How Much Does Kitchen Fitting Cost in the UK in 2026?

What does a kitchen fitting cost in 2026? We break down fitter day rates, full installation costs, and what the price does and does not include.

Fitting a new kitchen is one of the biggest home projects most people tackle. The cost of the kitchen units and appliances often gets most of the attention, but the fitting costs can be substantial too, and they vary widely depending on the size of the kitchen, what trades are involved, and how complex the installation is.

In 2026, kitchen fitting costs in the UK typically range from £1,500 for a basic like-for-like replacement in a small kitchen to £8,000 or more for a full installation in a large kitchen that involves plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and plastering. Here is a clear picture of what you should expect to pay.

Kitchen Fitter Day Rates

Most kitchen fitters charge a day rate rather than a fixed project price. Typical rates in 2026:

• Kitchen fitter day rate (UK average): £200 to £300 per day
• London and South East premium: £280 to £400 per day
• North of England, Scotland, Wales: £160 to £240 per day

A standard kitchen in a terrace or semi takes two to three fitters four to seven working days to complete, depending on the scope. That is before any additional trades like plumbing, electrics, or plastering are factored in.

Typical Full Kitchen Installation Costs

Small kitchen (under 8 sqm)

• Basic like-for-like fit (units replaced, no layout change): £1,500 to £2,500
• Full refit with new layout: £3,000 to £5,000

Medium kitchen (8 to 15 sqm)

• Like-for-like fit: £2,500 to £4,000
• Full refit with layout changes: £4,500 to £7,500

Large kitchen (15 sqm+)

• Full refit with layout changes: £6,500 to £12,000+
• Open-plan kitchen-diner with island: £10,000 to £20,000+

These figures are for fitting labour only and do not include the cost of the kitchen units, worktops, and appliances themselves.

What Is Typically Included in Kitchen Fitting?

A standard kitchen installation quote usually covers:

• Removing and disposing of the old kitchen
• Assembling and installing base and wall units
• Fitting worktops and cutting for the sink and hob
• Installing the sink and connecting to existing waste and supply pipes
• Fitting integrated appliances (dishwasher, fridge, oven)
• Fitting doors, drawers, and handles
• Making good skirting boards and plinths

What Is Usually NOT Included?

The following work is typically quoted separately by other tradespeople:

• Moving gas pipes or fitting a gas hob (requires a Gas Safe engineer)
• Moving or upgrading electrical circuits (requires a Part P registered electrician)
• Full plastering or patching walls after units are removed
• Tiling the splashback (often a separate quote)
• Fitting new flooring
• Under-floor heating installation

When budgeting, the hidden costs are often in these associated trades. A kitchen that requires gas work, a new electrical circuit, and full retiling can cost significantly more in additional trade time than the base fitting quote suggests.

Factors That Affect the Price

Layout changes

Moving the sink to a different wall means moving the waste pipe and often the water supply too. This involves cutting into floors or walls and can add £500 to £1,500 in plumbing work alone.

Number of units

A galley kitchen with 10 units is a very different job from an L-shape with 25 units plus an island. More units mean more time and more complexity.

Worktop material

Solid timber, quartz, and stone worktops are heavier and harder to cut. Fitters sometimes charge more to handle these materials, and template visits add lead time.

Build quality of the units

Cheaper flat-pack units can be time-consuming to assemble and sometimes require adjustment during fitting. Rigid pre-assembled cabinets are quicker to install and typically produce a better result.

The state of your existing kitchen

If walls are not square, the floor is unlevel, or there are previous botched installations to undo, your fitter will need extra time to put things right before the new kitchen can go in.

How to Choose a Kitchen Fitter

Ask to see photos of completed kitchens and, if possible, visit a reference installation. A good fitter will be comfortable providing references from past customers. Check that any gas or electrical work is being carried out by appropriately certified tradespeople rather than the fitter themselves.

Get at least three quotes and make sure each one specifies exactly what is included. A cheap quote that excludes plastering, tiling, and disposal can end up costing more than a slightly higher all-in price.

Ready to Find a Kitchen Fitter?

Post your kitchen project on QuoteBank and hear from experienced local fitters. Describe the size of the kitchen, what the job involves, and when you want to start, and get competitive quotes from tradespeople who have been reviewed by homeowners in your area.

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