How much does kitchen fitting cost?

• Average kitchen fitting labour costs: £2,200 to £4,600+ 

• Worktop fitting labour costs: £300 to £600+  

• Cabinet fitting labour costs: £40 to £55+ per unit 

• Kitchen sink fitting labour costs: £200+ 

• Average rate for kitchen fitters: £300+ per day 

Fitting a new kitchen is a big investment and understanding the typical costs involved can help you plan effectively. 

Generally, the average labour cost of fitting a kitchen in the UK starts at around £2,200+, with higher-end labour costs reaching £4,600 or more.  

This covers essential installations like cabinets, worktops, and sinks, but doesn’t include the connection of appliances by professional plumbers or electricians. 

Nor does this amount include any wider renovation work required in the room. Unless you know how to tile a kitchen wall or paint the room, this matters.

For a more in-depth look at all associated costs, check out our guide on kitchen renovation costs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of kitchen fitting and break down average job costs across the UK.  

These costs, collected in October 2024 from Yell proprietary data and online data sources, reflect the average expenses UK homeowners can expect. 

Here’s a handy breakdown of the key labour costs involved in kitchen fitting projects:  

Costs accurate as of October 2024 

Kitchen fitting involves installing key components like cabinets and worktops, and fitting sinks, usually within an existing kitchen space.   

The process includes dismantling any old cabinets and units, preparing surfaces, and securing cabinets and worktops.  

You may need to hire electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers to handle connection work for lighting, sinks, and appliances, ensuring everything is safely connected. 

It typically costs anywhere from £2,200 to £4,600+ to fit a new kitchen, not including materials.  

Below, you'll find a breakdown of typical kitchen installation material costs.

Costs accurate as of October 2024 

Worktops are a central feature in any kitchen.  

High-quality kitchen worktops, like granite or quartz, add value to a home, while budget-friendly options, such as laminate, offer practical and stylish alternatives at affordable prices. 

The average cost to fit a worktop or kitchen island ranges from £300 to £600+, on top of the cost of the worktop itself.  

Granite worktops are the most expensive option when fitting a kitchen, ranging from £500 to £1,150+ for materials.  

Alternatively, fitting laminate worktops in your kitchen is a cost-effective option, ranging from £200 to £800+ for materials.  

There are several other kitchen worktop materials you might consider, such as quartz, wood, and marble, all ranging in price and features. 

Costs accurate as of October 2024 

No kitchen is complete without a range of cabinets and other kitchen units, such as drawers and appliance housing. They range from £40 to £55+ per unit to fit.   

Expect to pay more for custom-built kitchen cabinets from carpenters and joiners, while prefabricated units will be cheaper. 

You can learn more about these expenses with our guide on how much carpenters and joiners charge.

If you're happy to stick with your current cabinets but they're squeaking or misaligned, learn how to adjust kitchen cabinets yourself, and you can save some money on labour.

Kitchen sinks can cost anywhere from £200+ for labour fitting costs.  

You may also need a qualified plumber to connect the kitchen sink to the water supply and drainage system.  

Here's how much you can expect to pay kitchen fitters.

Costs accurate as of October 2024 

Kitchen fitters usually charge anywhere from £250 to £350+ per day.  

This can vary depending on location, the complexity of the project, and whether old kitchen units and fittings must be removed before installations can occur.  

You might be able to save on some of these costs by removing the old units and fittings yourself – if you’re feeling confident and able. 

Here, we'll run through what you can usually expect to be included in kitchen fitting costs, as well as anything you might need to pay extra to get.

What's typically covered in standard kitchen fitting costs?

Most kitchen fitting quotes usually cover the basics needed to install the units and make the kitchen operational.

The services usually included services:

• Removal of old kitchen units: fitters handle dismantling and disposing of old cabinets, worktops, and basic fixtures

• Installation of new units: fitting base and wall cabinets securely, then making sure they're level and properly aligned

• Fitting of worktops: cutting and securing new worktops, including joining sections neatly

• Basic plumbing connections: reconnecting or adjusting pipework for sinks and dishwashers (assuming minimal changes)

• Basic electrical connections: hooking up appliances like ovens, hobs, and extractors (if existing wiring is adequate)

• Installation of sinks and taps: connecting new taps and sinks, provided plumbing adjustments are minimal

• Cutting appliance spaces: customising worktops or units to fit integrated appliances, like ovens and hobs

• Minor cosmetic work: basic sealing (like silicone around sinks) and tidying edges

These basics form the core labour cost that most fitters will include in their initial quote.

As you can see from the list above, much of it depends on whether the fitting mainly needs like-for-like replacements.

What extras don't kitchen fitting costs usually include?

While the basics are included, there are several tasks that often incur additional charges, especially if extra time, specialist work, or third-party contractors are needed:

• Major plumbing changes: moving pipes for new sink or dishwasher locations, plus installing new waste lines

• Major electrical rewiring: adding new sockets, lighting circuits, upgrading the consumer unit, or moving hardwired appliance connections

• Tiling work: wall tiling, splashbacks, or replacing floor tiles are usually quoted separately

• Plastering and wall preparation: repairing damaged walls, full re-skimming, or making walls ready for tiling or painting

• Flooring installation: new flooring (vinyl, laminate, tile) isn’t normally included, unless specified

• Gas work: gas hob installations or modifications must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer and may cost extra

• Custom carpentry: bespoke alterations to units, custom shelving, or building around awkward spaces

• Appliance supply and installs: fitters usually expect you to supply your own appliances unless agreed otherwise

• Disposal of waste: some fitters charge separately for skip hire or waste disposal if not agreed in the original quote

• Decorating: painting and finishing touches are often outside a fitter’s standard scope

You can usually choose to add these costs into your quote with the kitchen fitter, though you can always make separate arrangements as well.

If you choose to let your kitchen fitter handle things, be sure to get a written quote that details exactly what's included.

Whichever approach you take, make sure you have an idea of what you're likely to spend.

Start exploring everything from plumber costs to skip hire prices to get prepared.

• Material quality: premium worktop materials like quartz or granite worktops are pricier to fit than cheaper worktop options, like laminate, as they are often heavier and more difficult to work with 

• Kitchen size and layout: a larger kitchen requires more units, worktops, and installation time, driving up costs 

• Complexity of design: custom cabinetry or unconventional layouts also increase labour and fitting time

Planning your kitchen installation budget starts with understanding how to estimate realistic costs and how to gather accurate quotes.

A little preparation can help you stay on budget and avoid unexpected expenses during your renovation.

Estimating costs

When estimating the cost of fitting a new kitchen, consider these key factors:

• Size of the kitchen: larger kitchens require more units, more worktops, and longer labour time – all driving up the price

• Type and quality of units:

  • Basic flat-pack units are cheaper than bespoke or rigid-built kitchens

  • High-end materials (solid wood, stone worktops) increase costs significantly

• Complexity of layout: a simple straight-line kitchen is quicker and cheaper to install than an L-shaped, U-shaped, or island layout that requires more customisation

• Plumbing and electrical needs: moving the sink, cooker, or adding extra sockets and lighting will increase installation costs

• Choice of appliances: integrated and high-spec appliances often need more intricate fitting and sometimes specialist installers

• Decorative finishes: tiling, splashbacks, flooring, and final decoration should also be factored into your budget (if not included in the kitchen fitter's quote)

In general, expect labour for lower-spec and smaller kitchens to cost upwards of £2,200, and larger, more luxurious kitchens to cost beyond £4,600.

Pro tip: always add a contingency buffer of around 10% to 15% for unexpected issues like plumbing repairs or wall adjustments.

Quotes and estimates

To get accurate and fair pricing for your kitchen fitting:

• Get at least three written quotes: this helps you understand the market rate and gives room for negotiation

• Provide detailed information: supply plans, unit specifications, appliance lists, and details about plumbing or electrical work needed

• Ask for a full breakdown: request a quote that itemises everything included in the work, such as:

  • Labour costs

  • Material costs (if supplied)

  • Specialist services (gas, electrics, plastering, decorating, and so on)

  • Disposal fees

  • Any potential extras

• Clarify what’s excluded: make sure you know what isn’t included (e.g. tiling, flooring, decoration) so you can plan accordingly

• Check for guarantees and insurance: ensure the contractor is insured and offers a workmanship guarantee for peace of mind

• Don’t just pick the cheapest: balance price, quality, experience, and reviews to choose a fitter who’s right for your project

By following these tips, you'll better understand fair market value, and find local kitchen fitters suitable for the project.

Pro tip: use your kitchen supplier's fitting service as a comparison point, keeping in mind independent kitchen fitters often offer better value and flexibility.

Keeping your kitchen project on budget requires smart planning, realistic expectations, and a proactive approach to savings.

Here, we'll look at how to manage costs without compromising on quality.

Affordability and savings

There are several ways to reduce kitchen installation costs without cutting corners:

• Reuse where possible: retain existing appliances, plumbing points, and even some cabinets if they're in good condition

• Choose standard sizes: bespoke or non-standard unit sizes and made-to-measure features increase both material and fitting costs

• Shop around for units and appliances: compare prices across multiple suppliers and look for sales, clearance offers, or ex-display kitchens

• Mix premium and budget options: invest in standout features (like a stone worktop) and save on less visible elements (like cabinet carcasses)

• Limit structural changes: the more you alter plumbing, electrics, or walls, the more the cost climbs – keeping the basic layout can save thousands

• Get multiple installation quotes: fitter prices can vary significantly, so obtaining at least three quotes can highlight the best value for money

Pro tip: always factor in hidden costs such as delivery charges, disposal fees, and minor finishing work when comparing deals.

DIY installation

DIY kitchen fitting can seem like a big money-saver – but there are key pros and cons to weigh carefully:

The main benefit is cost savings. Here's why:

• Labour makes up a large portion of kitchen fitting costs; doing it yourself can save thousands of pounds, depending on the project size

• Basic tasks like assembling cabinets, fitting shelves, and even installing worktops are DIY-friendly for confident home improvers

However, beware of additional challenges:

• Technical tasks like electrical work, gas appliance fitting, and plumbing alterations must be carried out by certified professionals under UK regulations

• DIY mistakes can lead to costly repairs or void warranties on units and appliances

• More complex kitchens (especially those with integrated appliances, custom joins, or stone worktops) often require professional skills

So, doing some of the installation work might be realistic, but tread carefully.

The last thing you'll want is to waste money on materials that are improperly installed!

Pro tip: a hybrid approach can work well – DIY the cabinet assembly and decoration, and hire specialists for plumbing, electrics, and heavy installations.

Contingency fund

No matter how detailed your plan, unexpected expenses are almost inevitable during a kitchen project.

That’s why setting aside a contingency fund is essential:

• How big should the contingency fund be? We recommend setting aside 10-15% of your total budget as a contingency

• When should a contingency fund be used? Anytime an unexpected cost crops up, you can lean on the fund – unexpected costs include:

  • Discovering hidden water damage or rotten flooring

  • Needing additional plumbing or wiring updates

  • Extra tiling or plastering due to unforeseen gaps or damage

  • Replacing or repairing defective units or appliances on delivery

• What are the benefits of a contingency fund? There are several great reasons to set up a contingency fund, such as:

  • Reduces financial stress if surprises arise

  • Makes sure the project isn’t delayed while you gather extra funds

  • Allows flexibility to upgrade finishes or fix issues properly instead of cutting corners

While holding back money might feel frustrating, it's the best way to avoid a project-derailing catastrophe.

Pro tip: if you don't end up using the contingency fund, it can go toward upgrading accessories, better lighting, or even new furniture for your finished kitchen!

Still have questions about fitting a kitchen, and how much it’s likely to cost you? Read on below for answers. 

How long does a typical kitchen fitting take? 

A full kitchen fitting generally takes 3 to 5 days for small kitchens, and up to 2 weeks for more complex projects. This is in addition to any electrical, gas, building or plumbing work that may be required.  

If extensive work is needed before the kitchen fitting, you’ll need to work with your hired professionals to plan out the project. 

Is there a best time of year to fit a kitchen? 

Consider avoiding holiday seasons as these are often the busiest times of the year and you can expect longer delays.  

Booking in advance for early spring or autumn may give you access to better kitchen fitter availability. 

Can a kitchen fitter install my kitchen appliances?  

No, kitchen fitters generally focus on the structural and aesthetic aspects of a kitchen, such as fitting cabinets, worktops, and sinks.  

While they’re skilled in these areas, they may lack the specific certifications required for safely installing kitchen appliances, especially when gas or electricity is involved.   

Appliances like gas cookers require a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re correctly connected to the gas supply, as improper installation can lead to gas leaks or safety hazards.  

You can find out more about what you'll need to pay with our guide on how much having a gas cooker fitted costs.

Similarly, electrical appliances need a qualified electrician to handle wiring and ensure compliance with UK electrical safety standards.  

By hiring qualified professionals for appliance installations, you can make sure that everything is safely fitted under the correct regulations. 

Fitting a new kitchen involves a range of costs, from materials to labour, with an average installation starting around £2,200+ for basic fittings, rising to £4,600+ for more extensive projects.  

Remember to account for appliance installation and connection costs on top of this, as well as any necessary renovation work.  

By choosing cost-effective materials and sourcing quotes from several tradespeople, you can manage costs and enjoy a beautifully updated and professionally fitted kitchen. 

To get the best results, consider hiring a highly rated kitchen fitter.  

Yell makes it easy to find qualified kitchen fitters in your area. Browse nearby services and read customer reviews to find your favourite. 

Or you can post a free enquiry by providing a few of your project details, and receive quotes directly from local fitters. 

For how-to guides, money-saving tips, and even TrustMark-endorsed hiring advice, check out the Yell blog today.  

Disclaimer

Cost data was gathered from business estimates, profiles and websites captured on Yell.com, in up to 12 UK regions, combined with an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.