Fitting an average 12-unit kitchen costs £2,000 – £4,000 in labour, with kitchen fitters charging £180 – £280 a day outside London and up to £350 a day in the capital. Most fitters price per job rather than per day, typically working out at £100 – £200 per unit installed.
This page covers what a kitchen fitter does, what is normally included, extras that catch people out, and how to compare quotes.
Kitchen fitting costs (labour only, inc. VAT where applicable)
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitting units & worktops only (per unit) | £100 – £130 | £130 – £180 | £180 – £250 |
| Full kitchen fit (12 units) | £1,800 – £2,500 | £2,500 – £3,500 | £3,500 – £5,000 |
| Removing & disposing of old kitchen | £300 – £500 | £500 – £800 | £800 – £1,200 |
| Kitchen fitter day rate | £180 – £220 | £220 – £280 | £280 – £350 (London) |
| Worktop templating & fitting (stone) | £300 – £500 | £500 – £800 | £800 – £1,500 |
| Plastering & making good | £300 – £500 | £500 – £900 | £900 – £1,500 |
Indicative UK prices, 2027/28, including VAT where applicable.
What does a kitchen fitter do?
A kitchen fitter assembles and levels the carcasses, fixes them to the wall, hangs doors, fits plinths, cornices and end panels, cuts and fits laminate or wood worktops, installs the sink, and fits built-in appliances. Many will also do basic plumbing connections. Stone worktops are templated and fitted separately by the worktop supplier, usually 7 – 10 days after units are in.
Extras that are often not included
Always ask whether the quote covers the following. Each one can add several hundred pounds.
- Removing and disposing of the old kitchen (£300 – £800 plus skip hire)
- Plastering, boxing-in pipes and making good (£300 – £1,500)
- Electrical work by a Part P registered electrician (£250 – £450 per day)
- Gas hob connection by a Gas Safe engineer (£80 – £250)
- Tiling, splashbacks and decorating
- Flooring, especially if it must go under the units
Retailer fitting vs independent fitter
Big retailers offer fitting packages that are convenient and come with a guarantee, but usually cost 20 – 40% more than an independent fitter. Independents are cheaper and more flexible; check reviews, ask for references and get a written schedule of works with staged payments rather than a large deposit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fit a kitchen?
Kitchen fitting labour alone usually costs £2,000 – £4,000 for an average 12-unit kitchen, or roughly £100 – £200 per unit. Add £300 – £800 to remove the old kitchen and £500 – £1,500 for plastering, making good and decorating.
How long does a kitchen installation take?
A straightforward like-for-like replacement takes 3 – 5 days. A full rip-out with new plumbing, electrics, flooring and stone worktops typically takes 2 – 3 weeks because stone is templated after units are fitted and takes 7 – 10 days to arrive.
How much deposit should a kitchen fitter ask for?
A reasonable deposit is 10 – 25% to secure the dates, with the balance paid in stages as work completes. Be wary of anyone asking for more than 50% up front.
Should I buy the kitchen myself and hire a fitter?
Often yes. Buying from a trade supplier or in a sale and hiring an independent fitter typically saves 15 – 30% compared with a retailer supply-and-fit package, but you take on responsibility for ordering, deliveries and any missing parts.
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