Kitchen worktop replacement cost in the UK
Replacing kitchen worktops in the UK typically costs between £400 and £3,500 supplied and fitted, depending on material and run length. Laminate replacements on a standard 5–6 m run sit at £400–£900; quartz or granite on the same run runs £1,800–£3,500 including templating, fabrication and installation.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up kitchen renovation cost in the uk, kitchen fitting cost in the uk and ikea kitchen installation cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Laminate worktop (per linear metre) | £90–£200/linear m |
Solid wood worktop (per linear metre) | £130–£280/linear m |
Granite (supplied & fitted per m²) | £350–£550/m² |
Quartz (supplied & fitted per m²) | £400–£650/m² |
Dekton / porcelain slab (per m²) | £500–£800/m² |
Solid surface (Corian) | £450–£700/m² |
Labour costs
Laminate and timber worktops are fitted by a kitchen fitter or joiner. Stone and engineered slabs include templating, factory fabrication and a separate install visit.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Laminate fit (fitter, full run) | £150–£400 |
Solid wood fit (joiner, full run) | £250–£600 |
Stone templating fee | £100–£250 |
Stone install (2-person team) | £350–£800 |
Sink & hob cut-outs (each) | £60–£200/each |
Joins / mitres (each) | £50–£180/each |
Materials costs
Worktop material cost varies widely. Edge profile, thickness and aperture count affect price within each material.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Budget laminate (per metre) | £50–£120/m |
Premium laminate (Egger, per metre) | £80–£180/m |
Oak / iroko (per metre) | £90–£220/m |
Granite slab (per m²) | £250–£450/m² |
Quartz slab (per m²) | £280–£500/m² |
Upstand (per metre) | £18–£60/m |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Material — stone costs 4–6× laminate per metre.
- ·Run length and corners — mitred or jointed corners add £80–£200 each.
- ·Edge profile — bevelled, bullnose or shark-nose edges add 5–20%.
- ·Apertures — sinks, hobs and tap holes are charged each.
- ·Region — London adds 20–30% on stone fabrication.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Choose laminate or solid wood for cost-conscious refurbishments — both look great in the right kitchen.
- ·Standardise on a single-run layout to avoid mitred joins.
- ·Buy direct from a stone fabricator rather than a kitchen showroom — saves 20–30%.
- ·Reuse the existing sink and hob — keeps cut-outs and pipework identical.
- ·Order remnant slabs for smaller kitchens — fabricators discount end-of-batch quartz.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does worktop replacement take?
- Laminate is one working day. Stone needs two visits — templating then install 5–14 days later.
- Can I replace just the worktop?
- Yes, provided the existing cabinets are level and structurally sound. New cut-outs may not match perfectly, so plan sink/hob choices carefully.
- Is quartz better than granite?
- Quartz is non-porous and needs less sealing; granite resists heat better. Both last 25+ years with normal use.
- Do I need to be home for templating?
- Yes — the templater confirms sink, hob, tap and overhang positions with you before fabrication.
- Will VAT be charged on worktop replacement?
- Yes — 20% VAT applies on materials and labour through VAT-registered suppliers.
- Can stone worktops crack?
- Yes, around cut-outs if not supported. Reputable fabricators reinforce the underside near sinks and hobs with composite battens.