What is the average cost of a kitchen renovation in 2026?

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne, one of the first questions is simple:

How much is a kitchen renovation going to cost?

The answer will depend on the size of your space, the layout, finishes you choose and whether you’re going down the DIY or custom route.

This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay in 2026, what will effect the cost and what you’ll get for your budget.

What does a Kitchen Renovation cost in 2026?

HIA research suggests Kitchen renovation prices in 2026 including installation will average $42,630. HIA further predicts an increase in renovating homes with a housing shortage and household spending returning to more normal patterns.

In 2026, most kitchen renovations in Melbourne typically fall within the following ranges:

• • $10,000 – $15,000 for small kitchens, DIY or flatpack solutions with laminate benchtops

• • $15,000 – $25,000 for mid size kitchens with improved finishes, increased layouts and more flexibility

• • $20,000+ for larger, high end finishes with increased layout options.

Kitchen Type	Typical Renovation Cost	Kitchen Shack Cabinetry + Benchtop estimate
Small kitchen	$15,000 – $30,000	$10,000 – $15,000
Mid size	$25,000 – $40,000	$15,000 – $25,000
Large/high end kitchen	$35,000+	$25,000+

It is not all about the total cost but what you actually get for your money.

 

Kitchen Shack 2026 average cost of a kitchen renovation

A kitchen renovation in Melbourne with Kitchen Shack typically costs:

Cabinetry: $8,000 – $18,000 from budget to high end ranges.

Benchtops: $3,000 – $9,000, from builder to high end ranges

Trades: $5,000 – $8,000 for installation and trades

Appliances range in price according to your needs and budget.

The complete kitchen renovation costs are based on real kitchen designs and vary depending on layout, size, number of cabinetry, accessories, finishes and installation requirements. Throughout this article, we display render drawings with real examples of kitchen costs.

 

What you get for your budget

Under $10,000

• • Flatpack or DIY kitchen solutions

• • Cabinetry and laminate benchtops

• • Limited design flexibility

• • Self installed or external intallers

Best suited for small spaces, units, rentals or tight budgets.

Example: Small kitchen space

This Excel style kitchen in Urban Oak laminate features:

• • 6 cabinets including: corner, drawers, appliance cabinet and overheads,

• • Laminate benchtops,

• • Kickers and end panels,

• • Black handles.

Kitchen cost delivered to your home from $5,919 (excluding appliances). Kitchen cost with stone benchtops delivered to your home from $7,970 (excluding appliances and stone install costs)

$10,000 – $15,000

• • Improved cabinetry quality

• • More flexible layout options

• • Wider choice of finishes

• • Potential to upgrade benchtops

This is where many Kitchen Shack customers start with balancing cost and quality.

 

Example: Medium kitchen space

This Excel style kitchen in Urban Oak laminate features:

• • 9 cabinets including corner cabinets, overheads, appliance cabinet,

• • Laminate benchtops,

• • Kickers and end panels.

Kitchen cost delivered to your home: from $7,670 (excluding appliances). Kitchen cost with stone benchtops delivered to your home from $11,040 (excluding appliances and stone install costs)

 

$15,000 – $20,000

• • Increased balance of design and finish

• • Stone benchtop options

• • Increased storage solutions

• • Increased layout designs.

Ideal for homeowners wanting a long term kitchen solution.

 

Example: Large kitchen space

This Excel Urban Oak laminate L-shaped kitchen with an island features:

• • 12 cabinets including corner cabinets, overheads, tall cabinets and under island,

• • Island bench,

• • Laminate benchtops,

• • Kickers and end panels.

Kitchen cost delivered to your home: from $13,083 (excluding appliances). Kitchen cost with stone benchtops delivered to your home from $15,200 (excluding appliances and stone install costs).

What impacts the cost of a kitchen renovation?

Several factors can significantly influence your final price. These include:

• • Kitchen size and layout changes – moving plumbing or walls will increase costs.

• • Cabinetry and materials – laminate vs stone benchtops, standard compared to custom

• • Appliances – budget vs premium brands

• • Installation – DIY vs pre-assembled

• • Design layout – more detailed designed layouts will be higher in costs.

Kitchen Renovation Costs: DIY vs Installed

One of the largest cost differences will be how the kitchen is delivered and installed.

• • DIY / Flatpack Kitchens: lower upfront cost but requires time, planning and extra costs to put together

• • Installed Kitchens: higher cost but less project management.

Many Melbourne homeowners choose a middle ground with professional designed kitchen and flexible installation options.

How Kitchen Shack suits these price ranges

Kitchen Shack specialises in affordable, high quality kitchens designed for Melbourne homes.

Compared to alternatives:

• • Increased guidance and support than typical flat pack companies

• • Increased flexibility in design and finishes

• • Local experience and showrooms.

We are ideal for homeowners who want a better result than basic flat pack kitchens without the cost of fully custom cabinetry.

Are cheaper kitchens worth it?

You may come across kitchens advertising for under $2,000. It is important to understand what is included and what is not.

In many cases:

• • Limited size and design options

• • Lower material quality

• • Added costs for essential cabinetry

• • High long term replacement costs when quality breaks down.

A slightly higher upfront cost often delivers better value over time.

 

How much should you budget?

A realistic starting point for most Melbourne homes is:

$10,000 – $20,000 for a well-designed, functional kitchen.

This ensures:
• Quality cabinetry
• Practical layout improvements
• Finishes that will last.

 

Ready to Plan your Kitchen?

If you’re just starting to explore options, the next step is understanding what’s possible for your space and budget.

• Book a free in-store design consultation
• Get design advice on your layout
• See materials and finishes in person

Book your free kitchen design today!