Cost of an IKEA kitchen in the UK: Breaking down planning, materials, & installation

In the UK, affordability is a priority for homeowners, and IKEA has taken notable steps to address rising living costs. In 2024 alone, IKEA invested £117 million to reduce prices, with 33% of its product range receiving an average price cut of 20%. But even with these efforts, inflation still impacts material and labour costs, along with other factors.

The average IKEA kitchen installation cost in the UK ranges from £5,000 to £30,000, depending on design and additional features. This guide will break down the costs, explore key pricing factors, and help you make an informed decision on upgrading your kitchen without stretching your budget.

Advantages of installing an IKEA kitchen

A man measuring benchtop space during a hands-on kitchen installation (Source: iStock)

IKEA kitchens are a hit with homeowners across the UK. Let’s take a closer look at why so many people choose them for their homes.

Affordability

IKEA kitchen prices are budget-friendly, which is why they’re a popular choice for homeowners looking to save. Their base cabinets start at just £26, giving you great quality at a lower price point. Delivery costs have also been reduced, with small furniture delivery under 150 kg now costing just £25. 

And if you’re up for some DIY, assembling the kitchen yourself can save you even more. A sample affordable setup is the KNOXHULT Unit Kitchen, which provides a budget-friendly solution with pre-matched cabinets and worktops. 

Customisation

IKEA kitchens let you design a space that fits your style and needs perfectly. Their modular cabinets come in different sizes, finishes, and colours, so you can mix and match them to suit your layout. Plus, their kitchen planner tool makes it easy to visualise and tweak your design before buying. 

Want something unique? You can also pair IKEA parts with custom fronts and benchtops for a personalised touch. A good example is the  METOD Kitchen System, known for its flexibility and customisation options.

Sustainability

If you care about the planet, IKEA kitchens are a great option as well. Their products, like VOXTORP kitchen fronts now use over 50% recycled wood, and the brand continues to lead sustainability efforts. In FY23, 52,600 products were bought back under IKEA’s Buyback scheme, promoting circular economy practices.

Durability

Despite the flat-pack reputation, IKEA kitchens are built to last. Their cabinets are made from strong materials like MDF, solid wood, and composite layers. With proper care, they can last 10 to 20 years. And if you’re worried about longevity, the METOD range comes with a 25-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

Ease of assembly and installation

IKEA kitchens are made for DIYers who can work with just a few tips under their belt. Their pre-cut and pre-drilled parts come with clear instructions, so putting them together is straightforward. They also have a rail-mounting system that makes installing cabinets easier. 

IKEA offers systems like the ENHET Kitchen System, which is ideal for quick and reconfigurable designs. Not into DIY? No problem—there are professional installers who can do the job for you, too.

What is the average price of an IKEA kitchen installation in the UK?

The average cost of IKEA kitchen installations depends heavily on your kitchen’s size and the finishes you select. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for small, medium, and large kitchens:

If you’re planning a small kitchen (up to 9 sqm), expect to pay between £5,000 and £7,000. Labour costs typically fall between £1,100 and £1,800, depending on cabinet quantities and additional services like plumbing or electrical adjustments.

For medium kitchens (10–15 sqm), the average cost is around £8,000 to £12,000. Labour costs increase slightly from £1,500 to £2,200, particularly for more complex layouts or higher-end materials.

A large kitchen (16 sqm or more) is the most expensive, with total costs ranging from £15,000 to £30,000. Labour alone starts at £2,500, especially for kitchens with islands, integrated appliances, or custom layouts.

From budget-friendly setups to high-end designs, the next section will break down the key factors that can influence how much an IKEA kitchen is, so you can plan with confidence.

What factors affect the costs of IKEA kitchen installation?

The price of installing an IKEA kitchen isn’t set in stone. It varies depending on several factors. Everything from the size of your kitchen and the materials you choose to the complexity of the design and labour requirements can influence the final cost. If you’re working with a tight budget or planning to go all out, understanding these factors will help you make smarter decisions and avoid surprises.

Location and labour

Where you live has a big impact on how much it costs to have an IKEA kitchen installed. 

In London and the Southeast, installing a medium-sized IKEA kitchen usually costs £2,200 to £2,500, but bigger or more complex kitchens can go over £3,000. In Birmingham or Nottingham, the same project costs around £1,500 to £2,000, making these areas more affordable. Cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle offer lower rates, with prices typically between £1,300 and £1,800.

In rural areas, installation costs are even lower, starting at £1,100 to £1,500, though travel fees of £50 to £150 might apply. If you're in a busy city, things like parking permits or congestion charges can also increase the total cost.

Delivery fees can also depend on where you’re located. Cities that have easy access to IKEA stores will have lower shipping fees. Meanwhile, in more remote areas, you could face higher delivery surcharges if products need to be shipped from farther away.

Complexity of the kitchen layout and size

*Considering both IKEA and non-IKEA kitchen fixtures and labour rates

The layout and size of your kitchen influence how much it costs to get kitchen cabinets installed and the fixtures that can be added. Simple layouts where basic KNOXHULT cabinets can sit along one wall are the most affordable. Galley kitchens, which can have two rows of ENHET modules facing each other, cost more—around £1,100 to £1,800—because aligning both sides takes extra work.

More complex layouts like L-shaped kitchens, which use two connected walls, can use METOD system fixtures but may cost between £1,500 and £2,200. This is especially the case if corner cabinets or special fittings are needed. U-shaped kitchens wrap around three walls and offer more storage, but come with a price tag of £1,800 to £2,800 due to the extra cabinetry and materials involved.

Island kitchens are the priciest, averaging £1,500 to £3,000. Adding an island often means additional plumbing or electrical work for sinks or stovetops, increasing labour costs. Larger kitchens or those with premium kitchen worktop types, like quartz or stone, will also push costs higher.

Structural modifications or plumbing work

Modular kitchen layout under construction with base cabinets installed (Source: iStock)

Making changes to your kitchen’s structure or plumbing can quickly increase your final bill, even when you’re fitting an IKEA kitchen. Knocking down a wall to open up the space costs £800 to £3,000, depending on whether it’s load-bearing or not. Adding ceiling bulkheads to hide ductwork or pipes costs between £500 and £1,500, while reinforcing floors for heavy stone countertops or islands adds another £500 to £1,500.

Plumbing adjustments are another big factor. Moving a sink can cost £200 to £800, depending on how tricky the pipework is. If you’re adding plumbing for an island with a sink or water dispenser, expect to pay £500 to £1,500. If older pipes need upgrading to support modern fixtures, expect an additional £500 to £2,000.

These kinds of updates often mean bringing in carpenters and plumbers, which adds to the overall labour bill. Electrical work, like adding outlets or under-cabinet lighting, can cost £500 to £1,500 or up to £2,000 for complex setups. So, if your kitchen plan includes major structural or plumbing changes, it’s good to plan for these extra costs from the start.

Customisation options or requests

*Considering materials and units alone

Customising your IKEA kitchen can make it more personal and functional, but it comes at an extra cost. For example, pull-out shelves can set you back £20 to £100 each, drawer dividers are £10 to £50 per piece, while corner storage adds £100 to £500 per unit.

If your kitchen needs non-standard cabinet sizes, hiring cabinet makers to create custom fronts or panels can cost £100 to £300 per unit, depending on the material. These are often necessary for kitchens with awkward layouts or unique spaces. 

Premium materials are another factor. While laminate is affordable, there are also custom cabinet and drawer fronts priced at £100 to £500 per unit.

Adding a custom island can also raise the price. A custom island costs £200 to £3,000, especially if it includes built-in storage or appliances. Moreover, lighting upgrades, like LEDs for under cabinets, cost £15 to £50 per strip, with installation fees adding another £50 to £150.

For those not assembling the kitchen or painting the cabinets themselves, professional help can cost £24 to £63 per hour. 

Pre-existing kitchen condition

An existing kitchen space ready for IKEA upgrade or full remodel (Source: iStock)

The condition of the kitchen plays a big role in how much an IKEA kitchen renovation costs. Kitchens in poor condition with damaged walls, outdated plumbing, or uneven floors can require extra prep work. For example, wall repairs like plastering or repainting can cost £200 to £500, plumbing upgrades range from £500 to £2,000, and flooring levelling or repairs cost £300 to £800.

Disposing of the old kitchen is another expense. Removing cabinets, countertops, and appliances typically costs £300 to £700, with disposal fees adding £50 to £150 based on the volume of debris. Opting to remove the kitchen yourself could save money, but will require extra time and effort.

Electrical upgrades are often necessary, particularly in older homes. Rewiring or adding new outlets to support modern appliances can cost £500 to £1,500. Preparing for additions like kitchen islands and peninsulas may also require extra adjustments, further raising labour and material expenses.

Appliance integration

*Considering labour and installation alone

Adding appliances can bump up the IKEA installation costs for kitchens as well, especially if you want built-in options that require accurate measurements. Appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves must fit perfectly into your kitchen space and cabinets. 

For example, a built-in dishwasher requires custom cabinet adjustments and plumbing, costing £300 to £600. Meanwhile, ovens and microwaves typically cost £400 to £700 each.

Ventilation systems, like downdraft or ceiling-mounted range hoods, add more to the bill, too. Depending on whether ductwork or wall changes are needed, range hood installation costs about £500 to £1,200. Hobs or cooktops, whether gas or induction, require countertop cutouts and connections, costing an additional £250 to £500.

If you’re integrating a panel-ready fridge or freezer, cabinet fronts cost £150 to £300, with installation fees ranging from £400 to £800. Altogether, a medium-sized kitchen with multiple built-in appliances like fridges, dishwashers, ovens, and hobs can add £2,000 to £4,000 to your total installation costs.

Permits and compliance

Approved building permit required for major IKEA kitchen renovations (Source: iStock)

Renovating your kitchen in the UK usually means dealing with building regulations to meet local safety and legal rules, which can add to your costs. 

For minor updates, you might not need planning permission. However, building regulations approval is often required, especially if you’re making structural changes, installing new electrics, or altering plumbing. For example, in Westminster, the fee for fitting out a kitchen is £312, including VAT.

If your renovation is more extensive, like knocking down a load-bearing wall or adding new plumbing lines, the fees will be higher. Costs for structural work approvals can range from £150 to £500, depending on the complexity and where you live.

Ultimately, the cost of approvals depends on several factors, like the complexity of the work, your location, and whether you need additional inspections. You might also need to hire architects or structural engineers to prepare documents and handle inspections, adding to the overall expense.

Additional considerations

There are a few more extra costs to think about when installing your IKEA kitchen to make sure everything works and looks right. Getting rid of the old kitchen and its waste can cost £300 to £700. Disposal fees through council waste services range from £50 to £150, and private disposal or skip hire costs £200 to £500. 

You’ll likely need electrical upgrades too. Adding or upgrading outlets for a more sustainable smart kitchen costs £100 to £300 per outlet, while rewiring can range from £1,000 to £2,500. Installing dedicated circuits for appliances like ovens adds another £250 to £800 per circuit.

Good lighting is essential for a functional and stylish kitchen. So, prepare for under-cabinet LED lights, which can cost £15 to £50 per strip, with installation fees adding £50 to £150 per cabinet. Pendant lights over an island cost £50 to £300 per fixture, with installation adding £75 to £150 per light. Recessed lights range from £30 to £100 per light, plus installation fees of £75 to £150 each.

Lastly, don’t forget about flooring. Vinyl flooring starts at £15 per sqm, laminate costs £25 to £60 per sqm, and tiles range from £30 to £100 per sqm. Installation fees for the latter add around £15 to £40 per sqm. Wall tiling or splashbacks, like glass or tile, cost £15 to £50 per sqm for tiles and £200 to £500 for glass—fitting fees go from £100 to £300.

These extras might not be the first thing you think of when considering your kitchen’s design, but they’re important for a complete and polished finish.

Hiring IKEA’s partner installers vs. independent contractors

Professionals fitting cabinetry and appliances during kitchen installation (Source: iStock)

When it comes to installing your IKEA kitchen, you’ve got two main options: IKEA’s partner installers or independent contractors. Each comes with its own pros and cons, depending on your budget and how involved you want to be.

IKEA’s partner installers are trained specifically to assemble IKEA products whether it’s METOD, ENHET, or KNOXHULT. Their IKEA kitchen installation service costs is straightforward. And IKEA takes care of the whole process—coordinating everything from plumbers to electricians. 

The downside? They’re not as flexible with customisations, and scheduling depends on IKEA’s availability.

Independent contractors are often cheaper and more flexible. They’re great for handling customisations, like adding third-party cabinet fronts or unique layouts, and they can work around your schedule. 

The catch is you’ll need to manage the project yourself, including hiring tradespeople like plumbers and electricians.

If you want a hands-off, stress-free experience, IKEA installers are a solid choice. But if you’re after flexibility and don’t mind coordinating things yourself, independent contractors can save you money on carpenter costs and custom cabinet options, among other things. It all comes down to what works best for you.

10 tips to save money on IKEA kitchen renovation costs

A sketch of renovation plans and estimated costs (Source: iStock)

Renovating an IKEA kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. With some smart planning and cost-saving strategies, you can cut down on expenses without sacrificing quality or functionality. Here are some practical ways to reduce your IKEA kitchen installation price:

1. Use IKEA’s kitchen planning tool. Take full advantage of IKEA’s free kitchen planner to design an efficient layout. It prevents unnecessary purchases and reduces waste in the end.

2. Watch for IKEA sales and discounts. Kitchen promotions and loyalty program perks like IKEA Family discounts can help you save significantly on cabinets and other essentials.

3. Stick to standard cabinet sizes. Opt for IKEA’s standard METOD cabinets instead of custom options or third-party modifications. 

4. Reuse existing kitchen cabinets and fixtures. Keep your current appliances, plumbing, and electrical setups if they’re still functional. 

5. Choose laminate countertops. They’re durable and budget-friendly compared to quartz or stone. 

6. Plan renovations during the off-season. Schedule your installation in the winter when demand for tradespeople is lower.

7. Shop smart for lighting and fixtures. Look for deals on lighting, handles, and taps from other retailers or during sales events. You can surely find similar yet cheaper options in local stores.

8. Get multiple installation quotes. Compare quotes from IKEA installers and independent contractors offering professional installation. This will help you find the best value for your budget and ensure transparency about costs and warranties.

9. Avoid structural changes. Stick to your current kitchen layout to skip expensive structural modifications. 

10. Take control of the design and finishing touches. Once your new kitchen and cabinets are installed, you can paint or customise them yourself to match your preferred style. This gives you more flexibility over colours and finishes. Plus, it’s a great way to save on expenses.

Find trusted IKEA kitchen installers on Airtasker

Upgrading your kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re tackling a full kitchen renovation, need help with cabinet installation, or want to explore creative design ideas, Airtasker makes it easy to find tradespeople near you.

Save time and effort by posting a task and letting skilled pros handle the heavy lifting. From assembly to installation, you’ll find trusted IKEA assembly experts ready to bring your dream kitchen to life—all within your budget.