How Much Does a Kitchen Cost?

By Tom Edmonds

I’ve been director of design at Lewis Alderson & Co since 2008, and one of the most frequent questions I encounter is, “How much does a kitchen cost?” The reality is that there isn’t a straightforward answer because, well, ‘it depends’.

The truth is that it depends on lots of things, but in order to shine some simplicity over this complex subject, I’ve shared some key information (information that I share with my clients) in order to help you navigate this tricky part of your kitchen journey. Enjoy!

Please note: To make this article as helpful as possible, we’ve included information about all types of kitchens. Lewis Alderson & Co. are In-Frame furniture specialists, a traditional method of kitchen construction and design made by highly skilled craftspeople.

It’s not completely straightforward…

By now, you’ve probably had a good go at estimating the price of your new kitchen. I’m sure you’ve realised that getting an accurate cost estimate is not exactly straightforward. This is largely because there are numerous factors that can influence the cost of a kitchen, causing it to vary dramatically.

But, instead of seeking a one-size-fits-all answer, it’s far more helpful to understand how the cost of a kitchen is broken down.

How to Start Planning a New Kitchen

To begin to understand the cost of a kitchen, it’s crucial to recognise that there are five general areas of expenditure to consider:

Kitchen Furniture

When people think about buying a kitchen, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the furniture. Both visually and physically, the furniture forms a significant part of your kitchen and therefore deserves careful consideration.

Many kitchen companies use size examples to give you an idea of the cost. For instance, an “8-12 unit kitchen might cost £xx,xxx.” While this may provide a rough estimate, it is unlikely to be accurate and could give a wholly misleading impression of what the kitchen you truly desire will cost.

The difficulty in providing an accurate price stems from the fact that kitchen furniture can be made using different styles, construction methods, and materials. Each unit may differ from the next, creating a range of options and prices.

For example, a child’s keyboard and a grand piano, in theory, do the same thing. But we all know that the materials, design and construction techniques are completely different and give very different outcomes.

Many large, national kitchen brands produce kitchens using lower-grade materials, hence the cheaper price. At Lewis Alderson & Co, we use specially sourced materials and much of our construction process is done by hand, hence our kitchens being more expensive than a multi-chain store kitchen supplier. We are In-Frame specialists, and our carcasses, cabinets and doors are made with high-grade materials and put together by skilled craftspeople. Naturally, that means there is a price difference between our furniture and the kitchens that are mass-produced in German factories.

How Does the Style Impact the Cost of My Kitchen?

The style of your kitchen can significantly affect the overall cost, as some styles require more detailed construction than others. The primary difference in price usually relates to the door style, which accounts for around 90% of the kitchen’s visual appeal, and the materials used.

The main kitchen door styles are:

*Not available at Lewis Alderson & Co.

What Are the Costs of Different Kitchen Materials?

Kitchen furniture costs can also vary depending on the material used. At Lewis Alderson & Co, we only use quality timber & oak from sustainable sources. Here’s a brief overview of different materials and their price points:

To illustrate, our in-frame doors vary in price depending on style. Our truly bespoke offering means our design styles are limitless, but a more intricate design might impact the price.

Other Kitchen Furniture to Consider

Pricing your kitchen based on an 8 or 12 unit example is somewhat akin to pricing a new car with just the chassis. In reality, numerous other components must be considered to get the best functionality, design, and aesthetic for your space. Handles, cupboard interiors, opening and closing mechanisms, and hinges are all elements that can influence the cost, albeit to a lesser degree than the units themselves.

Typical Furniture Cost at Lewis Alderson & Co: £35,000+VAT

The Price of Kitchen Worktops

There are numerous options when selecting a kitchen worktop, each with its own benefits and considerations. At Lewis Alderson & Co. our preferred materials for classic kitchens include:

Choosing the right surface is essential, as it is one of the most frequently used areas of your kitchen and often accounts for a large portion of your budget. Worktops can differ not only in material but also in the installation method, with some requiring more complex processes like templating and prefabrication, which can add time and cost to your project.

We’ve written a whole article on choosing your worktop. You can read it by clicking HERE.

Typical Worktop Cost: £5,000-£15,000

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances can often represent one of the most significant investments in your new kitchen, with costs varying widely from entry-level models to premium, integrated solutions. The total expenditure will largely depend on your preferences, cooking habits, and the level of functionality you desire from your kitchen. For example, if you’re looking for top-of-the-range, built-in appliances such as smart ovens, induction hobs, wine coolers, and professional-grade refrigeration, these will command a higher price tag but offer enhanced performance, aesthetics, and convenience.

Integrated appliances, which are built into the cabinetry, provide a seamless, streamlined appearance and can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. While these may require a higher initial investment and potentially more complex installation, they offer a cohesive look that can add value to your home.

Typical Appliance Costs: £7,000-£35,000+*

*Based on a typical set of appliances made up of an oven, hob, extractor, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, sink and tap.

Types of Kitchen Installations

Clearly installation of your new kitchen has a bearing on the cost. Our ‘dry fit’ installation service involves installing the kitchen cupboards in a prepared space, such as a new extension. Alongside this we provide full plumbing, electrical and lighting plans for your contractor.

Typical Dry Fit Installation Costs: £3,000-£6,000

Other Considerations

Many additional elements can influence the cost of your kitchen, such as flooring, tiles, lighting, and internal storage solutions. These “extras” often get overlooked but can quickly add hundreds or thousands to your total expenditure.

In Summary

By carefully reviewing each budget area and understanding which costs apply to your project, you can arrive at a more accurate estimate for your kitchen. Remember that each choice – from materials to installation type – will play a role in defining the final cost.

At Lewis Alderson & Co, we are here to guide you through every step, ensuring that the kitchen of your dreams becomes a reality without any unpleasant surprises along the way. The best way to get a true estimate of your kitchen is to request a design appointment here at our showroom where we can hear about your project and share the correct information for your circumstance. You can find out more by clicking here.