Kitchen fitting cost in the UK
Kitchen fitting labour in the UK typically costs between £1,500 and £4,000 for a standard 10–14 m² kitchen, with most homeowners paying around £2,200–£3,200 for a mid-range fit. This covers units, worktop, splashback and connecting appliances — but excludes electrical, plumbing and gas trades, which are usually itemised separately.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up kitchen renovation cost in the uk, ikea kitchen installation cost in the uk and kitchen worktop replacement cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Small kitchen (under 8 m²) — labour only | £900–£1,800 |
Standard kitchen (10–14 m²) — labour only | £1,500–£3,200 |
Large kitchen (over 16 m²) — labour only | £2,800–£5,500 |
Bespoke kitchen install (per linear metre) | £250–£450/linear m |
Labour costs
UK kitchen fitters charge per day or per linear metre of units. Most include unit assembly, install, worktop fit and splashback. Electrics, gas and plumbing are extra.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Kitchen fitter day rate (UK avg) | £200–£320/day |
Kitchen fitter day rate (London) | £280–£420/day |
Per linear metre (units only) | £90–£180/linear m |
Worktop fit (laminate) | £120–£280 |
Worktop fit (stone — templating & install) | £350–£900 |
Splashback / upstand | £100–£350 |
Materials costs
Materials in this guide cover only fitter-supplied consumables. Carcasses, doors, worktops and appliances are itemised in the main kitchen renovation guide.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Screws, brackets, scribes | £30–£90 |
Silicone, sealant, edge trim | £25–£70 |
Worktop joining strip / colour-fill kit | £20–£60 |
End panels & plinths cut to size | £80–£250 |
Fitting cost per linear metre
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Budget flat-pack carcasses | £80–£140/linear m |
Rigid trade carcasses | £110–£200/linear m |
Bespoke / handmade | £200–£450/linear m |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Flat-pack vs rigid carcasses — flat-pack adds half a day to a day of assembly.
- ·Worktop choice — stone needs templating and a second visit.
- ·Layout complexity — islands, corner units and curved runs add labour.
- ·Existing kitchen removal — usually £200–£500 extra.
- ·Region — London adds 25–35% to day rates.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Order rigid carcasses — saves a day of assembly vs flat-pack.
- ·Group fitter, electrician and plumber into a single project plan to avoid waiting days.
- ·Ask the fitter to assemble flat-pack at home before the install week to save site time.
- ·Use laminate or solid wood worktops to avoid templating delays of stone.
- ·Keep the same footprint — every relocation of sink or hob adds half a day.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a kitchen fit take?
- Most UK kitchens take 5–10 fitter-days. Templated stone worktops add a second visit 7–14 days after first install.
- Do kitchen fitters supply units?
- Some do, with a small mark-up. Most homeowners buy from Howdens, Magnet or IKEA directly and pay fitting labour only.
- Are flat-pack kitchens worth it?
- IKEA and similar flat-pack kitchens are good value but add 1–2 days of fitter time vs rigid trade carcasses.
- Who connects the appliances?
- Fitters connect plumbed appliances and gas-safe-relevant trades handle gas hobs and ovens. Hard-wired ovens and hobs need a Part P electrician.
- Do I need to be in during the fit?
- Day one (strip-out and access) and final day (snagging) are useful. Mid-week the kitchen will be a building site and you can leave the fitter to work.
- How much should I keep back for snagging?
- Hold back 5–10% of the fitting fee until any worktop joins, door alignment and silicone work has cured and been inspected.