How much does it cost to install a kitchen?

Most people have been spending their time in lockdown doing home-improvements. If the kitchen is your next project, then here’s an overview of how much it could set you back.

Things to consider   

When calculating how much it costs to install a new kitchen there are a few different things you need to think about.  

• the size of your kitchen  
• the type of kitchen you want  
• whether you’ll be paying someone to install it or you will be installing it yourself. 

The size of the kitchen  

The size of your kitchen will be a big factor in cost. The smaller your kitchen, the cheaper it will be.  

According to Wren Kitchens, a small kitchen requiring 8 units to cover one wall (10m2 of storage space) would cost approximately £1,425. Whereas an extra-large kitchen requiring 20 units to cover 3 walls plus an island (30m2 of storage space) would cost approximately £3,275. 

On top of this you’ll need to consider the cost of appliances as well.  

You might need a new:  

• cooker  
• hob 
• hood 
• fridge/freezer  
• dishwasher  
• microwave. 

The type of kitchen you want  

When it comes to the cost, a simple design with simple features is definitely going to be the cheaper option. Flat packed kitchens are often the cheaper option.   

Other costs to consider include: 

• worktops – if you go for laminate, this averages at around £80 at places such as B&Q or Wickes. Solid wood is much more expensive.  
• flooring - for laminate flooring it can cost you roughly £20 per m2, but if you are looking for something a bit more luxurious such as wooden flooring, you could end up paying double that 
• tiling - tiles are often a pricey feature and varies depending on the style and the amount you’ll need 
• painting and decorating – paint can cost roughly £20 per pot of emulsion paint 
• sink and taps - this really depends on what type of sink and taps you choose but you’ll also have to factor in the cost of plumbing and installation which will vary depending on where you go.  

Also, depending on which company you get to fit your kitchen, you might need to consider separate costs for having the old kitchen removed.  

Kitchen installation  

If you decide to install your new kitchen yourself, then of course it will be a lot cheaper than if you pay someone else to do it for you.  

You'll need to be prepared for a lot of hard work, have decent tools and some serious DIY expertise. You may also want to have some extra people on hand to help you with any heavy lifting. If you are going to do it yourself, you could look into getting a flatpack kitchen, which will be much easier to install.  

Fitting a kitchen is a huge job which is why some people find it easier to hire professionals. Most companies will fit your kitchen if you buy it from them. The other option is to buy your kitchen and hire a separate installation team yourself.   

When hiring an installation team, you should:  

• make sure they’re qualified 
• have plenty of experience 
• make sure you get everything in writing including quotes and a timeframe for the work.  

Other ways to save money on your kitchen 

Getting a new kitchen can tally up to be pretty expensive. You can save even further on the cost by:  

• shopping around and comparing prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal 
• always checking in the sale 
• consider buying ex-showroom kitchens. 

You could try this Kitchen Price Estimator from Wren Kitchens to see how much it might cost you.  

For more on home improvements, here’s how you can set up a smart home on a budget.