As a nation we may still be cautiously feeling our way out of the worst recession in a generation, but optimism is higher, people are more willing (and able) to spend a little extra cash, and much of that surplus is going on home improvements.

One of the first places to get a facelift when we have some spare capital is the kitchen. It’s the heart of every home, and as the hardest-working room in the house it also has to put up with a lot more in the way of wear and tear. So it’s not surprising that when we get a chance to freshen things up, we grab the opportunity with both hands. But how much is that renovation going to cost in real terms?

Replacing the entire kitchen

Let’s start off with the biggest numbers – a complete kitchen refit. Ripping your old kitchen out and starting a rebuild from the ground up could cost you tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the size of your kitchen and whether you replace all your white goods as well as renovate the actual kitchen itself.
According to ‘Which? Magazine’, 22% of shoppers looking for a new kitchen went over-budget, with only 9% coming in on or under-budget. Prices for a basic, standard set of eight units from most high-street DIY suppliers can cost between £5-£7,000, and that’s just the price of the units alone, and excludes installation or any appliances such as cookers, dishwashers or fridge-freezers.

The cost of a facelift

If you’re still reeling from those numbers (and don’t forget that’s the price for generic, ‘off-the-shelf’ kitchens, not bespoke ones), then let’s take a look at the cost of a facelift. This involves leaving the units intact but replacing the aesthetics such as doors, drawer fronts, fixtures and fittings, worktops and trim.

Replacement doors won’t be cheap, but they will be more affordable than a brand new kitchen. You also need to consider that you are paying for a bespoke service, which means your kitchen cupboard doors will be properly fitted, measured and cut to fit your exact specifications, and still represent a considerable saving on the price of a complete new unit. You can go much, much cheaper, and hunt around on online auction sites or reclamation yards for second-hand replacements, but they won’t look as good or be the same quality as a bespoke door.

Wood-finish doors with a veneer instead of solid hardwood doors are obviously going to be cheaper, but don’t discount more modern finishes such as vinyl or laminates, which can look particularly good in a modern kitchen..

 Kitchen door colours selection

 

 

 

 

 

The little details

If your budget will stretch to it, go for soft-close doors and drawers, which close slowly without slamming when pushed. They are tough, hard-wearing and designed to last for years. Basic drawer runners can be clunky in comparison to soft-close tech, but are just as effective and perhaps a little more feasible if you only have a limited amount of cash to spend. Finish things off with good quality handles, trim and properly fitted hinges that go with the style of your kitchen.

Kitchen worktops


The most affordable tops tend to be laminate worktops, which are durable but may lack that ‘wow’ factor. They also tend to mark and stain over time. Granite ‘shells’ are a great option if you want the glamour of granite but can’t afford solid worktops (which can run into thousands). Prices range from relatively affordable prices for a laminate top to closer to the thousands for a similar sized worktop in solid granite. However, a granite top will last a lifetime, so it represents a real investment in your kitchen. And if you’ve  saved money by keeping your units and simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts, then why not treat yourself to a beautiful new worktop for that final flourish

Wooden cupboards and worktops

 

Kitchen with granite worktop

Explore Finishing Touches

Complete the look

In addition to replacing kitchen doors and drawer fronts, we also supply a wide range of finishing touches for your kitchen makeover. From replacement worktops to new appliances, sinks and taps.

Finishing touches
Working with the highest quality brands