The short answer
A small kitchen renovation typically costs £5,000–£9,000 all-in in 2026, or £3,000–£6,000 if you reuse some elements and keep the layout. Because fixed costs — appliances, trades’ minimum charges and design — make up a larger share in a small room, the cost rarely falls as low as the unit count alone suggests. See the pillar cost guide for how a small kitchen sits within the wider price ranges.
Small kitchens — galleys, compact L-shapes and flat kitchens — are often assumed to be cheap because they have few units. In practice the cost concentrates differently, and clever specification matters more than in a larger space. This guide sets out realistic 2026 ranges for a small kitchen renovation and explains where the money actually goes.
Small kitchen costs at a glance
- Full renovation (all-in) £5,000–£9,000
- Budget / partial refit £3,000–£6,000
- Typical units 6–10
- Worktop (laminate, small run) £150–£500
- Appliance package £1,000–£3,000
- Typical duration 3–7 days
Why small kitchens are not as cheap as they look
A small kitchen has fewer units, but several costs do not shrink with the room. The electrician and plumber still have minimum charges and still need to certify the work; the appliances cost much the same as in a larger kitchen; design and delivery are fixed; and the old kitchen still has to be stripped out and disposed of. Spread across six or eight units, these fixed costs make each unit appear expensive. The upside is that a small kitchen is a good candidate for spending on quality — a better worktop or smarter storage costs relatively little extra because the quantities are small.
| Element | Typical small-kitchen cost |
|---|---|
| Units (6–10, mid-range) | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Worktop (laminate or compact stone) | £150–£1,200 |
| Appliances | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Fitting and trades | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Flooring, tiling, sundries | £500–£1,500 |
Where to spend and where to save
In a small kitchen, the highest-impact spend is usually on storage and worktop. Because the worktop run is short, upgrading from laminate to a compact stone or solid surface adds only a few hundred pounds while transforming the feel of the room — see worktops compared. Tall units, pull-out larders and corner solutions earn their place because storage is scarce. Sensible savings come from keeping the layout, choosing freestanding rather than integrated appliances where they fit, and selecting good-value rigid units rather than bespoke. See units and cabinets explained for the trade-offs.
Keeping the layout to keep the cost down
The single biggest saving in a small kitchen is keeping the sink, hob and units roughly where they are. Moving services in a compact room is proportionally more disruptive and adds plumbing, electrical and possibly gas costs that can rival the unit spend. If the existing layout works, a like-for-like renovation keeps both cost and disruption low. See our kitchen layout guide if you are weighing up a change.
Getting a quote for a small kitchen
Because fixed costs dominate, the proportions in your quote will look different from a larger kitchen — expect labour and appliances to be a bigger share than units. Get the quote itemised so you can see this clearly and compare specialists on a like-for-like basis. A measured plan of the room is the basis for an accurate figure; see how to plan a kitchen. This is general information; the cost of your renovation depends on your room, specification and chosen specialist.
Compare kitchen quotes
A small kitchen rewards careful specification. Compare itemised quotes from kitchen design and fitting specialists in your area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renovate a small kitchen for under £5,000?
It is possible with a partial refit — reusing some appliances, keeping the layout and choosing budget units — typically £3,000–£6,000. A full renovation with new appliances and a quality worktop usually lands at £5,000–£9,000 because fixed costs make up a larger share in a small room.
Why does my small kitchen quote seem high per unit?
Because fixed costs — appliances, the electrician’s and plumber’s minimum charges, design and strip-out — do not shrink with the room. Spread across only six or eight units, they make each unit look expensive. The total is still modest compared with a larger kitchen.
Is it worth upgrading the worktop in a small kitchen?
Often yes. Because the worktop run is short, moving from laminate to a compact stone or solid surface adds only a few hundred pounds while making a big difference to the look and feel, so it is one of the best-value upgrades in a small space.
How long does a small kitchen renovation take?
A like-for-like small kitchen fit usually takes three to seven days, depending on whether services move and how much tiling and flooring is involved. Changing the layout or waiting for a stone worktop template extends the timeline.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) — planning and budgeting guidance
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Document P — electrical safety in dwellings
- Gas Safe Register — rules for gas hob connections
- TrustMark — finding and checking registered tradespeople
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs, timescales and outcomes vary with your home, specification and chosen specialist. Notifiable electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician.