A new kitchen is one of the most significant and value-adding investments you can make in your home. It functions as both a cooking hub and a social space for family and friends. Because a kitchen installation involves multiple skilled trades—joiners, plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, and tilers—budgeting requires splitting cabinetry supply from installation fees.
In this 2026 guide, we outline average new kitchen fitting costs, appliance and worktop options, labor day rates, and how to hire vetted installers on GetBuilder.
Average cost of a new kitchen in 2026
On average, a complete new kitchen installation in the UK costs between £18,000 and £45,000 including cabinetry supply, quartz or laminate worktops, new appliances, and all professional installation fees.
Estimated project costs by kitchen size and quality level (excluding structural extensions):
| Kitchen Category | Typical Size | Average Cabinetry & Tops | Average Installation Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard (Laminate) | 8 - 12 m² | £6,000 - £12,000 | £2,500 - £4,500 |
| Medium / High-Street (Quartz) | 12 - 20 m² | £12,000 - £25,000 | £4,500 - £7,500 |
| Large / Premium (Stone / Custom) | 20 m²+ | £25,000 - £50,000+ | £7,500 - £12,000+ |
Cabinetry, worktop, and appliance options
Your choice of materials is the biggest driver of the supply cost:
- Cabinetry: Flat-pack cabinets are the most affordable option, ranging from £2,500 to £6,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. Rigid-built (factory assembled) units cost £5,000 to £15,000. Solid wood in-frame units start at £15,000.
- Worktops: Laminate worktops cost £30 - £60 per linear metre and are fast to install. Quartz and Granite worktops range from £250 to £550 per linear metre because they must be professionally templated, cut, and polished off-site.
- Appliances: A standard set of integrated appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher) ranges from £1,500 to £4,500. Premium smart brands (Miele, Neff, Siemens) can push this to £6,000 - £15,000.
Kitchen fitter day rates and labor breakdown
A professional kitchen fitter typically works in a team of two. The day rate for a skilled kitchen joiner is £250 to £350 per day, and a helper charges £120 to £180 per day. Depending on your requirements, you will also need to hire other trades:
- Part P Registered Electrician: Essential for moving sockets, adding cooker circuits, and installing under-cabinet lighting. Expect to pay £250 - £350 per day.
- Gas Safe Registered Engineer: Mandatory if you are installing or moving a gas hob, cooker, or boiler. Typically costs £300 - £400 per day.
- Plumber: For running hot/cold feeds and waste lines for sinks and water-dispensing fridges. Typically costs £250 - £350 per day.
Key installation steps to expect
A kitchen installation typically takes 7 to 14 days and proceeds as follows:
- Rip-out & Prep (Days 1-2): Isolating utilities, removing old cabinets, tiles, and plastering any damaged walls.
- First Fix (Days 3-4): Routing new electrical cables, copper pipes, and waste lines inside walls and floors before plastering.
- Cabinetry Fitting (Days 5-7): Securing wall and base units, levelling, and installing end panels.
- Worktop Templating & Fitting (Days 8-10): Fitting laminate worktops immediately. If installing quartz or stone, templates are taken on Day 8, and fitting occurs 5-7 days later once cut.
- Second Fix & Snagging (Days 11-12): Plumbing sinks, connecting appliances, installing sockets, tiling splashbacks, and adjusting hinges.
Find trusted kitchen fitters on GetBuilder
Because kitchen refits require coordination between multiple trades, hiring an experienced kitchen specialist is critical. To find a vetted fitter near you:
- Post your requirements: Specify your layout dimensions, materials, and appliance preferences on GetBuilder for free.
- Compare itemized quotes: Ensure quotes detail demolition, first-fix plumbing/electrics, cabinetry fitting, and worktop templating separately.
- Check references and work quality: View checked homeowner reviews and project photos on installer profiles before hiring.
