at some previous projects.

You should ensure that the contractor you hire will use high-quality vinyl, and be sure what preparation work will be included in the price to avoid any nasty surprises when the invoice arrives. You should also enquire about any assurances in terms of warranty or aftercare services to make sure you are protected if anything should go wrong with the finished product.

Removing Kitchen Wrap: Considerations and Costs

There may arise an occasion where you need to remove the kitchen wrap due to damage, or simply to change the wrap itself to something new. Of course, professional removal is recommended, as it will significantly reduce the risk of damaging the units.

Essentially, the process involves carefully peeling the vinyl away, removing any glue and residue, and then preparing these surfaces for either painting or rewrapping. Some vinyls are easier to remove than others, and this all depends on the age, how long it has been applied for and what the thickness of the wrap is like.

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