Choosing to renovate your kitchen is a big decision. It is influenced by factors such as a desire to increase functionality and liveability, affordability, and by an increase in the need for home repairs due to extreme weather events.

The increase in rising house prices, limited availability of housing stock, together with high employment, also greatly affects many homeowners decisions to renovate their existing kitchen, rather than purchase a new home.

So, given many homeowners are choosing to renovate their existing kitchen spaces rather than to build new homes, the next key thing to decide is whether to build a diy flat pack kitchen or a custom built kitchen. This is an integral decision prior to embarking on a kitchen renovation.

When deciding whether or not to renovate, home owners may consider the following options:

• Build a new kitchen from scratch if you have the carpenter/builder expertise (not an option for most homeowners);
• Purchase a DIY flat pack kitchen which you fully assemble yourself;
• Buy pre-assembled cabinets and use an installer to install for you, or install yourself; or
• Hire a company to create and project manage a custom kitchen for you.

Custom kitchens are a lot more expensive than flat pack kitchens

Whilst recent HIA research suggests average kitchen renovation prices including installation averages $42,630, your costs to build a custom kitchen will be significantly higher than this.

Costs can range anywhere from $30,000-$40,000 and even up too $100,000 depending on the size of the kitchen and the finishes used.

Alternatively, flat pack kitchens are significantly more affordable than custom built due to the fact that they come in standard sizes, arrive ‘disassembled and flat’ and require the home owner to put together and install. This assembly process can be a labourious, time consuming and costly if a mistake is made.

Assembled Flat Pack Kitchens

Flatpack kitchens are called flat packs because they arrive disassembled and “flat” (thus the name “flatpack”).  These can take considerable time to put together as anyone who may have assembled just one flatpack cabinet would know. Multiply this by 10 or even 20 cabinets and you know you have a big task ahead.

This is where the Kitchen Shack process is simple. With Kitchen Shack’s professional free in-store design service together with Melbourne manufacturing of pre-assembled cabinets, home owners receive quality cabinetry that is much easier to install. Additionally, installer rates are cheaper not having to screw components together.

Kitchen Shack’s average kitchen renovation cost ranging from small to large in 2026 is:
Cabinetry $8,000 – $18,000
Benchtops $3,000 – $9,000
Installer and Sub Trades $5000 – $8,000

Appliances are additional although if you are looking to save further then using your existing appliances is the solution. Deciding to renovate your kitchen is a big deal, and it’s something if you do your research, you can save a considerable amount of money and a lot of stress.

Pre-assembled flat pack kitchens

Kitchen Shack’s pre-assembled flat pack kitchens are a smart option because they are made ready to install. You will save hours from having to assemble them yourself.

You can choose to either install yourself or pay an installer who will charge less as the cabinets are already pre-assembled. Whether you do or don’t install your own pre-assembled flat pack kitchen, you will still save considerably on electrical and plumbing trades when it comes to lighting, sinks, and taps, than if you were to build a custom kitchen.

Tips on saving for your flat pack kitchen

A common fear when weighing the pros and cons of a flat pack kitchen is the quality. In the past, there were many poorly constructed flat pack kitchens with unsatisfactory workmanship. The fact remains they are cheap because they are imported and typically not Australian made. When you choose Kitchen Shack, they are Australian made and you know that you’re receiving only the best quality materials and finishes, no matter which style of kitchen you choose.

Tip 1 : Work with your current layout to save

If possible, work around your existing kitchen layout. Trade costs will increase if you change the current location of your plumbing and electrical outlets.

Unlike some flat pack kitchens, when you choose Kitchen Shack you know you’re receiving the best quality materials and finishes, no matter which kitchen style you choose. With its professional free in-store design service, its extensive range of on-trend styles and finishes, and its use of quality materials and accessories, you receive a beautiful functional kitchen at an affordable price.

Tip 2: Save on appliance cost

Whenever possible, buy your appliances on sale or ‘shop around’. Negotiate whenever possible to reduce the price. Through negotiation you may be able to obtain free delivery or even free installation of new appliances.

Tip 3: Visit the kitchen showroom

If a flat pack kitchen provider does not have a showroom so you can view the products in person, avoid this option. At Kitchen Shack you can visit one of the five convenient Melbourne showrooms to see the range of quality finishes on display, open six days a week.  You will be able to see and touch the products, and book a free in-store design with an experienced kitchen designer.

You may also find this article on more tips on how you can save on your flat pack kitchen worthwhile reading.