Kitchen Renovation Cost Australia 2026
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia? The average kitchen renovation cost ranges from $8,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $150,000 for a luxury custom kitchen. This guide covers kitchen renovation prices by city, average kitchen remodel cost, kitchen renovation quotes, and what's included — so you can compare fairly.
| City | Typical range | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $13,800–$51,750 | ↑ +4.3% |
| Melbourne | $12,600–$47,250 | ↑ +4.1% |
| Brisbane | $12,000–$45,000 | ↑ +4.4% |
| Perth | $12,600–$47,250 | ↑ +3.7% |
| Adelaide | $11,050–$41,400 | ↑ +4.8% |
| Gold Coast | $11,750–$44,100 | ↑ +4.4% |
| Canberra | $13,200–$49,500 | ↑ +4.2% |
| Hobart | $10,800–$40,500 | ↑ +4.2% |
| Darwin | $12,000–$45,000 | ↑ +4.2% |
| Newcastle | $11,400–$42,750 | ↑ +4.3% |
| Geelong | $11,150–$41,850 | ↑ +4.1% |
| Sunshine Coast | $11,650–$43,650 | ↑ +4.4% |
| Townsville | $12,950–$48,600 | ↑ +4.4% |
| Wollongong | $12,950–$48,600 | ↑ +4.3% |
| Byron Bay | $12,600–$47,250 | ↑ +4.3% |
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National Kitchen Renovation & Remodel Cost Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (reface + paint) | $8,000total | $14,000 | $20,000 |
| Budget renovation (flat-pack) | $12,000total | $18,000 | $25,000 |
| Mid-range renovation | $25,000total | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Premium renovation | $45,000total | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| Luxury / high-end | $70,000total | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Custom cabinetry (cabinet maker) | $12,000total | $19,000 | $35,000 |
| Benchtop — laminate | $800total | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| Benchtop — stone | $2,500total | $4,800 | $9,000 |
| Splashback (tiled) | $400total | $800 | $2,500 |
| Splashback (glass) | $800total | $1,400 | $1,800 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $1,500total | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Electrical rough-in | $1,500total | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Flooring (per sqm) | $40/sqm | $70 | $120 |
| Demolition & disposal | $1,000total | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Appliance package (oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher) | $3,000total | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| Cabinet respray, wrap or resurfacing (doors and panels only) | $2,000total | $4,500 | $10,000 |
| Small kitchen renovation (galley or U-shape under ~10 m², mid-range) | $20,000total | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Benchtop — granite (supply + install, per m²) | $600/sqm | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Benchtop — marble (supply + install, per m²) | $800/sqm | $1,550 | $2,500 |
| Benchtop — porcelain / sintered stone (supply + install, per m²) | $960/sqm | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| Benchtop — timber (supply + install, per m²) | $550/sqm | $750 | $1,200 |
| Benchtop — stainless steel (supply + install, per m²) | $700/sqm | $1,100 | $1,500 |
| Benchtop — laminate (supply + install, per m²) | $300/sqm | $440 | $560 |
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Kitchen renovation in Australia costs $8,000–$20,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $12,000–$25,000 for a budget renovation with flat-pack cabinetry, $25,000–$45,000 for mid-range, and $45,000–$80,000 for premium with custom joinery. The final price depends on kitchen size, materials, appliances, and whether layout changes are involved.
We've compiled pricing from kitchen renovators across Australia as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
Kitchen Remodel Cost in Australia: Same Job, American Spelling
If you searched "kitchen remodel cost" or "kitchen remodel price" and landed here, you're in the right place. "Remodel" and "renovation" describe the same scope of work in Australia — the term comes from the US but the trades, the work, and the pricing are identical. The average kitchen remodel cost in Australia in 2026 sits between $12,000 for a budget flat-pack refit and $80,000 for a premium remodel (luxury kitchens run to $150,000), with a full mid-range kitchen remodel typically about $35,000 ($25,000–$45,000).
Small Kitchen Remodel Cost
A mid-range small kitchen remodel (galley or U-shape kitchens under about 10m²) costs $20,000–$35,000, typically about $28,000; a budget refit comes in below that and premium finishes above it. Small kitchen remodel cost doesn't scale linearly with size — fixed costs like plumbing rough-in, electrical, and demolition don't shrink with floor area, so a small kitchen remodel often costs about 80% of a standard-sized one despite being half the footprint.
Full Kitchen Remodel Cost (Gut Renovation)
A full kitchen remodel — also called a gut renovation — strips everything back to studs and rebuilds. The average cost of a full kitchen remodel in Australia is $25,000–$45,000 for mid-range finishes and $45,000–$80,000 for premium specifications. This includes new cabinets, benchtops, splashback, appliances, electrical rewiring, plumbing relocation, flooring and paint. The cost for a full kitchen remodel scales with footprint — a 12m² kitchen typically costs 30–40% more than an 8m² kitchen at the same finish level.
High-End Kitchen Remodel Cost
High-end kitchen remodel cost starts at about $70,000 and runs to $150,000 for luxury homes. At this tier you're paying for stone benchtops (Calacatta marble or premium porcelain at $1,200–$2,500/m²), imported European appliances (Miele, Gaggenau, Wolf — $25,000–$60,000 in appliances alone), custom joinery, integrated lighting, and designer hardware. Most high-end kitchen remodel projects also involve structural work like wall removal or a small extension, which pushes the total higher.
Cost of Kitchen Remodel with Wall Removal
Removing a wall to open the kitchen onto the living area is one of the most common remodel additions in Australia. A non-load-bearing wall removal adds $3,000–$8,000 to the kitchen remodel cost. A load-bearing wall requires structural engineering certification, a steel or LVL beam, and building approval (from a private building surveyor or certifier, or your council, depending on your state) — adding $8,000–$25,000 to the project depending on span, ceiling height, and complexity. Homes with double-brick or steel-framed construction sit at the upper end of this range.
Average Kitchen Remodel Price vs Renovation Cost
There's no real pricing difference between a kitchen remodel and a kitchen renovation in Australia. Both terms describe identical trade work, follow the same Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000 for electrical, AS 3500 for plumbing), and are quoted by the same kitchen specialists. The average kitchen remodel price and the average kitchen renovation cost track within $500 of each other across hundreds of quotes we've analysed. If a tradesperson quotes you significantly differently for "remodel" vs "renovation", treat that as a red flag — it's the same work either way.
Kitchen Renovation Budget Estimator
Get a rough estimate based on your kitchen size, renovation scope, and city. This tool uses our verified 2026 pricing data across 14 Australian cities.
Kitchen Renovation Costs by Scope (Remodel Cost Guide): Cosmetic, Mid-Range, and Full Custom
The biggest factor in kitchen renovation pricing is the scope of work. A cosmetic refresh and a full custom kitchen are entirely different projects with very different budgets. Here's how costs break down by renovation level:
| Renovation Level | Cost Range | What's Included | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $8,000–$20,000 | Reface or paint cabinets, new handles, new splashback, replace benchtop | 1–2 weeks |
| Budget renovation (flat-pack) | $12,000–$25,000 | New flat-pack cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, appliances, sink/tap. Keep existing layout | 3–6 weeks |
| Mid-range renovation | $25,000–$45,000 | Complete strip-out, cabinetry, stone benchtops, quality appliances, tiling; layout changes where needed | 6–10 weeks |
| Premium renovation | $45,000–$80,000 | Custom cabinetry, premium stone, integrated appliances, butler's pantry, structural changes | 10–16 weeks |
| Luxury / high-end | $70,000–$150,000 | Designer kitchen: custom joinery throughout, natural stone, imported appliances, structural work | 10–16+ weeks |
The most common mistake is underestimating scope creep. Once walls are opened up, many homeowners discover issues like old plumbing, asbestos, or inadequate wiring that add $3,000–$10,000 to the budget. A 15–20% contingency is essential.
Kitchen Component Costs: What You're Actually Paying For
A kitchen renovation is made up of many individual components, each with its own cost range. Understanding what each element costs helps you prioritise your budget and identify where to save or splurge.
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom cabinetry (cabinet maker) | $12,000 | $19,000 | $35,000 |
| Cabinet respray, wrap or resurfacing (doors and panels only) | $2,000 | $4,500 | $10,000 |
| Benchtop — laminate | $800 | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| Benchtop — stone (porcelain, sintered or natural) | $2,500 | $4,800 | $9,000 |
| Splashback — tiled | $400 | $800 | $2,500 |
| Splashback — glass | $800 | $1,400 | $1,800 |
| Appliances (oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher) | $3,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Electrical rough-in | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Demolition and waste removal | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Flooring | $40 /m² | $70 /m² | $120 /m² |
Cabinetry typically represents 30–40% of a kitchen renovation budget, making it the single biggest cost. Flat-pack cabinets from Bunnings or IKEA can save thousands compared to custom — but they require more DIY assembly and don't offer the same finish. Stone benchtops (porcelain, marble, granite) cost significantly more than laminate but are the most impactful visual upgrade for the money.
Benchtop Materials Compared: Cost, Durability, and Maintenance
The benchtop is the most visible and most-used surface in your kitchen. Here's how the main benchtop materials compare on cost, durability, and maintenance:
| Material | Cost per m² (installed) | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $300–$560 | Good — scratch and heat resistant, can chip at edges | Very low — wipe clean |
| Engineered stone (banned since 1 July 2024) | Not installed since the ban | Excellent — very hard, stain and scratch resistant | Low — wipe clean, no sealing needed |
| Natural granite | $600–$1,400 | Excellent — heat resistant, very hard | Medium — needs sealing every 1–2 years |
| Marble | $800–$2,500 | Moderate — soft stone, stains and etches easily | High — needs regular sealing, careful use |
| Timber / Butcher block | $550–$1,200 | Moderate — scratches and water damage if not maintained | High — needs oiling every 3–6 months |
| Porcelain / sintered stone (e.g. Dekton) | $960–$1,550 | Excellent — UV, heat, scratch resistant | Very low — virtually indestructible |
| Stainless steel | $700–$1,500 | Excellent — commercial grade | Low — shows fingerprints and scratches |
Engineered stone was the default mid-range benchtop in Australian kitchens until it was banned on 1 July 2024, so the mid-range is now porcelain, sintered stone or natural granite. Laminate is the budget winner — modern laminates look dramatically better than they did 10 years ago and cost a fraction of stone.
What Does a $35,000 Kitchen Renovation Actually Get You?
Line-by-line breakdown of a typical mid-range renovation:
| Item | Cost | % |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry — semi-custom, soft-close | $12,000 | 34% |
| Benchtop — porcelain or sintered stone | $4,500 | 13% |
| Appliances | $5,000 | 14% |
| Splashback | $1,800 | 5% |
| Plumbing | $3,200 | 9% |
| Electrical | $2,500 | 7% |
| Demo + waste + flooring + paint + tapware | $6,000 | 17% |
| TOTAL | $35,000 | 100% |
Not included: contingency (15–20%), designer fees, permits, plumbing relocation. See our full cost breakdown.
Does a Kitchen Renovation Add Value to Your Home?
Kitchens are the #1 renovation for increasing sale price in Australia.
Rule of thumb: Spend no more than 5–8% of home value on a kitchen. On a $750k home, that is $37,500–$60,000.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Phase | Cosmetic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design + planning | 1–2 wks | 2–4 wks | 4–8 wks |
| Quoting + trades | 1–2 wks | 2–4 wks | 4–6 wks |
| Cabinetry manufacture | N/A | 4–6 wks | 6–12 wks |
| Active renovation | 3–5 days | 3–5 wks | 5–8 wks |
| Total | 3–5 wks | 10–16 wks | 16–30 wks |
Best time: Autumn/winter (April–August) for less demand and potentially 5–10% better pricing.
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs in Australia
Cabinetry type
Flat-pack (DIY or assembled) is cheapest. Custom joinery in Australia costs more but offers design flexibility and better quality. Semi-custom sits in between.
Benchtop material
Laminate benchtops ($800–$2,500 in Australia) are budget-friendly. Stone benchtops ($2,500–$9,000) are now porcelain, sintered or natural stone: engineered stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024.
Layout changes
Keeping the existing layout is much cheaper than moving plumbing and electrical. Relocating a sink or stove in an Australian home adds to the plumbing rough-in ($1,500–$5,000) and the electrical rough-in ($1,500–$4,000).
Appliances
A mid-range appliance package covers oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher. Premium European brands (Miele, Fisher & Paykel) can double this.
Splashback
Tile splashbacks are the most affordable option for Australian kitchens, at $400–$2,500. Glass splashbacks cost $800–$1,800 depending on size. Stone or mirror splashbacks are premium.
Project management
An Australian builder managing all trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, joiner) adds a management margin but saves significant coordination effort.
How to Save Money on Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions — Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia
About This Guide
Our kitchen renovation cost guides cover 14 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated monthly — last reviewed October 2026.