Typical kitchen fitting costs in 2026
The figures below are typical UK ranges gathered from published 2026 trade price guides. They're a starting point for budgeting, not a quote from us. Prices in Glasgow tend to sit in the lower to middle part of each range, while London and the South East usually come in higher.
| What's included | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter day rate (one fitter) | £150 – £350 per day |
| Two-person fitting team | £300 – £550 per day |
| Fit-only, small kitchen (labour) | £1,000 – £1,800 |
| Fit-only, medium kitchen (labour) | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Fit-only, large or bespoke kitchen (labour) | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| Per-unit fitting (where quoted this way) | £70 – £120 per unit |
| Laminate worktop, supplied and fitted | £80 – £250 per metre |
| Quartz worktop, supplied and fitted | £350 – £900 per metre |
Kitchen fitter hourly and day rates
Most kitchen fitters price by the day or by the job rather than by the hour. Where an hourly rate is quoted it usually works out at roughly £20 to £45 an hour. A typical fit-only installation takes one fitter five to ten working days, which is why labour on a standard kitchen often lands between £1,000 and £3,000.
A day rate can look cheaper on paper, but a fixed price for the whole job gives you more certainty. Ask whether the quote is fixed or an estimate, and what happens if the job runs over.
What affects the cost of fitting a kitchen
Two kitchens of the same size can cost very different amounts to fit. The main factors are:
- The number of units, especially tall units and corner units, which take longer
- Flat-pack versus rigid units: flat-pack needs assembling on site
- Worktop material: stone and quartz need templating and specialist fitting
- Moving plumbing, gas or electrics to a new layout
- The condition of walls and floors, particularly in older Scottish homes
- Tiling, flooring, plastering and decorating
- Stripping out and disposing of the old kitchen
Hidden costs to budget for
Most cost surprises come from work that isn't obvious until the old kitchen is out. Keep a contingency of around 10% for things like:
- Rotten floorboards or damp behind old units
- Uneven walls that need plastering before units can go up
- Electrical upgrades to meet current regulations
- Skip hire and waste disposal
- Appliance connection, often charged per appliance
- Templating visits for stone and quartz worktops
How to compare kitchen fitting quotes
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. When you compare quotes, check that each one covers the same work, so you're comparing like with like.
- Is it a fixed price or a day-rate estimate?
- Does it include strip-out and disposal of the old kitchen?
- Are plumbing, electrics and tiling included or extra?
- Who supplies the worktops, and is templating included?
- Is appliance installation included?
- What guarantee is there on the workmanship?
How to save money on kitchen fitting
If your units are in good condition, a kitchen makeover with new doors, worktops and handles can cost a fraction of a full refit. Keeping the same layout avoids moving plumbing and electrics, which is often the biggest single saving.
Laminate worktops in a stone or wood effect cost far less than quartz, and modern laminates are hard-wearing. Buying the kitchen yourself and paying for fit-only can also work well, as long as someone checks the plan against the room before you order.
Getting a kitchen fitting quote in Glasgow
If you're looking for kitchen fitters near you in Glasgow, the most accurate way to know what your kitchen will cost is a home visit. We measure the room, talk through what you want and send a written, itemised quote, so you can see exactly what's included before you decide.
Want a price for your own kitchen?Get a free, no-obligation quoteor call 07471 369847.