Short answer
A standard Sydney kitchen renovation costs between $25,000 and $45,000 in 2026. Budget refreshes start at $18,000. Premium open-plan kitchens with stone benchtops, integrated appliances and custom joinery commonly reach $60,000–$90,000 or more.
Cabinetry is usually the biggest single line item, followed by benchtops and appliances. Structural work — removing a wall to open the kitchen to the living area — is where "just a kitchen reno" quickly grows into a bigger project.
Where the money goes
- Cabinetry (30–40%) — carcass quality, door finish, soft-close hardware, drawer runners, custom vs modular.
- Benchtops (10–20%) — natural stone, porcelain and sintered stone sit at the top; laminate is the budget option.
- Appliances (10–20%) — oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher, fridge and any integrated units.
- Plumbing & electrical — new circuits, GPOs, downlights, undermount sink and dishwasher connections.
- Splashback & tiling — glass, tile or stone splashback plus any floor tiling.
- Structural changes — removing a wall, adding a steel beam, and patching floors and ceilings around the change.
How to keep the number down
Keep the sink, stove and fridge in roughly the same positions, choose a modular cabinet range with custom fronts, pick one feature material (stone benchtop OR stone splashback, not both), and lock the appliance list before cabinet drawings go final.
Timeline
Expect 4–6 weeks on site once cabinetry is ready: strip-out and rough-in (week 1), cabinet install (week 2), stone templating and install (weeks 2–4), appliances and plumbing fit-off, splashback and final finishes. Custom joinery lead time is typically 4–8 weeks before site work starts.
Sydney kitchen renovation price bands (2026)
| Tier | Typical Sydney range | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget refresh | $18,000 – $28,000 | Same layout, modular cabinets, laminate or entry stone tops, replacement appliances. |
| Standard renovation | $28,000 – $50,000 | Custom cabinetry, engineered stone benchtops, quality appliances, tiled or stone splashback. |
| Premium open-plan | $50,000 – $75,000 | Wall removal, island bench, natural or porcelain stone, integrated appliances. |
| High-end designer | $75,000 – $120,000+ | Bespoke joinery, feature stone, imported appliances, butler's pantry, structural work. |
Ranges are indicative for the Sydney metro area. Exact pricing depends on layout, appliance selection, stone choice and site conditions.
Frequently asked
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Sydney?+
Most standard Sydney kitchen renovations sit between $25,000 and $45,000 in 2026. Budget refreshes start around $18,000 and premium open-plan builds with stone and integrated appliances commonly reach $60,000–$90,000+.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen?+
Cabinetry usually leads at 30–40% of the budget, followed by benchtops (especially natural stone), appliances, and any structural or plumbing changes to open the space up.
Should I keep the existing layout?+
Keeping the sink, stove and fridge roughly where they are saves plumbing, electrical and structural cost. Opening the kitchen to living areas often means removing walls, which adds engineering and beam costs.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?+
Plan for 4–6 weeks on site once cabinetry is ready. Custom joinery lead times are typically 4–8 weeks, and stone templating adds another 1–2 weeks after cabinets are installed.
Stone or laminate benchtops?+
Engineered stone alternatives (porcelain, sintered stone) and natural stone are the durable choices for most Sydney kitchens. Laminate is a valid budget option but shows wear faster at edges and near heat.
How do I get an accurate kitchen quote?+
Share your rough scope, floor plan or photos, appliance list, and finish preferences. We come out, measure, and return a fixed itemised quote covering demolition, cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, plumbing, electrical and appliance install.
Ready for a real quote?
Every project is different. Tell us about yours and we'll come back with scope, timing and a fair price.