How Much Does a New Kitchen Really Cost in the UK?

Ask five kitchen suppliers what a new kitchen costs and you’ll get five different numbers. Nobody’s lying to you. “New kitchen” can mean swapping a few doors on a Saturday afternoon, or a full rip-out with a designer, a project manager and a fitting team involved for two weeks. Two kitchens can end up looking almost identical and still be £15,000 apart in price. So rather than give you one figure and hope it’s useful, here’s where the money actually goes, what you can expect to pay depending on the route you take, and where you can genuinely save without the kitchen looking like you saved.

What Drives the Price

There’s no single answer to “how much does a kitchen cost,” but a handful of things consistently move the number the most.

1. Cabinets and carcasses. Usually the biggest single line item, but the carcass itself, the plain box behind the door, doesn’t need to cost much to be good. An 18mm rigid carcass will outlast the rest of the kitchen whether it cost £45 or £145.


2. Doors and finishes. This is where the real price difference shows up. A basic white gloss slab and a hand-painted, made-to-measure shaker door can be three or four times apart for a job that’s structurally identical underneath. If you only cut costs in one place, this is usually where — and it’s also why replacement kitchen doors alone are such a popular route.


3. Worktops. Laminate has really stepped up its game. You’d honestly struggle to tell it from the real thing just by looking at it — it’s only when you touch the surface that you notice the difference. If you’re dead set on the solid stuff like granite, wood, or quartz, then expect a bigger bill. It’s not just the cost of the slab itself; it’s the fact that these materials are heavy, difficult to handle, and take a lot longer to cut and install.


4. Appliances. The bit people forget to budget properly for. A full run of oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer and dishwasher adds up quickly, and it’s easy to pay a lot extra for a name-brand without much difference in day-to-day use.

5. Installation

Installation is one of those costs that often catches people by surprise. If you’re paying someone to fit the kitchen, labour can quickly become a significant part of the overall budget, particularly if the room has an unusual layout, an island, or plumbing and electrical work that needs altering. On the other hand, if you’re happy to fit the kitchen yourself or already have a trusted local tradesperson, you can save a considerable amount compared with paying for a complete design-and-install package.

What Does That Mean in Real Terms?

The reason kitchen prices vary so much is simple – not everyone is buying the same thing. For some homeowners, a new kitchen means replacing a few doors. For others, it means removing everything and starting from scratch. If your existing cabinets are still in good condition, replacing the doors, handles and worktop can completely refresh the space. This usually costs around £1,500 to £4,000, as there’s very little installation work involved. A supply-only kitchen typically costs between £3,000 and £9,000. This includes the cabinets, doors and worktops, but not the fitting. You can either install it yourself or hire a local tradesperson. For a fully designed and installed kitchen, expect to pay anywhere from £9,000 to £25,000+. The higher price covers the design, project management and professional installation, as well as the kitchen itself. These are only guide prices. The final cost depends on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose and any extra work needed, such as plumbing or electrical changes.

How to Read a Kitchen Quote

A good quotation should clearly explain exactly what you’re paying for. It should list the cabinet specification, door style, worktop material and every appliance by make and model. Installation costs should also be broken down so you know whether plumbing, electrics, delivery and any made-to-measure work are included or charged separately. If a quote only gives you one total price with very little detail, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable supplier should be happy to explain exactly what is included before you commit.

Where You Can Save Money

Not every kitchen needs a complete replacement. If your existing cabinets are still solid, keeping them and replacing only the doors, handles and worktops can make a huge difference for much less money. Choosing a supply-only kitchen is another popular way to reduce costs, especially if you already have a reliable fitter or you’re confident tackling some of the work yourself. It’s also worth thinking carefully before ruling out made-to-measure units. Although they sometimes cost more initially, they can save money by avoiding filler panels and awkward gaps that often come with standard-sized kitchens. Before ordering anything, ask for samples of your chosen door finish. Colours often look completely different under the lighting in your own home than they do in a showroom, and it’s much easier to change your mind before the kitchen arrives than afterwards.

So, How Much Should You Budget?

The honest answer is that every kitchen is different. The final price depends on the size of the room, the products you choose and whether you’re buying the kitchen only or paying for a complete installation service. If you’d like a more accurate figure, send Kitchens 4U Online your kitchen measurements or existing plans, and we’ll prepare a detailed, itemised quotation. If you’ve already received a quote elsewhere, we’re always happy to see if we can offer better value.