So, you want to know, how much do bespoke kitchens cost? Simply put, the average cost of a bespoke kitchen can be anywhere from £20,000 to over £100,000, sometimes even more. The price changes a lot based on what you want, where you live, and who builds it. A bespoke kitchen is made just for you. It fits your space perfectly. This makes it different from a kitchen you buy from a big shop. Because it is special and built by hand, it costs more.
A bespoke kitchen is a big investment in your home. It adds value and makes your life better. But knowing the real cost helps you plan. This guide will tell you about the many things that change the price. We will look at materials, size, design, and more. This helps you see why the prices are so different.
Image Source: krantzdesigns.co.uk
What is a Bespoke Kitchen?
Let’s first talk about what a bespoke kitchen is. ‘Bespoke’ means made to order. It is made just for you. Think of a tailor making a suit. It fits you perfectly. A bespoke kitchen is like that.
- It fits your space: Every corner, every wall is used. No wasted space.
- It fits your needs: You choose where everything goes. High cupboards, low drawers, special shelves. It is made for how you cook and live.
- It is high quality: Bespoke kitchens often use better materials. They are built to last a long time. Often they are handmade.
- It looks unique: Your kitchen will look like no other. You pick the style, colours, and details.
This is different from a ‘modular’ kitchen. Modular kitchens come in set sizes. You pick pieces and fit them together. They are quicker and cheaper. But they don’t fit perfectly, and choices are limited. A bespoke kitchen gives you total freedom.
Why the Price Changes So Much
The price of a bespoke kitchen is not fixed. Many things make the cost go up or down. Knowing these things helps you see why the average cost of bespoke kitchen can be so wide.
Let’s look at the main things that change the price.
The Impact of Materials for Bespoke Kitchen
The type of materials used makes a big difference in the cost. Think about the wood for cabinets. Think about the tops for counters.
- Wood: Bespoke cabinets are often made from solid wood. Woods like oak, walnut, or maple cost more than cheaper woods or man-made boards (like MDF or particleboard). The way the wood is finished also changes the price. A simple paint finish might cost less than a special stain or a very smooth lacquer finish.
- Worktops: Countertops can be laminate, wood, granite, quartz, marble, or special man-made materials. Laminate is the cheapest. Solid wood costs more. Granite and quartz cost a lot. Marble is very expensive and needs care. The edge shape and thickness also add to the price.
- Hardware: Handles, knobs, hinges, and drawer slides matter. Cheap ones cost little. High-quality ones, like soft-close drawers or special metal handles, cost more. A luxury kitchen design price includes paying extra for these small details that make a big difference in how the kitchen feels and works.
Choosing high-quality materials adds to the overall quality bespoke kitchen cost. But these materials often last longer and look better for years.
Size and Shape of Your Kitchen
The size of your kitchen space is a clear factor. A bigger kitchen needs more cabinets, more worktop, and more materials. This means a higher fitted kitchen project cost.
The shape also matters. A simple straight kitchen or an L-shape might be easier to build. A U-shape or a kitchen with an island or many corners needs more careful planning and cutting. Complex shapes can increase the labour needed, raising the cabinet maker costs and the overall price.
How Many Cabinets You Need
More cabinets mean more materials and more work to build them. Bespoke cabinets are built one by one, often by hand. The handmade kitchen cabinets cost depends on how many cabinets you have and how complex they are.
Also, think about special cabinets:
* Pull-out larders
* Corner solutions (like magic corners)
* Built-in spice racks
* Drawers with dividers
These special features make the kitchen work better, but they add to the custom kitchen pricing.
Design and Features (Luxury Kitchen Design Price)
The style and features you pick have a big effect. A very simple, modern design might cost less than a highly detailed traditional design with fancy carvings or moulding.
High-end kitchen installation cost often goes hand-in-hand with complex designs. Things like:
* Curved doors or cabinets
* Special paint colours mixed just for you
* Integrated lighting inside cabinets or drawers
* Hidden doors or panels
These design choices make your kitchen unique. They are part of the luxury kitchen design price. They need high skill to make and fit, adding to the cost.
Cabinet Construction Method (Cabinet Maker Costs)
Not all cabinets are built the same way. The method of building affects the cost and how long the cabinets will last.
- Frame vs. Frameless: Cabinets can have a face frame (a solid wood border on the front) or be frameless (doors attach right to the box). Face frame cabinets are often seen in traditional styles. They use more wood and take more skill to build, adding to the cabinet maker costs.
- Joints: How the pieces of wood are joined matters for strength. Simple joints cost less to make. Stronger, more traditional joints (like dovetail or mortise and tenon) take more time and skill. This adds to the quality bespoke kitchen cost.
A skilled cabinet maker knows how to build cabinets that are strong and beautiful. Their skill is part of the cost.
Appliances and Fixtures
While the bespoke company might not sell you the oven or sink, the design must fit them. Built-in appliances (like a fridge hidden behind a door) need special cabinet spaces. Choosing high-end or unusual appliances can add complexity to the design and installation. This influences the total fitted kitchen project cost.
Sinks and taps also vary greatly in price. A simple stainless steel sink costs less than a ceramic butler sink or a high-tech tap that gives boiling water.
Installation Difficulty (High-End Kitchen Installation Cost)
Fitting a bespoke kitchen is skilled work. Every piece is made for your space. The fitters must be very careful.
Things that make installation harder (and more expensive):
* Old houses with uneven walls or floors.
* Complex designs with many parts.
* Heavy materials like solid stone worktops that need many people or special tools.
* Putting in new plumbing or electrics.
The high-end kitchen installation cost is a big part of the total price. It ensures everything fits perfectly and works right.
Where You Live
Costs for labour and materials change depending on the area. Building a bespoke kitchen in a big city often costs more than in a smaller town. This is because rent, wages, and transport can be higher.
The Company You Choose
Different companies charge different prices. A small local cabinet maker might cost less than a large company with showrooms and designers. A company known for luxury work will charge more for their name and reputation. The quality and experience of the cabinet maker costs will be reflected in the price.
Breaking Down the Custom Kitchen Pricing
Let’s look closer at where the money goes in a bespoke kitchen project. Knowing this helps with your kitchen renovation budget.
Here is a rough idea of how the total cost might split. These are just examples, as every project is different.
1. Cabinets (The Core Cost)
This is usually the biggest part of the custom kitchen pricing. It covers:
* The wood or material used to build the cabinet boxes and doors.
* The labour of the cabinet makers to build them.
* The finish (paint, stain, lacquer).
* The internal fittings (shelves, drawers, pull-outs).
Handmade kitchen cabinets cost can be 50% to 70% of the total kitchen price. This is because they are built from scratch, perfectly sized for your space, and use high-quality materials and construction.
- Example: For a £40,000 bespoke kitchen, the cabinets alone might cost £20,000 to £28,000.
2. Worktops
This is the second biggest cost for many kitchens. The price depends totally on the material you pick and the area you need to cover.
- Laminate: £50 – £150 per linear meter
- Solid Wood: £150 – £400 per linear meter
- Granite/Quartz: £300 – £600+ per linear meter (often priced per square meter including cuts)
- Marble: £400 – £800+ per linear meter
Fitting solid worktops is also a skilled job, adding to the cost.
- Example: For a £40,000 kitchen, worktops might cost £4,000 to £8,000.
3. Installation
This is the cost for the team to fit the kitchen into your home. This includes fixing cabinets to walls, fitting worktops, putting on doors and drawers, and fitting plinths and trims.
High-end kitchen installation cost reflects the skill needed. It’s not like fitting flat-pack furniture. They must make sure everything is level, joins are perfect, and it all fits the room that might not be perfectly square.
- Example: Installation might be 10% to 20% of the kitchen cost, maybe £4,000 to £8,000 for a £40,000 project.
4. Design Fees
Some companies include design in their price. Others charge a separate fee. A good designer helps plan the space and look. They make sure it works well and looks great. Design fees can be a few hundred pounds to several thousand, or a percentage of the total.
5. Appliances
You buy these separately, but they are a big part of the total fitted kitchen project cost. Ovens, hobs, fridges, dishwashers, washing machines. Prices vary hugely from a few hundred to many thousands for high-spec models.
6. Other Costs (Part of Kitchen Renovation Budget)
Remember other things that add to the total kitchen renovation budget:
* Plumbing: Moving pipes for sinks or dishwashers.
* Electrics: Moving sockets, adding new lights, putting in power for appliances.
* Flooring: New floor tiles or wood.
* Lighting: Spotlights, under-cabinet lights.
* Plastering and Painting: Walls might need work after old cabinets come out.
* Tiles: Wall tiles or splashbacks.
These can add many thousands to the total project cost, even if the kitchen units themselves are a set price.
What is the Average Cost of Bespoke Kitchen?
Giving an exact average cost of bespoke kitchen is hard because there is such a big range. However, we can give some general ideas.
Think of it in price bands:
| Kitchen Size | Low-End Bespoke (£) | Mid-Range Bespoke (£) | High-End/Luxury Bespoke (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g., galley) | £15,000 – £25,000 | £25,000 – £40,000 | £40,000 – £70,000+ |
| Medium (e.g., family kitchen) | £20,000 – £35,000 | £35,000 – £60,000 | £60,000 – £100,000+ |
| Large (e.g., open plan, island) | £30,000 – £50,000 | £50,000 – £80,000 | £80,000 – £150,000+ |
These figures are estimates for the cabinets, worktops, and installation only. They do not include appliances, flooring, lighting, or building work.
What makes the cost higher within these bands?
- Materials: Using more solid wood, expensive worktops (like marble), or special finishes.
- Complexity: Lots of drawers, pull-outs, curves, or tricky corners.
- Size: More cabinets, bigger island.
- Design Detail: More carvings, mouldings, or special paint effects.
- Location: Prices are often higher in London and the South East of England.
- Cabinet Maker/Company: Very skilled or famous makers cost more.
So, the £20,000 ‘average cost of bespoke kitchen’ you might hear about is likely for a smaller kitchen with simpler design and materials. A large kitchen with luxury finishes and lots of special features can easily cost £80,000, £100,000, or much more, before you even buy an oven.
Is a Bespoke Kitchen Worth the Price?
A bespoke kitchen costs more than a standard kitchen. So, is it worth the higher quality bespoke kitchen cost? Many people think yes.
Here is why:
- Perfect Fit: It uses your space in the best way. No gaps or wasted areas. This is great if your room is an unusual shape or size.
- Made for You: It works exactly how you want it to. Everything is where you need it. Drawers are the right size for your things.
- Quality and Lasting Power: Bespoke kitchens are built very well. They use strong joints and good materials. They are made to last for many years, perhaps 20 or 30 years or more. A cheaper kitchen might need replacing sooner. Over time, the quality bespoke kitchen cost can be good value because it lasts so long.
- Unique Look: Your kitchen will not look like everyone else’s. It shows your style.
- Adds Home Value: A high-quality, well-designed bespoke kitchen can make your home worth more when you sell it. Buyers see the quality and the personal touch.
- Supports Craftsmanship: You are paying skilled cabinet makers for their work. This keeps traditional skills alive. The cabinet maker costs reflect this skill.
Think about how much you use your kitchen. It’s often the most important room in the house. Spending more for a space that works perfectly, looks beautiful, and lasts a long time can be a good choice for many homes and families.
Planning Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Once you know the likely cost range, you need to plan your kitchen renovation budget.
- Know Your Total Money: How much can you spend in total on the whole project? This must include the kitchen units, worktops, installation, appliances, flooring, lighting, and any building work.
- Get Quotes: Contact a few bespoke kitchen companies or cabinet makers. Show them your plans (or ask them to measure). Ask for a detailed quote. This helps you see the custom kitchen pricing for your specific project. Get at least three quotes to compare.
- Compare Quotes: Look closely at what each quote includes. Do they use the same materials? Is installation included? Are the appliances priced? Make sure you are comparing like with like. Don’t just look at the bottom line price. Look at the quality they offer for that price.
- Factor in Other Costs: Remember the things outside the kitchen units. Talk to electricians, plumbers, and builders if you need their work. Get quotes from them too.
- Add a Buffer: Always add 10-15% extra money to your budget. Kitchen projects often have unexpected costs. This buffer helps deal with problems without stopping the work.
- Phase the Project (Maybe): Can any parts wait? Could you maybe keep your old floor for a year and put the new floor in later? This might help spread the cost if your budget is tight right now.
Planning your kitchen renovation budget carefully is key. It helps you make choices about materials and features that fit what you can spend. It also helps you see the full fitted kitchen project cost, not just the price of the cabinets.
Finding a Cabinet Maker or Company (Cabinet Maker Costs)
Choosing the right people to build your bespoke kitchen is very important. They are the ones who will make your dream kitchen real. Their skill affects the look, feel, and lasting quality. Their cabinet maker costs are a key part of the price.
Here is what to look for:
- Experience: How long have they been building kitchens? Have they done projects like yours?
- Portfolio: Can you see pictures of their past work? Does the quality look high? Do you like their style?
- Reviews and References: What do past customers say? Can you talk to someone they have worked for?
- Workshop Visit: Can you visit their workshop? This lets you see how they work and the quality of materials they use.
- Design Process: How do they work with you on the design? Do they listen to your needs? Do they offer ideas?
- Quoting: Is their quote clear and detailed? Does it show exactly what materials they will use and what is included in the fitted kitchen project cost?
- Contract: Do they provide a clear contract that sets out the work, the timeline, and the payment schedule?
- Guarantees: Do they offer guarantees on their work and the materials?
Finding a good cabinet maker takes time. Don’t just pick the first one you find. Talk to a few, compare their ideas, their process, and their cabinet maker costs. This helps ensure you get a quality bespoke kitchen cost that is fair for the work and materials provided.
Areas Where You Might Save (Carefully)
A bespoke kitchen is an investment in quality and perfect fit. You don’t want to cut corners that hurt how long it lasts or how well it works. But there might be small ways to manage the custom kitchen pricing if your budget is stretched.
- Material Choices: Maybe use a slightly less expensive wood for the cabinet boxes (the hidden parts) and a nicer wood for the doors and frames (the parts you see). Or pick a quality quartz worktop instead of the most expensive marble.
- Internal Fittings: Simple shelves might cost less than lots of pull-out drawers. Think about which special features you really need.
- Finish: A standard painted finish might be less than a special, multi-layer lacquer.
- Complexity: Very complex shapes or details cost more to make. Can the design be simplified slightly without losing the overall feel?
- Hardware: While good handles and hinges are important, maybe pick a mid-range brand rather than the absolute top luxury name.
- DIY (Very Limited): For a bespoke kitchen, leave the making and fitting to the pros. Their skill is what you are paying for. But maybe you can do the painting of the room yourself, or manage the waste removal.
Be very careful when trying to save money on a bespoke kitchen. Cutting costs too much can lower the quality. This would mean you don’t get the long-lasting value that a quality bespoke kitchen cost should provide. Talk to your cabinet maker about your budget. A good one can suggest ways to get the look and feel you want within your budget, using clever design or material choices.
Grasping the Value Beyond Price
Looking only at the price tag of a bespoke kitchen misses the full picture. The luxury kitchen design price is not just for wood and paint. It’s for:
- Craftsmanship: The skill of people who have spent years learning how to build beautiful furniture.
- Durability: A kitchen built to last a lifetime, not just a few years.
- Functionality: A space designed around you and how you use it. Every cupboard and drawer works perfectly for your things.
- Beauty: A unique piece of art that is also a workspace. It makes your home feel special.
- Personal Service: Working with a designer and maker who care about your project and want to make it perfect for you.
When you think about the fitted kitchen project cost, remember you are paying for something that adds real quality to your home and life for many years. It’s an investment in comfort, function, and beauty.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Deciding on a new kitchen is a big step. If you are thinking about a bespoke kitchen, you are looking for something special. Something that fits perfectly, works just right, and looks beautiful for a very long time.
We have seen that the cost varies a lot. The average cost of bespoke kitchen can be from £20,000 to well over £100,000. This wide range is because everything is decided by you: the size, the materials for bespoke kitchen, the design, the features, and who builds it.
The custom kitchen pricing reflects the fact that this is a handmade product. The handmade kitchen cabinets cost, the cabinet maker costs, and the high-end kitchen installation cost are higher because they are skilled labour using quality materials.
Planning your kitchen renovation budget means looking at the total fitted kitchen project cost, including all the extra bits like appliances and building work. Get detailed quotes, ask questions, and find a cabinet maker you trust.
A bespoke kitchen is a significant investment. But for many, the quality, the perfect fit, and the unique beauty make the quality bespoke kitchen cost completely worth it. It’s a kitchen built for your home, your life, and to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4: How is bespoke different from semi-bespoke or modular?
Bespoke means 100% custom, made from scratch for your space. Semi-bespoke uses pre-made cabinet sizes but offers more door styles, colours, and features than standard ranges. Modular kitchens use set-size units you pick from a catalogue, offering the least flexibility but being the cheapest option.
h4: Can I use IKEA cabinets but get bespoke doors?
Yes, this is a way to get a ‘semi-bespoke’ look for less. Companies make custom doors, drawer fronts, and panels to fit IKEA cabinet frames. This saves on the cabinet maker costs for the box, but you still pay for custom doors and installation. The overall quality might be less than true bespoke, depending on the door maker and fitter.
h4: How long does a bespoke kitchen take to make and fit?
Building the cabinets can take 6 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the complexity and the maker’s schedule. Installation usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, but the whole project (with building work, electrics, plumbing) can take longer, often 6-12 weeks from start to finish in your home.
h4: Does a bespoke kitchen increase home value?
Yes, a high-quality, well-designed bespoke kitchen is a major selling point. Buyers recognize the quality, the perfect fit, and the care that went into it. It often offers a good return on investment, though you rarely get back 100% of the cost.
h4: Is the ‘average cost of bespoke kitchen’ figure reliable?
It’s a rough guide, but treat it with care. The actual cost for your kitchen could be much higher or lower. Always get quotes based on your specific needs and space to know the real custom kitchen pricing.