How to renovate your kitchen on a budget

A brand new kitchen doesn't come cheap, but it is possible to remodel without breaking the bank. 

From careful budgeting to keeping your current appliances, we share money-saving advice for your kitchen renovation, plus our best budget kitchen makeover ideas for refreshing your space without redoing the whole thing. 

Ready for a new kitchen? Discover the best kitchen brands according to our research

Set a budget

We recommend you set a budget for any home improvement project – no matter the size. 

For a kitchen renovation, a good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 5%-10% of the value of your home. Use this as a starting point for making your budget. 

Once you have an idea of how much you can spend, bear in mind that you should add a contingency of at least 15% to your final budget, to cover any unexpected circumstances or price rises. 

This is especially true if you are planning structural work, which is more likely to throw up surprising issues. 

Plan your space

The first part of planning your renovation is deciding whether you want to commit to structural work to your home. 

Adding more floor space with a kitchen extension is always tempting, but you might be surprised by the amount of space you can save by just altering your kitchen layout. 

Knocking through from the kitchen to the dining or living room to create an open-plan layout can be a relatively simple project, provided the walls are not load bearing. 

Consult with a builder or architect to help you find the most cost-effective option. 

Visit our step-by-step guide to creating the best kitchen layout, or find out how much an extension costs

Keep your current appliances

If you're struggling with your budget, keeping your current appliances is a great way to save money. 

If they're all in working order, but a little old and tired, you can use your kitchen renovation to conceal your gadgets – consider adding extra cabinet fronts to hide away a dishwasher or washing machine if it will fit.

Keeping plumbed-in appliances in the same place will also cut down on the costs of relocating any pipework.

If you do need to replace your appliances, read our tips for finding the best kitchen appliances

Consider your materials

If you're trying to save money on a renovation, it can be tempting to seek out the cheapest options for everything. However, this could end up costing you more in the long-term if they don't hold up to daily wear and tear and need to be replaced or repaired in a few years.

For your flooring, modern materials like luxury vinyl floor tiles offer a great balance of cost and longevity, and are markedly cheaper than ceramic tiles.

Of course, opting for luxury materials like marble countertops or splashbacks will add a lot to your budget. 

Make sure you're aware of all your options, and their pros and cons, before you make a choice. 

Find out more about the costs of various flooring, worktop, splashback and island options in our guide to how much a new kitchen costs 

Buy second-hand

If you do need to refit your kitchen because your cabinets are in bad shape, or you fancy a change of style or layout, opting for a second-hand or ex-display kitchen can be a great way to save money or get a better quality kitchen than you would be able to afford new. 

According to used-kitchen specialist Rehome, you could save 5,000kg of carbon and spend up to 85% less compared with buying the same kitchen brand new (including appliances). 

There are several online stores dedicated to selling used or ex-display kitchens, including Pre Owned Kitchens, Rehome and The Used Kitchen Company. They stock kitchens from a variety of companies and second-hand sellers. 

See our guide to buying a second-hand kitchen for more in-depth information

Replace your cabinet doors

Your cabinets consist of two main elements – the carcass (the actual structure of the unit, including the walls and internal shelves) and the doors. 

If your carcasses are in good shape, and you're happy with your layout, you can achieve a budget kitchen remodel by just replacing the cabinet doors and redecorating. 

Kitchen cabinets come in standard sizes (usually 500mm or 600mm wide), so you can install any brand of door on to any brand of cabinet – just make sure you check the measurements before you buy. 

If your kitchen is older, you should also ensure you fix any faults to ensure it's in good working order as part of your remodel.

How much does it cost to replace cabinet doors?

To find out how much you can expect to spend on this type of work, we consulted the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), which provides estimates for renovation costs based on its database of prices. Prices include the cost of materials and labour. 

Log in or join Which? to access this data.

For further advice on replacing cabinet doors or drawers, read our guide on how much it costs to remodel a kitchen

Find a reputable trader

We always recommend that you use Which? Trusted Traders to find reliable local tradespeople. These traders have all been through our rigorous vetting process, and you can check out verified reviews on their profiles. 

We also recommend you speak to two or three traders to ensure you're getting the best quote. Always ensure the quotes are as detailed as possible, so you don’t have any unexpected surprises.

You might also look for fixed contracts, which means that prices cannot go up or down (except in the case of certain predefined circumstances). 

For further advice on working with your trader and avoiding rogue traders, read our guide on how to find a reputable trader

Budget kitchen makeover ideas

If you don't currently have the budget for major changes, there's still a lot you can do to breathe new life into your kitchen. 

These changes are all great for refreshing your kitchen on a budget, without any major structural work or changes to your cabinetry. 

Repaint your cabinet doors

If replacing your cabinet doors is currently beyond your budget, you could give them a facelift by painting them. Cabinets will need several coats of paint, plus you'll need to prepare them beforehand (usually by sanding them down, then using a primer or undercoat).

For solid wood or wood veneer cabinets, look for interior wood paint. For laminate cabinet doors, look for a specialist multipurpose paint designed for wood, melamine and MDF. 

If that sounds like too much of a DIY project, you could simply change your cabinet handles. Brass, bronze or gold handles look great against dark blue or green cabinetry. 

Flat or T-bar handles will make your kitchen look more modern, whereas more traditional options, like arch handles or cup pulls, can add a vintage feel. 

Read our guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets for tips from professionals and DIYers

Try a new kitchen worktop

Fitting new or replacement worktops is another option for dressing up standard units or giving an older kitchen a new lease of life.

It's not just the material you choose that determines how much your kitchen worktop will cost. Fitting a granite or marble worktop is trickier than a laminate one, so it will often cost more to install as well as to buy.

For a less expensive alternative, you can use vinyl wraps to give your old worktop a brand new facelift. With the right tools and knowledge, you could vinyl warp a kitchen worktop yourself. But for a flawless finish and prolonged longevity, you may wish to call on a professional.

Read our guide to the choosing the best kitchen worktops to discover the pros, cons and costs of different materials

Add a splashback

Not only do kitchen splashbacks protect against stains and splashes, they can also be a striking design feature. 

Tiles are a popular choice for splashbacks. Metro tiles are a timeless option, for a classic and clean look, whereas mosaic tiles and patterned designs can add visual interest. 

Glass is another good option – it's easy to clean and reflective, which can make your kitchen seem more spacious. 

Budget splashback options include acrylic, aluminium composite and even PVC wallpaper murals.

Set the tone with new lighting

Well-considered kitchen lighting will not only enhance the functionality of your kitchen but can also transform the look and feel of the space. 

If your room feels too dark, or you're struggling to see while you cook, consider adding energy-efficient LED lights or strip lighting under your cabinets. 

If you want to add warmth and depth to your kitchen for socialising or dining, try incorporating pendant lights over the table or your kitchen island. 

Choose a warm-coloured bulb for an inviting glow. 

Learn more about the various options for lighting and splashbacks in our guide to kitchen design ideas

Change the flooring

Updating your kitchen flooring is a bit more of an undertaking, but it doesn't have to be a significant expense. 

Laminate floors come in a huge variety of designs, and many feature a click-lock system to simplify DIY installation. 

However, although laminate is generally more durable than it used to be, it's still susceptible to damage from excessive moisture. Seek advice from the retailer.

For a more environmentally friendly upgrade, consider cork flooring, which has natural thermal and noise-muting properties. Bamboo and linoleum are also relatively popular eco-flooring choices. 

Our guide to wood flooring compares laminate, engineered wood, parquet, bamboo and more

Make the most of open shelving

Open shelving is a cost-effective way to boost your storage space and help keep your worktops clear. 

They work particularly well in small kitchens, as they open up the space – too many wall-hung cabinets can make a space feel closed in. Open shelving also allows you to get creative with your storage. Mix up functional and decorative items to create an aesthetically pleasing display. 

Bear in mind that open shelves do command more cleaning and dusting to keep kitchen grime at bay, and you'll need to keep them organised so they don't look messy.  

According to our survey, inadequate storage is one of the 7 most common kitchen regrets