A new kitchen in the UK typically falls into one of three clear price bands, according to MyJobQuote’s kitchen fitting cost guide: £5,000 to £7,000 for a budget kitchen, £8,000 to £14,000 for mid-range, and £20,000 or more for premium and bespoke. The difference between the tiers is not just brand names, it is genuinely different materials and labour.
What you get at each price point
| Tier | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £5,000 to £7,000 | Flat pack units, laminate worktops, entry level integrated appliances |
| Mid-range | £8,000 to £14,000 | Rigid (pre-built) units, a wider worktop choice, better appliance brands |
| Premium | £20,000+ | Solid wood or bespoke cabinetry, stone worktops, high end appliances |
What actually drives the price within a tier
- Units: flat pack vs rigid vs bespoke. Flat pack units are assembled on site and are the cheapest option. Rigid units arrive pre-built, which costs more but gives a sturdier, better aligned finish. Bespoke cabinetry is built to your exact space and is the most expensive by a wide margin.
- Worktop material. Laminate is the budget option. Solid wood and composite materials sit in the middle. Natural stone such as granite or engineered stone like quartz sit at the top, both for material cost and the specialist fitting they need.
- Appliances. Entry level integrated appliances versus premium brands can easily account for a difference of several thousand pounds across a full kitchen.
- Labour complexity. A like-for-like layout, keeping the sink, hob and appliances roughly where they already are, is far cheaper than a full reconfiguration that moves plumbing and electrics to new positions.
- Structural work. Knocking through a wall to create an open plan kitchen, or fitting a kitchen island that needs new services run to it, adds cost on top of the units themselves.
Getting quotes that actually compare
The same kitchen specification sent to three kitchen fitters can come back with very different prices, and it is not always about quality. Before comparing quotes, check each one covers the same scope: removal and disposal of the old kitchen, all trades involved (plumbing, electrics, and gas if applicable), and a written specification of the units, worktop and appliances by brand and model rather than vague descriptions.
Look for accreditation such as TrustMark, the government endorsed quality scheme, and ask specifically who is doing the plumbing and electrical work, since a bathroom sized amount of both goes into most kitchens. We check exactly this when we build our Top 5 lists, so a page for your town is a quick way to shortlist fitters who already meet that bar.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a budget kitchen cost?
According to MyJobQuote's kitchen fitting cost guide, a budget kitchen typically costs £5,000 to £7,000, covering flat pack units, laminate worktops and entry level integrated appliances, fully fitted.
How much does a mid-range kitchen cost?
A mid-range kitchen typically runs £8,000 to £14,000, with better quality rigid (pre-built) units, a wider choice of worktop materials, and a step up in appliance brands and finish.
How much does a premium kitchen cost?
Premium and bespoke kitchens typically start from around £20,000 and can run considerably higher, covering solid wood or fully bespoke cabinetry, stone worktops such as quartz or granite, and high end integrated appliances.
Do I need a separate plumber and electrician for a new kitchen?
Often not separately. Most established kitchen fitting companies employ or subcontract a qualified plumber and a Part P registered electrician as part of the job. If a gas hob or gas oven is involved, that work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer specifically, so confirm this is covered before you book.
About the author
Stu Clark
Stu spent over 15 years in the trades, working as a plumber before running his own plumbing and bathroom renovation company with a team of eight. He founded Top5Trades to give homeowners the kind of shortlist and straight advice you would get from someone who has actually done the work. More about us →