Kitchen Design Ideas

Thinking about transforming your small kitchen in 2026? A remodel can bring new energy and positivity into your space. But how much is it to remodel a small kitchen? It’s not always straightforward. With limited space, options might seem few, but every decision you make counts. Make sure you get the best bang for your buck without cutting corners.

This guide will dig into the true costs behind small kitchen remodels, uncover hidden charges, and give you expert tips to save money. Let’s remodel your tiny kitchen without draining your wallet. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.

How much is it to remodel a small kitchen in 2026?

Revamping your small kitchen (about 9m²) in the UK can range from as low as £4,500 to upwards of £25,000 or more. The final price depends heavily on how extensive your kitchen renovation is and the materials you choose.

From swapping out cabinets and worktops to updating flooring, lighting, plumbing, and reconfiguring the layout, every detail adds to the final bill.

Here’s the real cost breakdown of a small kitchen remodel in the UK:

Kitchen cabinet remodeling cost:

Remodeling Type	Approximate Cost
Refinishing(respraying or painting)	£1500 – £2500
Refacing(Replacing Cabinet Fronts)	£1100 – £3000
Full Replacement	£1500 – £10000+

Full cabinet replacement cost by replacement type:

Replacement Type	Approximate Cost
Flat-pack unit(Basic replacement)	£1500 – £3000
Mid-range(pre-assembled)	£3500 – £6000
Premium/Bespoke replacement (with customised design)	Up to £10,000+

Kitchen cabinet component installation cost:

Cabinet Component	Approximate Cost
Individual Cabinet Unit Installation	£20 – £90 (basic)
	£150 – £500+ (premium)
Cabinet Door Installation	£40 – £150 each (basic)
	£150 – £300 each (premium)

Kitchen worktop remodeling cost:

The cost of a kitchen worktop depends largely on the material chosen. For a small kitchen with a worktop around 5 meters long, here are the typical remodeling costs:

Kitchen WorkTop Type	Material Cost	Installation Cost
Laminate	£20 – £50 per square meter	£200 – £800
Solid Wood	£150 – £400	£300 – £900
Granite/Quartz	£500 – £700	£500 – £1150
Solid Surface( e.g., Corian)	£200 – £450	£1200 – £1850
Ceramic/Porcelain	May cost upwards of £2150 – £3900

Labour cost based on kitchen worktop fitting complexity:

Worktop fitting Type	Approx. Labour Cost
Basic Fitting	£150 – £300
Complex fitting	£350 – £600
Worktop Cut Out	£50 – £100 per cut out

Small kitchen flooring remodeling costs:

A compact kitchen floor usually measures around 14m², with remodeling costs spanning from £248 to £1,720 for supply and installation.

Here’s a small kitchen flooring material and labour costs:

Cost Type		Approximate Cost
Flooring Material Costs per m²	Sheet Vinyl	£10 – £40 (supply)
	Laminate	£10 – £60 (supply)
	Luxury Vinyl Tiles(LVT)	£15 – £60 (supply)
	Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles	£20 – £400+ (supply)
	Engineered Wood	£30 – £80+ (supply)
	Solid Wood/Hardwood	£50 – £100+ (supply)
	Polished Concrete	£120 – £150 (supply & fit)
	Cork Flooring	£40 – £70 (supply & fit)
Labour Costs		£150 – £350 per day

Small kitchen layout remodeling costs:

Changing the layout can significantly impact factors like spaciousness, appearance, and property value. Here’s a breakdown of what layout remodeling typically costs:

Cost by Project Type:

Layout Changing Project Type	What’s Involved	Approximate Cost
Basic Facelift	Surface Upgrades, Replacing Cabinet Doors/handles, Adding splashbacks, or repainting	£1000 – £5000
Minor Remodeling	Painting Cabinets, Replacing worktops, Upgrading basic hardware	£5000 – £11,500
Mid-range remodeling	Entire units replacement, installing mid-tier appliances, installing new flooring, and replacing worktops	£12,000 – £25,000
Bespoke/High-end Remodeling	Installing Customised Cabinetry, premium materials, integrated smart appliances, luxurious lighting, and significant structural changes	£25,000+

Core layout changing costs:

Change Type	Average Cost per project
Structural Work	£2000 – £10,000+
Electrical Rewiring	£500 – £1900
Moving Plumbing	£300 – £1500
Waste Removal	£200 – £400

Lighting remodeling costs for a small kitchen:

Lighting Type	Approximate Cost
Simple Light Fitting Replacement	£40 – £140 per fixture
Recessed Spotlights	£200 – £500 (supply and installation up to 6 lights)
Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting	£150 – £500
Complete Ceiling Lighting/Task Lighting Remodeling	£500 – £2500

Additional lighting remodeling charges:

Cost Type	Average Cost Range
Rewiring	£600 – £1800 (for partial single kitchen rewiring)
Additional Separate Switches	£60 – £80

Small kitchen remodeling labour cost:

A cosy kitchen spans about 8 square meters or roughly 10 square feet, and typically takes between 5 and 8 days of professional kitchen fitters to remodel.

So the expected labour costs can be:

Labour Cost Type	Average Cost Range
Basic Remodeling(standard unit and appliance swap)	£1200 – £2000
Mid-Range Remodel(Full installation and replacements involving multiple labourers)	£2500 – £4600
Bespoke/High-end Remodeling	£4000 – £7000+

Labour costs by labour type:

Labour Type	Average Cost per day
Kitchen Fitter/Carpenter	£200 – £350
Electrician	£250 – £400
Plumber	£250 – £400
Tiler/Plasterer	£180 – £300

Small kitchen remodelling: Hidden costs you may overlook

Kitchen upgrades sound fun, but the real truth is that hidden costs can sneak in and blow your budget if you’re not careful. It pays to know what unexpected expenses might pop up so you’re prepared and don’t get caught off guard.

Here are the most overlooked hidden costs that tend to show up during a kitchen redo:

Waste disposal:

Ripping out old cabinets, countertops, and appliances isn’t always included in the initial quote, so be ready for that extra step. You’ll need to clear out the old kitchen and get rid of debris before the real work begins.

Outdated wiring and electrical upgrades:

Older homes often have outdated wiring, like switches and sockets that often can’t handle modern appliances. You might need a new electrical panel or costly rewiring, which can bump up your overall budget.

Dining out or temporary kitchen setups:

Remodeling can take weeks, leaving your home temporarily unlivable. During that time, you’ll spend extra on eating out, microwave meals, or setting up a temporary kitchen—so plan for those extra costs.

Hidden repairs and structural issues:

If your plumber finds broken pipes or if hidden issues like weak floors or damaged walls pop up, you’ll have to pay for repairs, re-piping, or structural fixes. Expect the unexpected upfront.

Ventilation upgrade:

Small kitchens tend to trap moisture, leading to mould or stuffiness. Upgrading your ventilation system during the remodel helps keep the air fresh and dry.

Permits & fees:

Permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes are mandatory but frequently overlooked. Make sure to budget for these fees—they’re a necessary part of the process.

Hazardous material removal:

Homes built before the 1980s might have hazardous materials like asbestos in flooring or insulation, which can be costly to remove safely.

Design consultation fees:

Thinking of a new layout or design? Many kitchen installers charge for design consultations, so include this in your budget.

Additional decoration:

After the main work, extra costs for repainting or retiling are common. These details will give your kitchen that perfect finishing touch.

Tips to cut down on kitchen remodelling expenses

Looking to revamp your kitchen without draining the wallet? Here are some expert tips to help you slash kitchen remodel cost:

• Opt for ready-to-assemble cabinets instead of custom-built ones.
• Keep the existing layout to avoid costly re-routing of pipes and electrical wiring.
• Use luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It’s waterproof, durable, stylish, and budget-friendly.
• Add a peel-and-stick backsplash yourself instead of splurging on expensive tile work.
• Shop during sales like Black Friday, New Year’s, or end-of-line clearance events to snag deals.
• Source your materials independently; consider second-hand appliances from online marketplaces.
• Only replace what’s necessary—skip the full overhaul.
• Embrace DIY. Demolish old cabinets, paint walls and cabinets, and handle simple installations yourself.

In Conclusion

Homeowners often struggle to estimate how much is it to remodel a small kitchen, but understanding this is essential before you opt for kitchen revamping. Our guide will help you break down expenses and uncover hidden costs, so you’re fully prepared.

Transform your small kitchen with sleek, modern appliances. Keep the design simple and minimal, nothing overwhelming, but still soothing to the eye. Create a cosy, inviting space that truly feels like yours.

FAQ About small kitchen remodelling costs

1. How much should I budget for a small kitchen remodel in 2026?

Expect to spend roughly £4,500 to £25,000+ for a 9m² kitchen, depending on how fancy you go and the materials you pick.

2. What’s the difference between a remodel and renovation?

Renovation means making simple upgrades—think painting, new fixtures, retiling. Remodeling is more extensive, involving structural changes like swapping out cabinets, altering layouts, updating lighting, and installing new appliances.

3. What is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?

Cabinetry tends to be the priciest component, especially if you opt for high-end materials or custom designs. It usually accounts for about 30-40% of the total remodeling budget.

4. What is the most durable countertop?

Natural stones like quartzite, granite, and marble are the most durable countertop options. Engineered quartz is also a top contender, offering a natural stone look with added durability.

5. What is the best time of year to remodel?

Autumn (September to November) is ideal for kitchen upgrades, especially interior work, as contractors are less busy during these months and you might snag better deals.

6. What is the best flooring for a small kitchen?

For small kitchens, LVT or LVP flooring, large light-colored porcelain or stone tiles, and laminated options work best. They brighten the space and are easy to maintain.

So, you’re ready to update your kitchen – maybe it’s long overdue, maybe it’s part of a larger renovation, or maybe you’ve just had enough of the wonky cupboard doors. Whatever the reason, the big question remains: how long does it take to fit a kitchen?

The answer, as you might expect, isn’t totally straightforward. Some kitchens can be done and dusted in a couple of weeks, while others stretch into months depending on what’s involved.

In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process from start to finish – including a realistic kitchen fitting timeline, what affects the duration, and what to expect at each stage.

So if you’ve been asking, “How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?” or “How long does it take to fit a kitchen?” you’re in the right place. Let’s get stuck in.

How long does it take to fit a kitchen on average?

The timeline for fitting a kitchen can vary widely. It depends on everything from how big your space is, to what kind of worktop you’ve chosen, to whether you’re just swapping out the old or starting from scratch.

Here’s a ballpark idea of what to expect:

• Standard kitchen fitting: Around 2 to 4 weeks.
• Smaller, simpler kitchens: Around 5 to 10 working days.
• Larger or bespoke designs: Can stretch to 4–6 weeks, sometimes more.

This timeframe includes both removal and installation – so from the moment the fitters walk through the door to the final finishing touches. And while each job is a little different, most follow a fairly similar path.

What’s usually included in the kitchen fitting timeline?

Old kitchen removal:

• Taking out existing units
• Pulling up old flooring
• Removing wall tiles
• Disconnecting and taking away old appliances

New kitchen installation:

• Cabinets and carcasses fitted.
• Worktops (standard or templated).
• Sink, tap, and appliances installed.
• Electrical and plumbing work (first and second fix).
• Finishing touches like splashbacks, sealing, and paintwork.

What affects how long it takes to fit a Kitchen?

While some kitchens sail through without a hitch, others hit delays. Knowing what can affect how long kitchen fitting will take helps you plan better – and avoid unexpected surprises.

1. Kitchen size – large Kitchens take more time

The size of your kitchen can significantly affect how long it will take to fit it. A compact galley kitchen might be quick to fit, but a large open-plan space with an island and pantry unit will naturally take longer.

More cabinets, more appliances, more time.

2. Design complexity – the more detailed, the longer it takes

How long your new kitchen will take for fitting will depend largely on design complexity. A simple kitchen layout with standard units can go in quickly.

But if your design includes bespoke touches, clever storage solutions, or tech features like under-cabinet lighting or smart plugs, expect things to slow down.

The more customisation you need, the longer it will take to install a new kitchen. Handleless kitchens, integrated appliances, or layouts with utility rooms and breakfast bars all demand extra precision – and that adds time.

3. Extent of renovation – Is it just a refit or a full remodel?

You might want just a straightforward kitchen fitting or a full remodel and renovation from scratch. If your kitchen project is a simple swap out, it might not take more than 1-2 weeks, but in case of a full renovation, fitting time will increase significantly.

For example, structural changes such as removing walls or adjusting ceiling height can add days or even weeks. Utility upgrades such as electrical rewiring, moving sockets, plumbing for new layouts, or gas works also add complexity.

And don’t forget tricky alcoves or chimney breasts – those can require custom cabinetry or extra preparation work, too.

4. Material lead times – Some things just take time

Some delays have nothing to do with the work on-site or the kitchen installers. If you’ve ordered custom units, stone worktops, or special appliances, you could be waiting 4 to 10 weeks before they even arrive.

Imported goods, hand-crafted details, or unique splashbacks can also slow things down – especially if shipping or templating is involved.

5. Worktop material – Quick fit or made-to-measure?

Not all worktops are equal when it comes to fitting time. For instance, laminate or timber tops can usually go in straight away.

On the other hand, quartz, granite, or Corian worktops require templating after the cabinets are in, then fabrication – typically adding 7 to 14 days to the schedule.

6. Flooring – Surprisingly time-consuming

Flooring might not seem like a big deal, but it can be a hidden time sink. If the subfloor needs levelling or if you’re dealing with awkward old tiles, it’ll take longer.

Good fitters like us will often install flooring after the units are in, cutting it around the cabinetry – this can actually save time and materials, depending on the layout.

7. Unexpected surprises – Especially in older properties

The older your home is, the more time it will likely take to fit a new kitchen. In most cases, older homes throw up a few surprises. Things like outdated wiring, dodgy plumbing, or flaky plaster can all grind work to a halt.

Drying times are another factor – if plastering is needed, you’re looking at:

• 3–4 days in warm, dry weather.
• 7+ days in winter.
• Specialist plasters? Up to 3–4 weeks to cure properly.

8. Unique features & extras

The more extras you add, the longer the kitchen fitting process will take. Templated splashbacks (especially in glass or metal), waterfall edges, smart tech, hidden storage… it all takes time to install properly.

And if anything needs custom cutting or finishing, that’s more days added to the clock.

As you can see, apart from having an older home, the most significant factor in how long does it take to install a kitchen is customisation required.

So when thinking about fitting a new kitchen consider the time requirement for each thing you want to bring in the new cooking space.

We are not saying you should not renovate your new kitchen as you desire. However, knowing the actual timeline will help you keep your expectations realistic and avoid frustration.

Recommended Reading: How Much Does it Cost to Fit a Kitchen in London

Stage-by-stage breakdown: How long does it take to fit a Kitchen?

When you’re trying to get a realistic answer to how long does it take to fit a kitchen, it’s helpful to look at each part of the project on its own. In that way, you will know what happens at each stage and set your expectations accurately. Here we go.

Below is a typical kitchen fitting timeline broken down stage by stage — from initial design to final touch-ups. Of course, not every kitchen renovation follows the same path, but this gives you a solid idea of what to expect.

1. Kitchen design & planning: 2–6 weeks

The first part of any kitchen refit is choosing what’s going on. You’ll likely visit showrooms, compare different styles, pick materials, and work through various layout options.

This part can move quickly, or it can take a bit longer if you’re unsure or exploring custom kitchen designs.

It’s worth taking your time here, as any delays or indecision now will almost always carry through to the rest of the installation. You probably heard the quote, “proper planning is half the work done”.

This is very true when it comes to fitting a new kitchen. The better the planning, the smoother the kitchen installation will be.

2. Pre-fit survey: 1 day

A few days before the fitting begins, our kitchen fitting and renovation experts will carry out a pre-fit survey. This is where final measurements are confirmed, and your walls, floors, and utilities are assessed one last time.

It’s a crucial check to make sure everything’s ready for the actual installation and avoids surprises or delays once work starts.

3. Removal of the old kitchen: 1–2 days

Removing your existing kitchen is usually the first hands-on task once the project begins. This involves stripping out cabinets, disconnecting appliances, and pulling up any old flooring or tiling.

If you’ve arranged a skip, the fitters will clear the waste at this point.

In most cases, this stage can be done in a day, but if the kitchen is large or awkwardly built in, it might run into a second.

Older properties can also reveal hidden problems like dodgy electrics or crumbling walls once the old units come out.

4. First fix plumbing & electrics: 2–5 days

Once the room is cleared, it’s time to move or add services. This could mean shifting pipework, adding new sockets, updating lighting positions, or even running in new wiring or installing consumer units.

Gas lines may also need altering if you’re switching to or from a gas hob.

The complexity here really does vary — straightforward jobs might only take a couple of days, while a full kitchen renovation in an older house might take up to a week at this stage.

5. Wall prep and plastering: 1–3 days (plus drying time)

If walls have been opened up or old tiles pulled off, they may need plastering or patching up before anything else can go on the walls.

Standard plastering jobs usually take 1–3 days, but don’t forget drying time — depending on the season, this can add another 2–7+ days.

For major layout changes, such as creating a new stud wall or reshaping the room, this stage can take longer.

6. Flooring installation: 1–5 days

The floor usually goes down before the new kitchen units go in — though some fitters will work the other way around depending on the materials and layout.

Vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood are often quicker to install, while tile or stone floors take longer due to preparation and drying time.

If underfloor heating is being installed, expect to add another couple of days here.

7. Main kitchen fitting: 3–5 days

This is where your new kitchen starts taking shape. Cabinets are fitted, carcasses built, and appliance housings installed. In most cases, this stage includes fitting standard laminate or wooden worktops too.

How long to fit a kitchen at this stage depends on how complex the layout is. A simple galley kitchen might be wrapped up in a few days.

A large U-shape or open-plan kitchen with islands, utility areas, or multiple zones will need longer.

8. Worktop templating and fitting: 7–14 days (stone surfaces only)

If you’re going with quartz, granite, or Corian worktops, there’s usually a gap of one to two weeks between templating (which can only happen once the base units are fitted) and actual installation.

These surfaces need to be custom-cut off-site and carefully installed, which adds to the total timeline.

This wait time often catches people out — so it’s something to factor in if you’re choosing stone or composite worktops.

9. Second fix electrics & plumbing: 1–2 days

With everything now in place, it’s time to reconnect appliances, lighting, taps, and any smart kitchen features. This is known as the second fix and tends to be fairly quick — unless complications crop up, this part is usually complete within a day or two.

10. Tiling, splashbacks & final decoration: 1–3 days

Once the major fittings are in, final finishes can go ahead. That includes painting, tiling, splashback installation, and sealing around units and worktops.

Glass or custom splashbacks may come with their own lead time, depending on supplier availability.

11. Snagging & final touches: 1–2 days

Finally, any last adjustments or snagging jobs are tackled — that might include fitting handles, aligning doors, sealing edges, or touching up paint.

You’ll also do a walkthrough with your fitter or project manager to make sure everything is as it should be.

Quick tips to speed up the kitchen fitting process

If you’re asking how long does it take to install a kitchen, a lot of it depends on how prepared you are before the tools even come out.

There’s no magic trick to making a kitchen refit fly by, but a few smart moves can shave days (or even weeks) off the process.

If you’re trying to keep your kitchen installation time as short as possible, here’s what helps:

1. Finalise your design before work starts

Changing plans mid-way is the fastest way to slow things down. Confirm your layout, appliance sizes, and finishes ahead of time, and make sure your fitters have a copy of the final specification.

2. Get all materials and appliances on-site early

Delays often come from missing parts — especially bespoke worktops, splashbacks, or integrated appliances. Having everything delivered before day one helps your installer keep things moving without pause.

3. Empty Your kitchen before fitters arrive

It sounds obvious, but packing up a kitchen takes longer than you think. Move out everything — even the bits in the back of drawers — before the first fitting day to avoid holding things up.

4. Be available, but don’t hover

Your kitchen installer may have quick questions about layout, finishes, or adjustments. Being reachable helps avoid pause points — just try not to micromanage while they’re working.

5. Keep a buffer in your timeline and budget

No matter how well you prepare, surprises can still pop up. Build in a few extra days (and a small emergency fund) to deal with the unexpected. Older homes especially tend to throw a curveball or two.

6. Choose faster-fitting options where you can

Want to cut down on fitting time? Consider:

• Laminate or timber worktops instead of quartz or granite.
• Vinyl flooring over porcelain tile.

Flat-pack units that are pre-assembled by the fitter (instead of rigid units that may need adjustments)

Final thoughts

So — how long does it take to fit a kitchen from start to finish? If everything lines up — with a straightforward design, ready-to-go materials, and no hiccups — you could have your kitchen installed in 2 to 3 weeks.

That’s assuming minimal delays and a standard-sized room with no structural changes.

In real-world terms, though, most kitchen installations in the UK tend to take 4 to 6 weeks, especially once you factor in:

• Planning and design time.
• Lead times for materials.
• Worktop fabrication delays.
• Drying times for plaster or screed.
• Unexpected problems with electrics or plumbing.

For more complex kitchen renovations — especially those involving walls being moved, rewiring, or lots of bespoke features — 6 to 8+ weeks is not unusual.

The key takeaway? A smooth kitchen refit doesn’t just depend on how good your fitter is. It’s all about good planning, clear decisions, realistic expectations, and leaving space for a bit of the unexpected.