How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in the UK?

Gardiner of England
Jul 11
5 min read

One of the most common and important questions homeowners ask when starting a renovation project is: “How much should I pay to fit a kitchen?”

Kitchen costs in 2025 — **Modern Shaker Kitchen | £40,000 approximate project price**

At Gardiner of England, we understand that a new kitchen is a significant investment. But the truth is, the cost of a kitchen renovation in the UK can vary hugely depending on size, layout, appliances, materials, and so much more.

This blog post is designed to offer clear, helpful insights into average UK kitchen renovation costs in 2025, alongside practical guidance from our experienced Design Manager, Abigail Leek, on how to make smart decisions at every budget.

What is a good budget for a kitchen renovation in 2025?

National averages suggest that a typical kitchen renovation in the UK can cost anywhere from £8,000 to £30,000. However, the level of finish, type of cabinetry and appliances, and whether you choose a bespoke service will all impact the final price.

At Gardiner of England, where all kitchens are handcrafted in Britain and tailored to the homeowner, the majority of our kitchen projects fall within the £20,000 - £30,000 mark, with full design, appliances, and installation. However, we also regularly work on projects with budgets around the £10,000 mark and achieve equally beautiful designs by working closely with our homeowners to establish priorities.

Abigail explains:

“The biggest factor is understanding what matters most to you. Do you need storage for family life? Do you love entertaining and want a large island for mid-dinner drinks? Is there a specific worktop design you’ve fallen in love with? Once we understand your priorities, we’ll create a layout and specification that brings it to life, within your chosen budget.”

Kitchen cost breakdown: What’s included in a fully renovated kitchen?

Before diving into design inspiration, it’s important to understand what the cost of a fully-fitted kitchen in the UK actually includes. Many advertised kitchen prices only reflect flat-pack units or entry-level ranges, not the full experience.

Here’s what a comprehensive kitchen renovation typically includes:

Component	Typical Cost (Range)
Design Consultation & Planning	Often included, or £500–£2,000
Bespoke Cabinetry	£6,000 – £25,000+
Worktops (Quartz, Granite etc.)	£2,000 – £10,000+
Appliances (e.g. Haier, BOSCH)	£3,000 – £8,000+
Installation & Fitting	£3,000 – £6,000+
Painting, Finishing & Handles	£1,000 – £2,500+

Gardiner of England provides all of the above in one cohesive service. Our in-house design, manufacturing, and installation teams work seamlessly to manage the entire journey.

Average kitchen renovation costs by size

To help you plan, we’ve created a useful guide based on the size and style of kitchen here.

Small kitchens (apartment-style or compact spaces):
Approx. £10,000–£25,000

Medium kitchens (e.g. semi-detached homes, U-shaped kitchens):
Approx. £35,000–£60,000

Large kitchens (e.g. open-plan homes, with pantries or utilities):
Approx. £70,000–£100,000+

These estimates include cabinetry, worktops, fitting, and appliances. If you’re adding a utility room, boot room, or dressing rooms at the same time, we’ll also create a tailored package to ensure consistency and cost efficiency.

How much does a custom kitchen cost in the UK?

If you're asking “how much does a custom kitchen cost in the UK?”, the answer is: more than a flat-pack kitchen, but less than you might think when you factor in lifespan, functionality, and aesthetic return.

Custom kitchens like ours are made-to-order and tailored to the exact needs of each home. From layout planning and cabinetry style to handles, internals, and lighting, every element is thoughtfully designed and manufactured right here in the UK.

“With a bespoke kitchen, nothing is wasted,” says Abigail.

“We design with intention. Whether your kitchen is a place for entertaining, cooking for your family or enjoying a quiet moment at the end of a busy day, our job is to reflect how you live. That level of personalisation is what makes custom kitchens worth the investment.”

Smart ways to stay on budget

If your renovation budget is more modest, there are ways to make it go further without sacrificing quality:

Prioritise one hero feature

Choose a standout island, a marble-inspired worktop, or internal drawers, and then simplify the rest.

Use standard colour ranges

Opting for standard cabinetry colours instead of paint-to-order finishes can reduce costs significantly without affecting the overall look.

Hide more affordable appliances

Our Designers often suggest cabinetry fronts to conceal integrated appliances, helping them blend seamlessly, even if the appliance brand is more budget-conscious.

Reassess layout

A good designer can make a huge difference. Keeping plumbing and electrics in their existing place can lower installation costs. That’s where smart design becomes invaluable.

Consider more cost effective materials

For example, quartz worktops are significantly cheaper than marble but can still be finished with a warm vein and natural details running through them.

The Gardiner of England Way

Every Gardiner kitchen starts with a Design Appointment with one of our experienced Designers. During this session, we explore your wish list, inspiration, floorplans, and family needs. From there, you’ll receive a tailored proposal, complete with visuals, costings, and a projected timeline.

Our kitchens are all:

Made in Britain — Designed in Kent, crafted in Darlington
Fully managed — From concept to installation
Low carbon — Thanks to UK sourcing and production
Tailored to you — Our designers only take on limited projects per year

We also offer:

In-house worktop fabrication
Hundreds of colour options
Dedicated UK support teams
Options for phased renovations (if preferred)

Our goal? To bring your dream kitchen to life, within budget and without compromising on functionality.

How much would it cost to fully renovate a kitchen with Gardiner?

While every quote is unique, here are some real-world estimates based on past projects:

The Linden Farm Barn Project - a family-friendly shaker kitchen with a central island, BOSCH appliances and a hidden breakfast station:
Approx. £40,000 – £50,000

The Handleless Project - A compact kitchen for a city flat, maximising vertical storage and integrated cooking zones:
Approx. £18,000 – £25,000
A large rural kitchen with utility, boot room and walk-in pantry:
Approx. £75,000 – £100,000+

“One of our biggest strengths is flexibility,” says Abigail.

“We’ve worked with clients who had £10,000 and clients who had £100,000. The magic is in understanding where to invest, and where we can simplify.”

FAQs: Common questions about UK kitchen renovation costs

Q: How much should I pay to fit a kitchen?

A: If you’re looking for design, manufacture, fitting, and appliances, we recommend budgeting at least £20,000 for a long-lasting result.

Q: How much is a fully-fitted kitchen in the UK?

A: Costs range from £15,000 – £100,000+, depending on scale, materials, and complexity.

Q: Can I phase my renovation over time?

A: Yes. We can build a plan that includes kitchens, utility rooms, and more.

Q: Are your kitchens only for large homes?

A: Not at all. We create elegant, tailored kitchens for city apartments, cottages, and every kind of home in between.

What does your kitchen need to do?

Rather than asking how much does a kitchen cost, the better question might be: “What does my kitchen need to do — and what can I invest to achieve that?”

With Gardiner of England, you don’t have to compromise. We design kitchens to suit your life, your budget, and your home - all delivered with British craftsmanship and thoughtful design at the heart.