It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask — often quietly, sometimes bluntly:

“Why are kitchens so expensive?”

And it’s a fair question. On the surface, a kitchen looks like cabinets, worktops and appliances. But once you look behind the scenes, it becomes clear why costs add up — and why prices vary so widely.

This article breaks it down honestly, without sales talk.

1. Kitchens Are Custom Projects, Not Products

Unlike buying a sofa or a table, a kitchen isn’t an off-the-shelf item.

Every kitchen involves:

• a unique room
• specific measurements
• services in fixed positions
• structural constraints
• personal preferences

That makes a kitchen a custom project, not a single product — and custom work always costs more than mass-produced items.

2. Design Time Is a Bigger Part Than People Realise

A well-designed kitchen doesn’t happen in five minutes.

Behind most kitchens is time spent on:

• layouts and clearances
• storage planning
• appliance integration
• problem-solving awkward spaces
• revisions and refinements

Even when design isn’t charged separately, that time still exists — and it has value.

Good design prevents expensive mistakes later.

3. Cabinet Construction Varies Hugely

Two kitchens can look similar but be built very differently.

Cost differences often come from:

• cabinet carcass thickness
• material quality
• drawer systems and hinges
• adjustability and longevity
• manufacturing tolerances

These things aren’t always visible on day one, but they affect how a kitchen feels — and how long it lasts.

4. Materials Add Up Quickly

Kitchen materials are used across large areas, so small upgrades can have a big impact on cost.

Examples include:

• painted vs laminated doors
• natural stone vs engineered worktops
• solid internals vs basic fittings

Because kitchens involve so much surface area, material choices matter more here than in most other rooms.

5. Appliances Are a Major Cost Driver

Appliances often make up a significant portion of a kitchen budget.

Prices vary based on:

• brand
• features
• size
• integration requirements

Two kitchens with identical cabinetry can differ dramatically in price once appliances are factored in.

6. Installation Is Skilled, Time-Consuming Work

A kitchen isn’t just delivered — it’s built into your home.

Installation involves:

• precision fitting
• adjustments to real-world walls and floors
• coordination with electrics and plumbing
• attention to detail

Good installation takes time and skill, and cutting corners here is where many problems begin.

7. Showrooms, Overheads and Business Costs

How a kitchen company operates affects pricing.

Costs may include:

• showroom rent and upkeep
• staffing
• marketing
• administration
• warranties and aftercare

These overheads are always paid for somewhere — usually within the kitchen price itself.

8. Why Kitchen Prices Vary So Much

This is why you’ll see kitchens priced anywhere from modest to very high.

Price is influenced by:

• how bespoke the design is
• the quality of construction
• material choices
• appliance specification
• installation scope
• business model

There’s no single “correct” price — only what’s appropriate for your needs, home and expectations.

Are Kitchens Overpriced?

Sometimes — but more often, they’re misunderstood.

A kitchen isn’t just about how it looks on day one. It’s about:

• how it functions every day
• how long it lasts
• how smoothly the project runs

Understanding where the money goes makes it much easier to decide what’s worth investing in — and what isn’t.

Final Thoughts

Kitchens feel expensive because they combine:

• custom design
• manufacturing
• materials
• skilled installation
• and long-term use

When done properly, a kitchen isn’t just a purchase — it’s an investment in how you live in your home every day.