How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Brisbane?
Brisbane's kitchen renovation market sits in a sweet spot for Australian homeowners — 10–20 per cent cheaper than Sydney, with access to the same premium brands and a growing pool of QBCC-licensed builders who specialise in the Queenslander and post-war housing stock that dominates the city's inner and middle suburbs. The typical Brisbane kitchen renovation costs $25,000–$40,000 for a mid-range project, with budget refreshes starting from $15,000 and high-end fitouts pushing past $60,000 when you factor in structural changes, premium appliances, and custom cabinetry.
What makes Brisbane different from southern capitals is the housing itself. Many homes were built in the 1950s–1970s with compact galley kitchens that assumed a single cook, no dishwasher, and no island bench. Converting these into the open-plan kitchen-dining spaces buyers now expect often means removing load-bearing walls, relocating plumbing, and upgrading electrical switchboards that haven't changed since the home was built — each of which adds $3,000–$10,000 to the project budget.
Brisbane's subtropical climate also shapes kitchen design in ways that don't apply down south. Ventilation is more important than heating: range hoods need genuine extraction capacity (not just recirculation), and cabinetry materials must tolerate humidity that can sit above 80 per cent for weeks during the wet season. Solid timber doors can warp in these conditions — engineered panels and polyurethane finishes are more stable choices. Conversely, Brisbane kitchens rarely need underfloor heating, which saves $2,000–$4,000 compared to Melbourne projects.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (reface + paint) | $8,000 | $20,000 | $14,000 total |
| Budget renovation (flat-pack) | $12,000 | $25,000 | $18,000 total |
| Mid-range renovation | $25,000 | $45,000 | $35,000 total |
| Premium renovation | $45,000 | $80,000 | $60,000 total |
| Luxury / high-end | $80,000 | $150,000 | $100,000 total |
| Custom cabinetry | $8,000 | $25,000 | $15,000 total |
| Benchtop — laminate | $800 | $2,000 | $1,200 total |
| Benchtop — stone | $2,000 | $6,000 | $3,500 total |
| Splashback (tiled) | $800 | $2,500 | $1,500 total |
| Splashback (glass) | $1,500 | $4,000 | $2,500 total |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 total |
| Electrical rough-in | $1,500 | $4,000 | $2,500 total |
| Flooring (per sqm) | $40 | $120 | $70 /sqm |
| Demolition & disposal | $1,500 | $4,000 | $2,500 total |
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Budget Refresh — Post-War Brick Home, North Side
Total cost: $16,500–$22,000
Keeping the existing layout and plumbing positions. Replace laminate benchtops with engineered stone ($2,500–$4,000), new flat-pack cabinetry doors and hardware ($3,500–$6,000), tile splashback over existing tiles ($800–$1,500), new under-mount sink and mixer ($400–$700), replace rangehood ($300–$600), paint walls and ceiling ($600–$1,000). Electrician adds LED downlights and extra powerpoints ($800–$1,500). No structural changes, no plumbing relocation. Completion in 2–3 weeks.
Mid-Range — Open-Plan Conversion, Queenslander
Total cost: $38,000–$52,000
Remove non-load-bearing wall between kitchen and dining ($2,500–$4,000 including structural engineer assessment). Custom polyurethane cabinetry ($12,000–$18,000), Caesarstone or similar engineered stone benchtops with waterfall edge ($4,000–$6,500), quality appliances package including 900mm cooktop, wall oven, integrated dishwasher ($5,000–$8,000). New plumbing for island sink and dishwasher ($2,500–$4,000). Full electrical upgrade including dedicated circuits ($2,000–$3,500). Tiling, painting, and finishing ($3,000–$5,000). Asbestos testing and minor removal if found in wall linings ($1,500–$3,000). Allow 5–7 weeks.
High-End — Executive Home, Western Suburbs
Total cost: $60,000–$85,000
Complete gut and redesign. Custom joinery with soft-close drawers, integrated pull-out pantry, and butler's pantry ($25,000–$35,000). Natural stone or premium Dekton benchtops ($6,000–$10,000). Integrated Miele or Fisher & Paykel appliance suite ($12,000–$18,000). Designer pendant lighting and under-cabinet LEDs ($2,000–$4,000). Structural modifications for extended island and repositioned services ($5,000–$8,000). Premium tiling and splashback ($3,000–$5,000). Project management and design fees ($3,000–$5,000). Allow 8–12 weeks.
Investor Refresh — Unit or Townhouse
Total cost: $12,000–$18,000
Maximising rental return without over-capitalising. Resurface or replace cabinet doors ($2,500–$4,500), new laminate benchtops ($1,200–$2,000), replacement sink and mixer ($300–$500), new splashback tiles ($600–$1,200), replace cooktop and rangehood ($800–$1,500), new handles and hardware ($200–$400), repaint ($500–$800). Body corporate approval may be needed for structural or plumbing changes. Quick 1–2 week turnaround minimises vacancy.
Outdoor Kitchen Addition
Total cost: $15,000–$35,000
Brisbane's climate makes outdoor kitchens genuinely usable 10+ months a year. Built-in BBQ with stone benchtops ($5,000–$10,000), outdoor-rated cabinetry ($3,000–$6,000), bar fridge and sink with plumbing ($2,000–$4,000), electrical for lighting, powerpoints, and rangehood ($1,500–$3,000). Roofing or pergola structure ($3,000–$8,000). Council approval may be required depending on size and proximity to boundaries. Materials must be rated for UV and moisture exposure.
Kitchen size
A standard 10–15sqm kitchen costs less to renovate than a large open-plan kitchen. Every extra linear metre of cabinetry adds $1,000–$3,000.
Cabinetry quality
The biggest cost driver. Flat-pack from Bunnings vs. custom-built by a cabinet maker can be a $10,000–$20,000 difference.
Benchtop material
Laminate ($800–$2,000) vs. engineered stone ($2,000–$6,000) vs. natural stone ($4,000–$10,000). This is where budgets blow out.
Layout changes
Moving the sink, stove, or fridge position requires new plumbing and electrical, adding $3,000–$8,000 to the job.
Appliances
Appliances are often excluded from renovation quotes. Budget $3,000–$15,000 on top for oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher.
Structural work
Removing walls, adding windows, or changing ceiling height adds significant cost and requires engineering.
QBCC licence mandatory: In Queensland, any building work valued over $3,300 (including labour and materials) requires the contractor to hold a QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) licence. For kitchen renovations, this typically means a "Builder Restricted to Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry" licence or a general builder's licence. Verify your contractor's licence at qbcc.qld.gov.au before signing anything — an unlicensed operator leaves you with no statutory warranty protection and no access to the QBCC dispute resolution process.
Home warranty insurance: For residential building work valued over $3,300, QBCC-licensed contractors are covered by the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. This provides up to 6 years and 6 months of cover for structural defects and up to 1 year for non-structural defects from the date of practical completion. This is automatic with a licensed builder — you don't need to purchase it separately.
Trade licences: Plumbing work must be completed by a QBCC-licensed plumber, and a Form 4 compliance certificate must be issued for all plumbing work. All electrical work requires a licensed electrician with an Electrical Safety Office certificate of compliance. Gas fitting (if installing a gas cooktop) requires a separate gas fitting licence.
Building approvals: Not all kitchen renovations need council approval, but structural changes (removing or modifying walls, changing window openings) typically require a building approval from a private certifier or Brisbane City Council. Work valued over $20,000 that involves structural elements usually requires building approval. If your home is in a character housing overlay or heritage precinct, additional design approval may be required.
Asbestos: Any home built before 1990 may contain asbestos in wall linings, splashbacks, or flooring. Queensland law requires a competent person to identify asbestos before renovation work begins. Removal must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist, and quantities over 10 m2 require a Class A licence. Never let a builder start demolition without an asbestos assessment.
Optimal timing: April–August (dry season). Brisbane's wet season runs roughly from November to March, bringing heavy afternoon storms, high humidity, and occasional flooding. These conditions create problems for kitchen renovations: water can enter through open walls, adhesives and sealants cure poorly in high humidity, and outdoor work (plumbing connections, bin access) becomes weather-dependent. The dry season offers more predictable conditions, faster material curing, and trades who aren't juggling emergency storm repairs.
Demand cycle: Brisbane's renovation industry peaks in spring (September–November) as homeowners prepare for the selling season and Christmas entertaining. Booking a renovation for May–July gives you access to the same trades at lower demand, potentially with shorter lead times. Cabinetry manufacturers typically have 4–8 week lead times, so ordering in autumn means installation before the wet season arrives.
Material considerations: Brisbane's humidity means timber products need adequate acclimatisation before installation — solid timber benchtops or floating floors should sit in the home for at least 48 hours before fitting. Engineered stone and polyurethane cabinetry are less affected by humidity, which is one reason they dominate the Brisbane market. Tiles and grout also cure better in moderate conditions (20–28 degrees, low humidity) rather than the 35+ degree days common in summer.
Pre-sale timing: If renovating to sell, Brisbane's auction market is strongest in February–May and September–November. Working backwards from a May listing, you'd want to start a mid-range renovation in February–March. For a spring listing, start in June–July. This gives enough buffer for inevitable delays without eating into prime selling windows.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →