Kitchen installation cost breakdown in the UK
A UK kitchen installation typically breaks down as 25–35% labour and 65–75% materials. For a £12,000 mid-range kitchen, expect £3,500–£4,500 on fitting trades and £7,500–£8,500 on cabinets, worktops, appliances, tiles and flooring. This guide itemises every component.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up kitchen renovation cost in the uk, kitchen renovation timeline in the uk and kitchen fitting cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Cabinets (8–10 units) | £1,800–£7,500 |
Worktop | £250–£4,500 |
Appliances (5-piece set) | £1,500–£5,000 |
Sink & tap | £150–£700 |
Kitchen fitter labour | £1,500–£4,000 |
Electrician | £450–£1,200 |
Plumber | £350–£900 |
Gas Safe engineer | £200–£600 |
Plasterer / tiler | £350–£900 |
Flooring | £400–£1,500 |
Decoration / making good | £200–£600 |
Labour costs
Labour covers strip-out, cabinet fitting, worktop install, electrics, plumbing, gas, tiling and decoration. Fitter rates are £200–£320/day nationally.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Kitchen fitter (6–10 days) | £1,500–£4,000 |
Electrician (2–3 days) | £450–£1,200 |
Plumber (2–3 days) | £350–£900 |
Gas Safe engineer (1 day) | £200–£600 |
Plasterer (1 day) | £350–£800 |
Tiler / decorator (1–2 days) | £250–£700 |
Materials costs
Materials dominate the budget. Worktop choice alone can swing the spend by £2,000–£5,000.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Cabinets (8–10 units) | £1,800–£7,500 |
Worktop — laminate | £250–£600 |
Worktop — quartz / granite | £1,500–£4,500 |
Appliances (oven, hob, hood, dw, fridge) | £1,500–£5,000 |
Sink & tap | £150–£700 |
Flooring (LVT / tile, per m²) | £30–£90/m² |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Cabinet quality — flat-pack carcasses vs rigid vs bespoke in-frame.
- ·Worktop material — laminate, wood, quartz, granite, Dekton.
- ·Appliance tier — own-brand vs Bosch / Neff / Miele.
- ·Layout changes — moving sink, hob or removing walls adds trades.
- ·Region — London adds 20–30% on both labour and some materials.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Use trade-brand carcasses with mid-range doors for the best value.
- ·Keep the existing layout — no plumbing or gas moves.
- ·Buy appliances in January / Black Friday sales.
- ·Get three itemised quotes for identical scope.
- ·Choose laminate worktops in budget kitchens; they last 10+ years.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the biggest cost in a kitchen installation?
- Cabinets and worktops together make up 50–60% of most budgets. Appliance choice is the next biggest variable.
- How much should I budget for labour only?
- £3,000–£5,500 for a standard 10–14 m² kitchen fitted by separate trades, or £2,500–£4,000 if a single contractor handles everything.
- Are supply-and-fit kitchens cheaper?
- Often yes — trade suppliers bundle at wholesale prices. DIY supply with independent fitters can also work if you know exactly what to order.
- Should I upgrade the electrics?
- Yes, if the existing kitchen circuit is old. Modern kitchens need dedicated circuits for ovens, hobs, dishwashers and extractors.
- Does a kitchen add value to a house?
- A mid-range kitchen typically returns 60–70% of cost at resale, and a dated kitchen can significantly reduce offers.