How much does a new kitchen cost in 2026? Here’s your complete breakdown.

In 2026, kitchen renovation costs in the UK still vary widely depending on materials, appliances, layout, and customisation. At Luxe Kitchen Designs, our kitchens start from £10,000, with the average project costing around £25,500 — including appliances, quartz worktops, lighting, and installation.

While low-cost kitchen retailers may appear cheaper and luxury kitchen brands may charge significantly more, Luxe offers something different: a bespoke, premium-quality kitchen at a competitive and transparent price.

Below is your complete kitchen cost guide for 2026, showing what your budget can realistically achieve.

2026 Kitchen Budget Breakdown: What You Get at Each Price Level

£0–£10,000 — Budget Kitchen Refresh (Cost-Effective Upgrades)

Ideal for: smaller kitchens, cosmetic improvements, landlords, house flips

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✔ What you can achieve:

• Replacement doors and handles
• New worktops (laminate or compact laminate)
• New appliances
• New sink and tap

🔧 Labour Costs

• Around 1 week
• £1,250–£1,500

How Luxe compares

Budget retailers can offer full kitchens under £10k, but they are usually mass-produced.

Luxe offers tailored upgrades — better quality and better design — even at lower budgets.

£10,000–£15,000 — Entry-Level Full Kitchen (Best Value Range)

Ideal for: small to medium homes

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✔ What’s included:

• Full kitchen with slab or J-pull doors
• Entry-level appliances
• Laminate worktops (quartz possible for smaller spaces)
• New sink and tap

🔧 Labour Costs

• 1–2 weeks
• £2,500–£3,000

How Luxe compares

In this range, Luxe offers higher-quality materials, stronger cabinetry, and more bespoke design than typical budget chains.

£15,000–£20,000 — Mid-Range Kitchen (Most Popular Option)

Ideal for: homeowners wanting a lasting upgrade

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✔ What’s included:

• Full kitchen with vinyl-wrapped or smooth-painted shaker doors
• Mid-range appliances
• 20mm quartz worktops
• Sink + boiling tap
• Integrated lighting

🔧 Labour Costs

• About 2 weeks
• £2,500–£3,000

How Luxe compares

Compared to mid-tier kitchen retailers, Luxe provides:

• Higher-end finishes
• Bespoke layouts
• Better long-term durability

£20,000–£30,000 — Premium Kitchen & Utility (Luxury Without Luxury Pricing)

Ideal for: family homes, large kitchens

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✔ What’s included:

• Full kitchen plus utility
• Solid timber painted shaker or premium handleless designs
• Mid-to-top tier appliances
• 30mm quartz or granite worktops + splashbacks
• Boiling tap
• Integrated lighting

🔧 Labour Costs

• Around 3 weeks
• £3,750–£4,500

How Luxe compares

In this bracket, Luxe competes with both mid-range and luxury brands.

The difference?

You get luxury-spec materials and fully bespoke design — without the showroom mark-ups of high-end brands.

£30,000+ — Luxury, Bespoke, Multi-Room Project

Ideal for: high-end homes, full house remodels

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✔ What’s included:

• Full kitchen, utility, and boot room
• In-frame effect painted shaker doors
• Top-tier appliances
• 30mm premium quartz/granite with Ogee or detailed edge profiles
• Boiling tap + cold filtered tap
• Full integrated lighting system

🔧 Labour Costs

• 4+ weeks
• £5,000+ depending on scope

How Luxe compares

At this level, Luxe rivals luxury kitchen brands — but at a more competitive price point.

Clients receive:

• Handmade-quality attention to detail
• Bespoke cabinetry
• Design-led layouts
• Luxury finishes
• 
  
• Without the inflated costs often associated with large showrooms.

🏡 Additional Costs to Factor Into Your 2026 Kitchen Budget

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Flooring (LVT)

• Around £55/m²
• Typical projects: £500–£4,000

Plastering

• £200–£2,000

Electrical Work

• General electrical: £600–£2,000
• Consumer unit upgrade: up to £3,000

Plumbing

• Gas connection/disconnection: £100
• Sink + tap install: £350
• Boiling tap add-on: +£100
• Radiators: £200 each

Waste Removal

• 8-yard skip: £320

🥇 How Luxe Kitchen Designs Compares to Other Kitchen Companies in 2026

Budget Brands (Under £10k)

• Cheapest prices
• Mass-produced
• Limited design flexibility
• Lower specification

Luxury Showroom Brands (£30k–£50k+)

• Premium designs
• Fully bespoke
• Higher cost due to large showrooms and overheads

Where Luxe Sits

Luxe is positioned between mid-range and high-end, offering:

• Bespoke design
• Local manufacturing
• Premium materials
• Transparent pricing
• No unnecessary showroom overheads

This means customers receive luxury-brand quality at a far more accessible cost.

Conclusion: Your 2026 Kitchen Budget, Made Simple

No matter your budget, you can achieve a beautiful and functional kitchen in 2026 — whether it’s a basic refresh or a fully bespoke, premium installation. Luxe Kitchen Designs helps you maximise value at every price point through tailored design, high-quality components, and competitive pricing.