How Much Does It Cost to Replace Kitchen Worktops in the UK in 2026?

Replacing your kitchen worktops is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen in the UK. A full kitchen refit can easily run into the tens of thousands, but new worktops alone can make the space feel brand new for a fraction of that. So what should you expect to pay in 2026? Let's break down realistic kitchen worktop replacement cost in the UK figures, including materials, labour and the extras that catch people out.

Typical UK worktop prices in 2026

Laminate worktops remain the budget-friendly favourite. Expect to pay around £60–£150 per linear metre for the material itself, with most UK suppliers like Wickes, IKEA and Howdens stocking 3m lengths from about £80. A standard galley kitchen can be done for £300–£800 all-in, making laminate the go-to choice for rental properties and quick refreshes.

Solid wood worktops (oak, walnut, iroko) sit in the mid-range at roughly £200–£450 per linear metre. A typical UK kitchen using solid oak usually lands between £900 and £2,000 for materials. They look stunning but need regular oiling to stay in good shape — factor in a bottle of Danish oil and an hour of maintenance every few months.

Quartz worktops (brands like Silestone or Classic Quartz) are the premium mainstream choice. Material costs run £300–£600 per linear metre, with most UK kitchens totalling £1,500–£3,500 before fitting. Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant and needs almost no upkeep, which is why it dominates the mid-to-high end market.

Granite worktops cost a similar amount to quartz — around £300–£550 per linear metre, or £1,400–£3,500 per kitchen. Each slab is unique, which some homeowners love. It does need periodic sealing, though, unlike quartz.

Labour and fitting costs

Professional fitting typically adds £250–£600 for a straightforward laminate or timber installation, usually a day or two of work. Stone worktops (quartz and granite) need specialist templating and heavy lifting, so fitting is often £400–£900 on top of the material price. Always confirm whether the quote includes templating, cutting and sealing.

What pushes the price up?

• Sink and hob cut-outs — a cut-out for an undermounted sink or induction hob can add £50–£120 each with a stone worktop.
• Upstands and splashbacks — matching stone upstands add £80–£200 per metre; a full-height splashback can add £400+.
• Removing old worktops — disposal of the old worktops and any asbestos-checking in older homes can add £100–£250.
• Plumbing and electrics — disconnecting and reconnecting taps, the hob and the sink typically adds £150–£300 for a plumber's half-day.

3 money-saving tips

1. Keep the layout the same. Moving the sink or hob means paying for plumbing and electrical work on top of the worktop itself.
2. Choose laminate or wood for island or secondary runs. Many UK homeowners mix materials — quartz on the main run, laminate on a breakfast bar — to cut the bill.
3. Get at least three quotes. Prices between templators vary wildly; an independent stone fabricator is often 15–25% cheaper than a big-box kitchen retailer for the same quartz.

For a detailed breakdown by material with current 2026 pricing, take a look at this guide to kitchen worktop replacement cost in the UK from Milo Magazine — it also covers related home-improvement budgets like guttering and fascia replacement costs if you're planning other exterior work at the same time.

Bottom line: for a typical UK kitchen in 2026, budget £600–£1,200 for laminate, £1,200–£2,800 for solid wood, and £1,800–£4,500 for quartz or granite, including fitting. Get your templating done early, keep the layout unchanged, and you'll avoid the budget-busting surprises.