The short answer
For an average UK kitchen of roughly five linear metres, the cost to replace the worktop depends heavily on material. Laminate is the lowest-priced route, often around £250–£400 fitted for a medium kitchen. Solid wood typically runs £120–£250 per m² for the material. Corian and solid-surface commonly come to £2,000–£4,500 fitted depending on size and complexity. Granite sits around £270–£600 per m² and quartz around £280–£500 per m² supplied and fitted, so a stone kitchen frequently lands in the £2,000–£4,500 bracket overall. On top of the surface, cut-outs, upstands, drainer grooves and edge profiles add roughly £200–£900 to a typical job.
Replacing a worktop is really two numbers: the surface itself, priced per metre or per square metre, and the fabrication and fitting on top. The figures below are typical UK ranges for guidance, not quotations.
Typical full replacement
- Laminate (medium kitchen)~£250–£400 fitted
- Solid wood~£120–£250 / m²
- Corian / solid surface~£2,000–£4,500 fitted
- Granite~£270–£600 / m²
- Quartz~£280–£500 / m² fitted
What drives the total
- Material: the single biggest factor — laminate at one end, premium quartz and stone at the other.
- Worktop length: you pay largely per metre or per square metre, so more run costs more.
- Fabrication: sink, hob and tap cut-outs, drainer grooves, upstands and special edges add £200–£900 to a typical job.
- Fitting & removal: taking out the old worktop, refitting sink and hob, and any plumbing or electrical disconnection all add labour.
| Material | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £35–£150 / m² (~£250–£400 fitted) | lowest-priced, factory board |
| Solid wood | £120–£250 / m² | natural, needs oiling |
| Corian / solid surface | £300–£450 / m² (~£2k–£4.5k fitted) | seamless, repairable |
| Granite | £270–£600 / m² | natural stone, needs sealing |
| Quartz | £280–£500 / m² fitted | engineered, low maintenance |
Indicative UK figures for an average kitchen. Sourced UK guidance from Checkatrade, MyJobQuote and Homebuilding cost guides.
Why the range is so wide
The headline ranges look broad because two kitchens are rarely the same. A small galley in laminate and a large island kitchen in premium quartz are at opposite ends of the same list. The biggest swing is material, but fabrication matters too: every cut-out, drainer groove, upstand and special edge is templated and machined, so a kitchen with a butler sink, drainer and mitred edges costs more than a plain run of the same material. Location also shifts the figure — fitting labour in London and the South East is generally higher than elsewhere. The only way to a firm number is a measured, templated quote.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a kitchen worktop in the UK?
It depends on material. Laminate is often around £250–£400 fitted for a medium kitchen, while a stone or solid-surface worktop in granite, quartz or Corian commonly lands in the £2,000–£4,500 range. Cut-outs, upstands and edge profiles add roughly £200–£900 on top.
What is the lowest-priced kitchen worktop material?
Laminate is the lowest-priced option, with the material running roughly £35–£150 per m² and a medium kitchen often fitted for around £250–£400. It mimics stone and wood finishes but is less heat-resistant and harder to repair than solid surfaces.
Why are worktop quotes so different?
Because kitchens differ. The material, the number of linear metres, the cut-outs and edges, whether removal and fitting are included, and your location all move the figure. A measured, templated quote gives the accurate number for your kitchen.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific kitchen. They are guidance, not a quotation.