What does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia?
A full kitchen renovation in Australia typically costs between $15,000 and $60,000, with the majority of mid-size residential projects landing in the $22,000–$45,000 range. That said, the number moves significantly based on kitchen size, cabinet type, benchtop material, appliance budget, and the complexity of trades work involved.
The entry point of $15,000 assumes a small kitchen (under 8m²), flat-pack cabinetry, laminate benchtop, basic tile splashback, and no structural or plumbing relocation. The premium end reflects large kitchens with fully custom joinery, stone benchtops, high-specification appliances, and complex trades work.
Cost breakdown by component
| Component | Entry | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry (supply + install) | $5,000–$9,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | $22,000–$40,000 |
| Benchtop (supply + install) | $2,000–$3,500 | $4,000–$7,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Splashback | $600–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Appliances | $2,000–$4,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | $12,000–$25,000+ |
| Plumber | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Electrician | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Demolition + waste | $800–$1,500 | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,000 |
What drives the price up fastest
In our experience, three things escalate kitchen renovation costs faster than anything else:
Custom joinery. Moving from flat-pack to semi-custom cabinets typically adds $6,000–$12,000. Moving to fully custom can add $15,000–$25,000 or more. The quality of materials, finish options, and storage engineering all improve, but this is where most budgets blow out.
Moving plumbing or gas. If your new layout changes the position of the sink or cooktop, a plumber needs to relocate supply and waste pipes. This can add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the complexity and your state's licensing requirements.
Stone benchtops. Engineered stone adds around $2,000–$4,000 over laminate for a typical kitchen. Premium natural stone, thick porcelain slabs, or statement waterfall edges can easily add $6,000–$10,000 versus a laminate equivalent.
What the quote usually leaves out
Watch for "PC items" (provisional costs) for appliances — these are placeholders that often increase when you choose actual products. Also check whether the quote includes delivery, installation of appliances, glazier for glass splashback, and any painting required around the new kitchen footprint.
Kitchen size and cost per square metre
Smaller kitchens don't cost proportionally less. Fixed costs — trades, demolition, delivery, project management — are spread across fewer square metres, so compact kitchens often cost more per square metre than larger ones. A 6m² kitchen at $18,000 works out to $3,000/m². A 14m² kitchen at $35,000 is $2,500/m².
Flat-pack vs semi-custom vs custom — the honest comparison
Flat-pack (IKEA, Freedom, Kaboodle): $3,500–$8,500 supply. Best suited to standard layouts, budget-conscious renovations, or rentals. Limited in terms of sizing flexibility, storage engineering, and finish longevity.
Semi-custom: $8,000–$16,000 supply. Custom sizing with standard door styles and finishes. Most residential renovations land here. Better quality hardware, more storage options.
Fully custom: $18,000–$40,000+ supply. Made to measure in every dimension, any finish, full engineering for storage. Worth it for premium homes, unusual spaces, or when the kitchen is a serious long-term investment.
2026 price drivers in Australia
Trade labour costs have risen materially since 2022. Plumbers and electricians are significantly more expensive in capital cities than regional areas. Engineered stone remains in demand despite regulatory changes around silica. Imported flat-pack components have been affected by supply chain and currency shifts. Budget for 10–15% contingency on any full renovation.