Key Takeaways
- A set of new kitchen cabinets (8 units) can cost as little as £1,000-£1,500
- Installation costs £35 per hour (UK average), rising to £42-£49 per hour in London
- Installing new kitchen cabinets usually takes no longer than 3 days to 1 week
ℹ️ Much of the cost will be determined in the design phase. Make sure to avail yourself of the incredibly powerful online social resources for design ideas on sites like Pinterest or Instagram
How Much Are New Kitchen Cabinets?
The cost of new kitchen cabinets can vary widely, depending on their quality, style, materials, and the way they are manufactured, such as flatpack, factory-assembled, or custom-made.
While there are plenty of affordable options available, as with most things the higher-end and bespoke options will significantly increase the costs.
Budget Options
For small galley kitchens, a set of eight units can be purchased for approximately £1,000–£1,500.
These are generally flat-pack options, meaning you might need to factor in additional costs for installation. However, opting to install them yourself can offer substantial savings.
Mid-Range Options
Cabinets that are factory-assembled and offer customizable features like colours, sizes, and textures usually start at around £3,500 for a set of eight, not including the cost of installation.
The prices for these options tend to increase with more customizability and range variety.
High-End Options
Bespoke cabinetry, which includes highly customised designs and smart features to enhance kitchen functionality, begins at prices upwards of £10,000.
Experts in kitchen design emphasise the significance of thoughtful layout and cabinet design in bespoke kitchens, as well as the impact of style, finish, smart storage solutions, and custom colour options.
It is worth noting that, according to industry experts, kitchen furniture can account for 40%–50% of the total cost of a kitchen project, depending on these factors.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Costs
The average national rate for installing kitchen cabinets is approximately £275 for an 8-hour day, which works out to about £35 per hour.
In London, however, the cost for professional services like kitchen fitting (or plumbers/electricians etc.) ranges from 20% to 40% higher than the national average.
As a result, in London, you can expect to pay between £330 to £385 per day or £42 to £50 per hour for the labour involved in installing new kitchen cabinets.
Potential Additional Costs
The total overall cost of new kitchen cabinets can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, the style and material of the cabinets, and the size and layout of the kitchen.
Custom or elaborate cabinet designs might require more specialised labour, leading to higher costs.
Sometimes, installing new kitchen cabinets may require additional work, such as adjustments to plumbing or electrical wiring, which could add to the overall cost due to the necessity of hiring additional professional services.
Cost of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets vs. New Cabinets
Refacing kitchen cabinets offers an economical and time-efficient alternative to a full kitchen remodel. This process involves installing new cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying matching veneer to the existing cabinet frames.
A standard refacing project typically takes between 2 to 4 days.
For more extensive refacing, which may include new countertops, trim, shelves, internal accessories, and drawer glides, the duration might extend, but it remains less disruptive than a complete kitchen renovation.
Material Costs
The material significantly influences the cost. Rigid Thermofoil (RTF), a durable and easy-to-clean vinyl foil over MDF, is the most cost-effective option.
It comes in various styles, including raised panels and arched doors, and is available in solid colours and wood-like finishes.
Plastic laminates, a bit pricier than RTF, offer more colour choices and realistic wood grains but are limited in style due to their non-malleable nature.
The most expensive option is wood veneer, which costs approximately 10% to 25% more than RTF or laminate. It’s available in several wood species and a wide range of stains and colours.
Additional Cost Factors
The project’s size and scope significantly affect the overall cost. The more cabinets to reface and the more options included, the higher the cost.
Many homeowners choose to replace door and drawer hardware during refacing. Costs for new hardware can vary, ranging from £6 to £78 per piece.
Average Pricing
Professional refacing jobs using RTF or plain laminate typically range from £650 to £1,950. For wood veneers, the cost can be between £1,625 to £3,900.
DIY refacing is the most budget-friendly option, with material costs ranging from £130 to £325, excluding countertops and accessories.
While this option can be more time-consuming, it allows for significant cost savings.
Is it Cheaper to Replace Cabinets or Just the Doors?
It is almost always going to be much cheaper to just replace the doors rather than the entire cabinets.
As we have seen already, the cost of refacing using the most expensive, high-quality materials equates to roughly the same amount as the cheapest options for replacing entire kitchen units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key factors to consider when choosing kitchen cabinets?
When selecting kitchen cabinets, consider factors like material quality, cabinet style, colour, functionality, and layout.
Also, think about the durability and maintenance requirements of different materials, whether you prefer a classic or modern look, and how the cabinets will fit into your kitchen’s overall design.
How do I determine the budget for new kitchen cabinets?
To set a budget, consider the size of your kitchen, the quality and type of cabinets you desire, and additional costs like installation, hardware, and potential alterations to your kitchen’s layout.
It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes and factor in a contingency budget for unforeseen expenses (10%–20%).
Can I install kitchen cabinets myself to save costs?
DIY installation can achieve notable savings on labour costs, but it requires skill, proper tools, and time.
If you are not experienced, it’s advisable to hire a professional to ensure the cabinets are installed correctly and safely. Remember, you are going to have to live with the results for many years to come.
How long does it typically take to install new kitchen cabinets?
The installation time can vary based on the size and complexity of the project.
Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Custom projects or complete kitchen remodels may take longer.
New Kitchen Cabinets - Making Your Kitchen An Absolute Unit
Navigating the diverse range of options for kitchen cabinets, from budget-friendly flatpacks to bespoke designs, requires careful attention to ensure you are paying the best possible price.
For those in London, expect to pay a premium for professional installation services.
The choice between refacing and complete replacement hinges on budget constraints and desired outcomes, with refacing often being the more economical choice.
However, an investment in new kitchen cabinets affords a much greater range of choice and design flexibility, not to mention functioning as a long-term upgrade to your home.
If you are interested in replacing the existing cabinets in your London property, do get in touch.
