Kitchen Renovation Cost Australia 2026: What to Expect

Planning a kitchen reno and wondering how much it’ll set you back? You’re not alone. Kitchen renovation costs in Australia have been on everyone’s mind as we kick off 2026, and for good reason – it’s often the biggest home improvement investment you’ll make.

Based on our analysis of 75 real kitchen renovation quotes from across Australia, we’ve uncovered exactly what Aussies are paying for their dream kitchens. The good news? There’s a renovation option for every budget, from a modest $10,000 refresh to a luxe $50,000 transformation.

Quick Answer: Kitchen Renovation Costs at a Glance 📊

Budget Level	Price Range	What You Get
Budget	$10,000 - $20,000	Basic refresh: new benchtops, paint, hardware updates
Mid-range	$20,000 - $30,000	Full renovation: new cabinetry, appliances, splashback
Premium	$30,000 - $50,000	High-end finishes: stone benchtops, custom cabinetry, luxury appliances

Average kitchen renovation cost in Australia: $25,000

What Affects the Cost of Your Kitchen Renovation?

Several key factors can push your kitchen renovation cost up or down. Understanding these helps you budget realistically and know where to splurge or save.

Size and Scope of Work

The bigger your kitchen, the more materials and labour you’ll need. A compact galley kitchen might cost $15,000 to renovate completely, while a large open-plan kitchen could easily hit $40,000. Are you just replacing benchtops and giving everything a fresh coat of paint? Or are you knocking down walls and reconfiguring the entire layout?

Materials and Quality Level

Your choice of materials makes a massive difference. Laminate benchtops might cost you $200-$400, while premium stone benchtops can run $400-$1,200. Similarly, flat-pack cabinetry from Bunnings will be much cheaper than custom-made cabinets from a local joiner.

Location Factors

Where you live impacts costs significantly. Sydney and Melbourne tradies typically charge more than their regional counterparts. In capital cities, expect to pay 15-20% more for labour. Remote areas might face higher material costs due to transport, though.

Tradesperson Experience

An experienced kitchen renovator might charge more per hour, but they’ll often complete the job faster and with fewer mistakes. Apprentices and newer tradies might offer lower rates, but the job could take longer.

Complexity and Access

Ground floor kitchens with easy street access are cheaper to renovate than upper-floor apartments where everything needs to go through lifts. Heritage homes with tricky layouts or asbestos issues will also bump up costs.

Detailed Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown 💰

Let’s dive into what you’ll actually pay for each component of your kitchen renovation, based on our analysis of 75 real quotes:

Cabinetry: $3,000 - $20,000

The backbone of any kitchen reno. Budget options include flat-pack cabinets or refacing existing ones. Mid-range gets you semi-custom cabinets, while premium means fully custom joinery with soft-close drawers and specialty storage solutions.

Plumbing: $800 - $3,000

Basic plumbing work for reconnecting existing fixtures sits at the lower end. Moving pipes, installing a dishwasher, or adding a second sink pushes costs higher. Always use a licensed plumber – water damage from dodgy work costs way more than doing it right.

Electrical: $500 - $2,500

New powerpoints, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lights over the island all add up. If your switchboard needs upgrading to handle new appliances, budget for the higher end.

Demolition: $500 - $2,000

Ripping out the old kitchen seems simple, but proper disposal of materials (especially if there’s asbestos) requires professionals. Skip bin hire and tip fees are often forgotten costs here.

Sink and Tapware: $300 - $1,500

A basic stainless steel sink and mixer tap starts around $300. Designer taps, double bowls, or integrated draining boards push prices up. Black or gold tapware is trendy but costs more than chrome.

Stone Benchtops: $400 - $1,200

Engineered stone like Caesarstone is the most popular choice. Prices vary based on thickness, edge profiles, and cutouts for sinks and cooktops. Natural stone like granite or marble sits at the premium end.

Painting: $400 - $1,200

Fresh paint transforms a kitchen instantly. DIY saves money, but professional painters deliver better results, especially on cabinets. Two-pack painted doors cost more but last longer than standard paint.

Appliance Installation: $200 - $800

Getting your new oven, cooktop, and rangehood properly installed is crucial. Integrated appliances that sit flush with cabinetry cost more to install than freestanding ones.

Glass Splashback: $200 - $500

Measured per square metre, glass splashbacks offer easy cleaning and a sleek look. Printed or coloured glass costs more than clear, and cutouts for powerpoints add to the price.

Laminate Benchtops: $200 - $400

The budget-friendly option that’s come a long way. Modern laminates can mimic stone or timber convincingly. Great for rentals or tight budgets.

Flooring: $50 - $150 (per square metre)

Vinyl planks at the budget end, tiles in the middle, and hardwood or polished concrete at the premium level. Don’t forget underlayment and installation costs.

Tile Splashback: $50 - $120 (per square metre)

Subway tiles remain popular and affordable. Larger format tiles or intricate patterns like herringbone increase both material and labour costs.

Australia Specific Factors for Kitchen Renovations 🇦🇺

The Australian kitchen renovation market has some unique characteristics that affect pricing and choices.

Local Market Conditions

Post-COVID supply chain issues have mostly settled, but some materials still face delays. European appliances and specialty tiles might have 12-week lead times. Local manufacturers like Laminex and Caesarstone offer quicker turnarounds.

Popular Styles and Choices

Hamptons, modern farmhouse, and industrial styles dominate Aussie kitchens in 2026. White or two-tone cabinetry remains king, with timber accents gaining popularity. Butler’s pantries are the must-have feature, even in smaller homes where they eat into living space.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter (June-August) is typically quieter for tradies, potentially offering better rates. Pre-Christmas rushes in November-December mean higher prices and longer waits. Aim for autumn (March-May) for the best balance of availability and pricing.

How to Get a Fair Quote for Your Kitchen Renovation

Getting multiple quotes is essential – but knowing what makes a good quote is even more important.

Always Get Three Quotes Minimum

This gives you a realistic price range and helps spot outliers. If one quote is significantly cheaper, dig deeper – they might be cutting corners or forgetting key elements.

What to Look for in a Detailed Quote

A proper quote should itemise everything: labour, materials, disposal, and GST. Vague quotes like “complete kitchen renovation: $25,000” are red flags. Each trade should be listed separately with clear timelines.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No ABN or licence numbers
• Demands for large upfront deposits (more than 10%)
• Reluctance to put agreements in writing
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• No mention of warranties or guarantees

Questions to Ask Tradies

• “What’s included and what’s not?”
• “How do you handle unexpected issues?”
• “Can I see examples of similar jobs?”
• “What’s your payment schedule?”
• “Who handles council approvals if needed?”

Money-Saving Tips Without Sacrificing Quality 💡

Smart choices can slash thousands off your kitchen renovation cost without ending up with a dodgy result.

Where to Save

• Keep plumbing in the same location
• Refresh cabinet doors instead of full replacement
• Choose laminate benchtops with stone-look finish
• DIY the demolition (safely!) and painting
• Shop appliance sales during EOFY or Black Friday

What’s Worth the Investment

• Quality cabinetry hardware (you’ll touch it daily)
• Decent tapware (cheap taps fail quickly)
• Proper waterproofing
• Professional electrical work
• Stone benchtops in high-use areas

Common Budget Regrets

Skimping on storage solutions tops the list of renovation regrets. That $500 saved by not installing drawer dividers becomes daily frustration. Choosing the cheapest appliances often means replacing them within five years, doubling your cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

A standard kitchen renovation takes 3-6 weeks from demolition to completion. Custom jobs or structural changes can extend this to 8-12 weeks. Most of this time is waiting for materials, not actual work time.

Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation?

Generally, no – unless you’re moving walls, changing windows, or altering plumbing in heritage-listed homes. Your contractor should know local requirements, but it’s worth checking with your council.

Can I live in my home during renovation?

Yes, but it’s challenging. Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, bar fridge, and kettle. Expect dust and noise. Many families plan holidays during the messiest demolition phase.

Should I renovate before selling?

A modern kitchen can add 5-10% to your home’s value, but only if done well. In hot markets, even dated kitchens sell. Get a real estate agent’s opinion before committing to a pre-sale renovation.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen renovation costs in Australia span a huge range, from $10,000 for a budget refresh to $50,000 for a premium transformation. Our analysis of 75 real quotes shows the average Aussie kitchen renovation comes in around $25,000 – enough for new cabinetry, stone benchtops, and quality appliances.

Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Quality work lasts decades, while cutting corners leads to problems down the track. Take time to plan, get multiple quotes, and choose tradies based on their work quality, not just price.

Want to check if your quote is fair? Upload it to QuoteChecker.io for a free analysis comparing your quote against similar jobs in your area.