What does a kitchen renovation cost in South Africa?
A typical kitchen renovation in 2026 runs R60,000–R180,000, with the cupboards and countertops doing most of the talking. A cosmetic update (doors, handles, paint, counters) can land near R35,000; a full luxury kitchen with a centre island and stone tops can exceed R350,000.
| Level | Typical spend | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic update | R25,000–R60,000 | New cupboard doors/handles, counters, paint, splashback |
| Mid-range | R60,000–R180,000 | New built-in cupboards, countertops, sink, some appliances |
| Luxury / full rebuild | R180,000–R400,000+ | New layout, island, stone tops, integrated appliances |
Where the money goes
- Built-in cupboards (30–40%). The biggest line. Melamine is the value choice; solid wood and high-gloss acrylic cost considerably more.
- Countertops (15–25%). Laminate is cheapest; engineered quartz (Caesarstone-type) and granite are mid-to-premium; full natural stone is top end.
- Appliances (10–20%). Hob, oven, extractor, and any integrated fridge/dishwasher.
- Plumbing & electrical. Moving the sink or adding plug points for an island adds real cost.
- Tiling, painting & installation labour. Splashbacks, floors and the fitting itself.
Where to save without regretting it
Keep the existing layout if you can — relocating plumbing and gas/electrical is where budgets balloon. Spend on the cupboard carcass and hinges (they take daily abuse) and the countertop (it's what you see and use most), and save on appliances you can upgrade later. A quartz top on melamine carcasses with quality hinges often beats the opposite split.
How long does it take?
Allow 2–5 weeks for a mid-range kitchen: design and template, cupboard manufacture (often the long pole), strip-out, installation, countertop templating and fitting (stone tops are templated after cupboards go in), then plumbing, electrical and snagging.
Briefing a contractor so quotes compare
- Decide your cupboard material and countertop type before quoting — they swing the price most.
- Ask each contractor to itemise cupboards, tops, appliances and labour separately.
- Confirm who supplies appliances — you, or them at a markup.
- Get a reference and recent photos, and pay in stages against progress.
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