Kitchen Fitting Cost

Wondering how much it'll cost to fit a new kitchen?

This guide breaks down all the key material and labour costs, from average kitchen installation costs and day rates for kitchen fitters, to what affects the price of labour-only fitting and what the process entails.

A kitchen renovation is a process, and it pays to get quotes early, even if you're just weighing up your options. There's no commitment, it simply gives you a clearer idea of the potential costs and what to expect.

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How Much to Fit a Kitchen?

The total cost of a new kitchen in the UK depends on the quality of materials, the size of the room, and the complexity of the installation.

The average cost of labour to fit a new kitchen is £1,700, but materials and appliances costs can bring the total for a new kitchen up to £5,000. Mid-range, and high-end kitchens cost significantly more.

The table below provides a full cost breakdown for three common project tiers, combining the price of materials and labour to give you a realistic total budget.

Here’s how these total project costs typically break down by the size of the room:

• Small Kitchen (approx. 9m²): £4,500 to £7,000. This budget covers a simple layout with budget-friendly units and laminate worktops.
• Medium Kitchen (approx. 15m²): £7,500 to £10,000. This allows for mid-range units, solid wood or quartz worktops, and a wider range of appliances.
• Large Kitchen (20m²+): £10,000 to £20,000+. This is typical for larger spaces, open-plan designs, premium materials, and high-end smart appliances.

Cost to Fit a New Kitchen (Labour Only)?

The total labour cost is the biggest variable when installing a new kitchen. On average, the labour-only cost to fit a standard kitchen in the UK is between £1,000 and £3,000. This price can change depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the job, and even where you live in the UK.

The final bill is determined by the type of tradespeople you need and the time it takes to complete the work. Below, we break down how fitters calculate their prices and the typical costs for each trade.

How Are Labour Only Kitchen Fitting Costs Calculated?

There are three common ways a kitchen fitter or builder will price your job.

• 1. Fixed Quote
  This is the most common and recommended method for a full kitchen installation. The fitter assesses the entire job—from the number of units to the type of worktop—and gives you a single, fixed price for all the work. This is great for you because the price won't change unless you add or remove work later on, giving you complete cost certainty.
• 2. Day Rate
  For smaller tasks or projects where the scope is uncertain, a fitter may charge a day rate. This is simply a set price for a day's work, which doesn't include materials. In 2025, the average UK day rate for a skilled kitchen fitter is £200 to £300.
• 3. Cost Per Unit
  Some fitters might provide an initial estimate based on the number of cabinets or units they need to install. The price is often between £100 to £150 per unit. This model is typically used for very simple, dry-fit installations and is usually rolled into a final fixed quote for the whole project.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Fitting a kitchen would typically be carried out by a single kitchen fitter working alone, but depending on the size and complexity of the job, additional labour and tradespersons may be needed.

The following will show you all the labour costs and also the durations of the fitting:

Costs for Specific Installation Jobs

While most fitters provide a fixed quote for the whole job, that price is based on the cost of individual tasks. Here are some typical standalone prices for common jobs:

• Fitting a Worktop: £300 to £800 (depending on material)
• Installing a Sink & Taps: £150 to £300
• Fitting a Built-in Oven: £100 to £200
• Tiling a Splashback (per m²): £40 to £60

Additional Kitchen Fitting Costs

Here are the additional costs of fitting a kitchen that you need to consider:

Appliances

The cost of appliances is a major part of your total budget and can vary significantly based on brand and features. While you can buy all the essential appliances for under £2,000, premium models can easily exceed £10,000.

Appliances with 'smart' features—like Wi-Fi connectivity, touch screens, or app integration—typically sit in the mid-to-high end of these price ranges.

Here’s what you could expect to pay for new appliances, but the actual cost will depend on your tastes, and required functionality.

• Oven: £300 - £1,500+
• Hob (Induction/Gas): £200 to £1,200+
• Fridge/Freezer (Integrated): £400 to £2,500+
• Dishwasher (Integrated): £300 to £1,000+

You will need budget for the separate labour cost of installing these appliances, especially if new plumbing or electrical connections are required.

Due to the number of appliances there are to choose from, there is no set or approximate cost that can be predicted without a budget in mind.

For example ovens come in prices from £150 for a basic style all the way up to £5,000+ for computerised "smart" self-cleaning varieties.

Lights and Power

Every Kitchen will require power and lighting in order to be habitable. Lighting price can vary depending on the size of the kitchen, existing fittings, and the design of the new light fittings chosen.

Windows

When carrying out a complete kitchen remodel, many homeowners also take the opportunity to improve natural light in the space. This could mean fitting a new or larger window, replacing old frames with modern uPVC windows, or even adding a skylight if the layout allows.

These kinds of upgrades not only make your kitchen brighter and more inviting but can also increase property appeal. Expect to pay around £400–£800 for a set of UPVC windows fitted, depending on size, materials, and access.

Cost Factors of Kitchen Installation

Kitchen Quality

Quality of the final appearance, level of technology, and usability of the space factor into the final cost of a new kitchen greatly.

For a medium kitchen (15m²) with a full new cupboard, appliances, and work surfaces completed, if basic quality non-smart appliances are used, costs will begin at around £2,500 to £4,000.

However, for the same property, yet with premium quality kitchen with smart appliances (such as a smart oven at £1,000) it would increase the price to around £8,000.

Waste Removal Cost

Another cost to account for is the disposal of waste during the installation process. Waste disposal will usually consist of simply hiring a skip. A skip is a large metal container used like a bin, for the disposal of building waste.

Skip hire costs begins at around £150 for a single skip hired for a week. Included in the price of the hire is usually the cost of collection and disposal of the waste.

Finally, flooring and decoration is a very important consideration, which should not be overlooked within the planning stages of a project.

Decoration

Once the kitchen has been fitted, it will often require some form of decoration to be carried out. Decorations such as tiled wall coverings, paint, and stone, lino, or tile flooring will increase the build time considerably, increasing not only the labour costs but also the construction time required in general.

Often, when a kitchen is fitted, it will be required to paint or decorate the space to fit the desired design or aesthetic look required.

What's Involved in Fitting a Kitchen?

Budgeting

The first step is going to be planning a budget. This is a very important step, as there is no point in starting a project you cannot afford to complete it. Factors such as materials, labour, and additional expenses need to be calculated at this stage.

Planning

In the planning stages, you will need to decide which style of kitchen you are going to construct, the level of quality you want, and the types of tradesmen you will have to hire.

After you have made these decisions, you may have to hire a specialist to draw up a plan for the project if not using a prefabricated kitchen.

Quotes

Quotes are vital to any construction project, as not all tradesmen charge the same rates for the same job. It is always best to get at least three quotes from three different companies in order to ensure you are getting the very best for your money.

Preparing the Space

Now the actual work begins. Firstly, if there is already an old kitchen in place, the site will need to be cleared. Then, the area in which the cupboards are to be installed will need measuring correctly.

Next surfaces will need to be cleaned and prepared for the installation of the cupboards, worktops, and any other fitted fixture. If removing the old kitchen, it is important to remove all the debris and dispose of it, often within a skip.

Construction

The construction stage will vary drastically depending on your chosen style of kitchen.

If a simple pre-built kit has been planned, this will be when the kitchen units will be installed, any new pipes fitted, and if new electrics required; the wires chased into their spaces.

Worktops

With the cupboards now installed, it is time to install your chosen kitchen worktops. This step can vary depending on the style of the worktops but, generally, will follow the same steps.

Fitting the Appliances

Electric cookers, gas cookers, hobs, ovens, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, additional lights, and any plumbing (such as a sink and taps) will now all need to be installed as required.

The oven and hobs are just as important as the sink and taps; however, most ovens and hobs will be able to be fitted by a qualified gas plumber (if gas) or electrician (if electric) in just a single day.

Lights and other electrical devices will require an electrician to install, and the kitchen sink and taps will require a plumber to fit them.

Decoration

The next step in the process is the aesthetics. Laying any flooring, such as lino, wood, or tilling.

Then, the walls will need to be painted or tiled (as required), the cupboards painted or stained (if required), and any finishing touches to make the new kitchen have the desired appearance which you have desired.

What Are the Benefits of Fitting a New Kitchen?

Fitting a new kitchen is a major home improvement that offers several key benefits, from increasing your property's value to improving everyday functionality and energy efficiency.

Improved Practicality and Function

A new kitchen is an opportunity to fix an outdated or inefficient layout. By rethinking the design, you can create a practical space tailored to your lifestyle, whether you want a comfortable family hub or a highly equipped kitchen for serious cooking. This improves the daily workflow and makes the room far more functional.

Looking for some inspiration?

Read our guide with hundreds of kitchen ideas!

Modernising or Updating

Updating your kitchen brings it into the present day with modern styles and appliances. For a long-term investment, consider 'future-proofing' by choosing high-quality, energy-efficient smart appliances. This ensures your kitchen remains technologically relevant and won't feel dated in just a few years.

Reducing Energy Consumption

Modern, A-rated appliances are designed to be highly energy-efficient. Upgrading from older models can significantly reduce your electricity and water consumption, leading to direct savings on your utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

Creating More Space/Storage

One of the most common goals of a kitchen remodel is to gain more storage. A new design can incorporate clever solutions like full-height cabinets, pull-out larders, and integrated storage to make the most of every inch. This helps to declutter worktops and creates a more organised and spacious feel.

Will Fitting a New Kitchen Add Value to My Home?

A well-planned kitchen installation can add real value to your property. Updating the layout, adding new appliances, and improving the overall design can make your home more appealing to buyers.

A modern kitchen can boost a property’s value by 5% to 6%, meaning a home worth £250,000 could rise to around £265,000 after a quality kitchen remodel.

However, a poorly executed kitchen refit can have the opposite effect, so it’s important to plan carefully and hire skilled kitchen fitters to carry out the work.

Can I Fit a Kitchen Myself?

A basic prebuilt kitchen can be self-installed; however, this is not a simple undertaking and will require many new skills to be learnt.

From carpentry, accurate measuring, and plumbing to tiling, decorating, and floor laying; unless you are the type of person that just has to do it yourself, it will typically be cheaper to hire a qualified and skilled tradesman.

Hiring a tradesman to remodel a kitchen does not mean you cannot attempt various simple jobs yourself. Painting the cupboards, sealing the worktops, and even helping out the hired tradesman are all things you could try installing once the difficult parts are completed.

However, one feature that you should never try to undertake yourself (without qualifications) is electrical and gas work.

Electrical and gas work is extremely dangerous, both during installation and afterwards; therefore, always hire a qualified electrician to install electrical equipment and a gas engineer to install gas equipment.

Do I Need an Architect to Design a New Kitchen?

When planning a kitchen remodel, building plans or drawings may need to be created. Usually, a specialist designer or architect can create these plans in order to make sure the correct materials and the correct style are used and you get the results you want.

Bear in mind this will, however, take up a large section of the overall labour budget, considering it will be one of the smaller jobs involved. The cost to hire an architect or specialist designer is usually around £200 per day.

However, they would usually charge by a completed job rather than per day. This would be around £1,000 – £2,500 for a completed design, drawing, and technical specifications.

Alternatively, you could ask your carpenter (if hired) to draw up the plans for your cupboards and worktops. This process can also be performed by your general builder or kitchen fitted (depending on your choice of hire), obviously dependant on their skill set.

Having your already hired tradesmen create the plans they have to work to will allow a great level of ease for them to install and save you a reasonable amount of money in the long run.

Cost of Kitchen Materials

While labour is a key expense, the materials you choose will form a large part of your budget, here’s a breakdown of what to expect for units, worktops, and flooring.

Kitchen Units

The price of your kitchen units is determined by the materials used for both the carcasses (the main body of the cabinet) and the doors. Here are the most common options:

• Chipboard: The most budget-friendly material, constructed from wood particles mixed with resin and pressed together. It's the standard for most affordable kitchens.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): A popular and versatile budget-friendly option. It creates a smooth surface perfect for painted or vinyl-wrapped doors, but it must be properly sealed to ensure it lasts.
• Solid Wood: By far the most durable and long-lasting material. As the premium choice, solid wood is also the most expensive but can last for over 20 years with proper care.

For a more detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to kitchen unit costs.

Kitchen Worktops

Your choice of worktop has a huge impact on both the look and the total cost of your kitchen. From budget-friendly laminate to premium natural stone, prices vary significantly. For a full breakdown, see our complete guide to kitchen worktop costs.

• Laminate: The most budget-friendly and versatile option, available in countless colours and finishes. See our laminate worktop cost guide.
• Solid Wood: Offers a classic, warm aesthetic but requires regular oiling to prevent water damage.
• Quartz & Granite: Premium, highly durable, and heat-resistant natural stone options that require professional templating and fitting.
• Corian (Solid Surface): A high-end acrylic material that can be seamlessly joined for a modern, non-porous finish. Read more in our Corian worktop cost guide.

Kitchen Flooring

A new floor needs to be durable, water-resistant, and match your kitchen's style. Popular choices vary in price, with costs typically quoted per square metre (m²), excluding the cost of fitting.

• Vinyl Flooring: A budget-friendly, waterproof option that is very quick to install. For more details, see our vinyl flooring cost guide.
• Laminate Flooring: Offers a popular wood-effect look at a lower cost than real wood. Read more in our guide to laminate flooring costs.
• Tile Flooring: Extremely durable and available in a vast range of styles, from ceramic to natural stone. Get more details in our floor tiling cost guide.
• Solid Wood Flooring: A premium, long-lasting option that adds warmth but requires more maintenance than other materials.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Fitting Costs Down

The budget of a kitchen is a very important factor of the remodelling process.

Saving money is important regardless of the size of the budget available; however, those on a fixed or limited budget will benefit the most from certain cost-saving actions.

• Sell Your Old Appliances. Before you begin, consider selling your existing appliances online if they're in good working order. A used cooker or fridge can still fetch a reasonable price, helping to offset the cost of new ones.
• Compare Prices on Materials. The price for the exact same items—from units to taps—can vary significantly between retailers. Always shop around and compare costs from different suppliers before making a final purchase.
• Do the Rip-Out Yourself. Removing the old kitchen is labour-intensive but doesn't require a high level of skill. By tackling this yourself, you could save a full day or more of labour costs from your final bill.
• Sell Your Old Kitchen. Don't just throw away your old units. If they are still in good condition and you're simply changing the style of your kitchen, the old unit may still have some value.
• Create and Stick to a Detailed Budget. Before buying anything, list every component you need and research the best price for each. A detailed plan is the best way to prevent overspending and ensures you have enough funds to complete the project.
• Wait for Seasonal Sales. Kitchen and appliance retailers have sales events throughout the year. Planning your purchases around these sales can often save you up to 50% on big-ticket items or allow you to upgrade to a better model within your budget.

Cost of Kitchen Removal

The removal of a kitchen is a thing which may need to be considered before you remodel. If you have an old, dilapidated kitchen already on your property, you may wish to replace it with a newer, nicer-looking build.

Units from a simple small kitchen (12m²) can usually be torn out by almost anyone. However, a larger kitchen with pipes and electrics, which may need removing, is, by far, more complex. Either size will require a few basic elements, such as a skip or waste removal, labour, and basic cleaning supplies. Skip hire will usually cost around £200 for a single skip, hired for a week, with pick up and disposal. This may not be large enough for a large kitchen.

Often, when removing a larger kitchen, you will be best served by hiring a tradesman such as a general builder. They can usually provide all the tools needed and even dispose of the waste produced.

An average builder will be able to complete an old kitchen removal within 3 days. This means it would cost you an average of £500, including the skip hire costs and labour.

Checklist: Hiring a Kitchen Fitter

• Depending on the tradesman hired, these can be in the form of CSCS certification, City and Guild levels, or even college gained qualifications such as HNC’s.
• The most important consideration when hiring any tradesman is the insurance. Make sure they possess, at the least, third party liability, which covers building work. At best, you want to find a tradesman who has personal injury, property damage, and work guarantee cover.
• Evidence of previous work is also a good consideration when hiring any tradesman. If they have references from previous clients, photos, or a portfolio of their work, it will prove they are proud of the level of skill they can provide.
• Does the tradesman offer any form of guarantee for the work they are going to undertake? Most will offer in some form or another to make sure you are happy with the job before they finish. However, it can be worth looking for a tradesman who offers a 5 year guarantee or greater. Then if any problems arise in the future due to any faults in the building process, you are covered, and they will fix their mistakes at no expense to you.

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