IKEA Kitchen Cost Guide: Real Prices and Budget Tips

If you’re eyeing an IKEA kitchen, you probably wonder how much it will actually cost. The headline price on the website is just a starting point – cabinets, appliances, labour and the little extras add up fast. Below we break down each cost element, give current UK price ranges, and share practical ways to keep the total under control.

Breaking Down the Price: Cabinets, Appliances, and Extras

IKEA sells kitchen cabinets in three basic series – METOD, KNOXHAM and SEKTION – each with a different price band. A standard 3‑door base unit runs about £80‑£120, while a high‑gloss or wooden veneer can climb to £150. For a typical three‑person kitchen you’ll need roughly 10‑12 base units and 6‑8 wall cabinets, putting the cabinet total between £1,200 and £2,500.

Appliances are the next big ticket. A 60‑cm built‑in fridge from IKEA starts at £350, but most people upgrade to a larger or more efficient model that costs £600‑£1,200. Cooktops, ovens, and dishwashers follow a similar pattern – expect £300‑£800 per item depending on features. Adding all major appliances usually adds £2,000‑£3,500.

Don’t forget the hidden costs: countertop material, backsplashes, lighting, handles, and cut‑outs for pipes. Laminate countertops start at £30 per metre, while quartz can be £120‑£180. A modest 2‑metre run therefore adds £60‑£360. Simple tile backsplashes are £10‑£20 per square metre, but a decorative stone finish can double that.

When you add these pieces together, a basic IKEA kitchen in the UK typically lands between £5,000 and £9,000, fully stocked and ready to use. The wide range reflects choices in finish, appliance brand, and whether you DIY or hire a pro.

Saving Money on Installation and Finishing Touches

The biggest surprise for many homeowners is the installation fee. IKEA offers a self‑install option for free, but it requires time, tools and a decent level of DIY confidence. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing or electrical work, a licensed installer will charge £30‑£45 per hour, plus a flat labour fee for cabinet fitting that often runs £500‑£1,000.

One cost‑cutting trick is to split the work: install the cabinets yourself (they come with clear step‑by‑step guides) and only hire a professional for the plumbing and electrical connections. This hybrid approach can shave £300‑£600 off the total.

Another tip is to buy appliances during sales events. IKEA’s “IKEA Family” promotions and seasonal clearances can drop fridge prices by up to 20 %. Keep an eye on clearance aisles for discontinued countertop slabs – you may snag a higher‑grade surface for the price of a basic one.

Finally, consider re‑using existing fixtures where possible. If your current sink and tap are in good shape, swapping them into the new layout saves both the product cost and the labour to fit new plumbing.

Putting it all together, a well‑planned IKEA kitchen can be built for under £6,000 if you focus on budget‑friendly cabinets, shop sales, and handle the cabinet assembly yourself. Even if you go for higher‑end finishes, staying within a £9,000‑£10,000 budget is realistic with careful planning.

Remember, the key to a successful kitchen remodel is clear budgeting from day one. List each component, assign a realistic price range, and track actual spend as you go. By doing that, you’ll avoid nasty surprises and end up with a kitchen that looks great and fits your wallet.