Kitchen Cost Guide – What You’ll Actually Pay

If you’re thinking about a new kitchen, the first question is always the price tag. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when contractors start quoting numbers, but once you know where the money goes, you can make smarter choices and avoid nasty surprises.

At First Choice Flooring Solutions we’ve helped dozens of homeowners plan their kitchens, so here’s a straight‑forward look at the costs you’ll meet and how to keep them under control.

Breaking Down the Main Expenses

Flooring: Good flooring sets the tone and stands up to spills. In the UK, laminate or engineered wood runs about £20‑£45 per square metre, while luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is £30‑£55. If you want something premium like hardwood, expect £60‑£120 per metre. Installation adds another £10‑£25 per metre, depending on the sub‑floor condition.

Cabinets and Joinery: Cabinets are the biggest chunk of the budget. Stock cabinets from a major retailer may cost £70‑£150 per linear metre, whereas semi‑custom units are £150‑£250. Fully bespoke designs can climb above £300 per metre. Remember to factor in hardware – handles, hinges and drawer slides can add £5‑£15 per item.

Worktops: Worktop material drives the price too. Laminate tops sit at £30‑£70 per square metre, while quartz or engineered stone ranges from £120‑£250. Natural stone like granite starts around £150 and can exceed £300 per metre for exotic options.

Appliances: A mid‑range fridge‑freezer, oven and hob package typically lands between £1,200‑£2,500. Add a dishwasher (£350‑£800) and a vent hood (£200‑£600), and you’re looking at £1,800‑£3,900 for a functional set.

Labour: Skilled trades don’t come cheap. Installers charge £150‑£250 per day, electricians £200‑£300, and plumbers £180‑£260. A full kitchen fit‑out usually takes 2‑4 weeks, so labour can easily reach £3,000‑£6,000.

Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Budget in Check

First, set a realistic budget before you start browsing. Use the breakdown above as a checklist and add a 10‑15% contingency for unexpected issues like hidden water damage.

Second, prioritize. If flooring is your focal point, splurge on a quality LVP or engineered hardwood and choose a more affordable laminate worktop. The reverse works too – go for a sleek quartz surface and stick with cost‑effective floor tiles.

Third, consider DIY where you can. Painting walls, installing backsplashes, or even laying click‑lock flooring can save a few hundred pounds if you’re comfortable with basic tools.

Fourth, shop around for quotes. Get at least three estimates from reputable installers and compare not just price but what’s included – disposal, waste removal, and warranty.

Finally, look for sales and bulk discounts. Flooring suppliers often run seasonal promos, and buying cabinets and worktops together can earn you a package discount.

By understanding each cost element and planning ahead, you’ll walk into your new kitchen feeling confident, not shocked. Ready to start? Give First Choice Flooring Solutions a call and we’ll help you map out the perfect budget for the kitchen you’ve always wanted.