A kitchen renovation in Sydney costs anywhere from $20,000 to $90,000+, depending on size, layout, and finishes. Custom joinery, material quality, and plumbing changes have the biggest impact on price.
Understanding the real cost of kitchen renovations in Sydney helps you plan confidently, set priorities, and avoid hidden surprises.
You’ll Learn:
- Average 2025 kitchen renovation costs in Sydney
- What’s included at different price levels
- Factors that influence your final cost
- Where homeowners can save (without cutting corners)
- When to choose custom vs flat-pack solutions
Why Kitchen Renovation Costs Vary So Much in Sydney
If you’ve been researching kitchen renovation cost Sydney, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary wildly — and for good reason. Every home, design, and material choice is different.
As a Sydney-based team at Blackwood Carpentry, we’ve built and renovated kitchens from compact apartments to large family homes. What we’ve learned is this: cost depends on goals and priorities, not just size.
Whether you’re upgrading a rental kitchen or building your forever home, this guide will help you understand what your budget can realistically achieve in 2025.
Average Kitchen Renovation Cost in Sydney (2025 Overview)
| Kitchen Type | Estimated Cost Range | Typical Inclusions |
| Basic Upgrade | $20,000–$30,000 | Refacing cabinets, laminate benchtops, flat-pack cabinetry, standard appliances |
| Mid-Range Renovation | $30,000–$50,000 | Custom joinery mix, stone benchtops, tiled splashback, new lighting, plumbing adjustments |
| Premium / Custom Build | $60,000–$90,000+ | Full design + build, solid timber or veneer cabinetry, premium fixtures, integrated appliances, layout reconfiguration |
Note: These prices are general guidelines for Sydney homes and include materials and labour.
For a suburb-specific look at Inner West pricing, see our post about kitchen renovation cost in Sydney’s Inner West.
Determine Your Project Scope
The first step to estimating your renovation cost is understanding your project’s scope.
Cosmetic upgrade:
Replacing benchtops, splashbacks, and door fronts while keeping your layout.
Partial renovation:
Updating cabinets and finishes while keeping plumbing in the same place.
Full renovation:
A complete re-design with new layout, joinery, flooring, lighting, and electrical changes.
At Blackwood Carpentry, we always start by clarifying your end goals. Are you renovating to sell, or improving your forever home? That answer shapes your material choices, timelines, and investment level.
What’s Included in a Kitchen Renovation
While every project is unique, most Sydney kitchen renovations include:
- Demolition and disposal of existing cabinetry
- Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
- Cabinetry and joinery (flat-pack or custom-built)
- Benchtops (laminate, stone, or composite)
- Splashbacks (tile, glass, or stone)
- Flooring and painting
- Lighting installation
- Appliances and compliance testing
If you’re doing a full home renovation, you can often save by combining services — like our bathroom and laundry renovations — into one coordinated build schedule.
Custom vs Flat-Pack — Which Impacts Cost the Most?
This decision has one of the biggest effects on your budget.
Flat-pack kitchens: affordable and quick to install, but limited in size and finish options.
Custom kitchens: tailored to your space and design preferences, offering better storage, fit, and durability.
We design and manufacture custom joinery in Sydney, ensuring each piece fits your home perfectly. While custom costs more upfront, it delivers better functionality and longevity.
Learn more in our comparison of custom and flat-pack kitchens.
Key Factors That Influence Your Kitchen Cost
- Size & Layout — Open-plan kitchens or structural wall removals increase costs.
- Material Choices — Stone vs laminate benchtops can differ by thousands.
- Plumbing & Electrical Relocation — Moving sinks or cooktops adds labour.
- Appliances — Integrated or high-end models raise total cost.
- Joinery Complexity — Custom handles, corner cabinets, and hidden storage add time and craftsmanship.
- Finishing Details — Splashbacks, trims, and lighting transform the look — and the budget.
If you’re unsure where to invest most, see our design insights in the kitchen renovation playbook for Sydney homes.
How to Save Without Cutting Corners
We’re often asked how to reduce kitchen renovation costs without sacrificing quality. Here are our professional tips:
- Keep your existing layout: Moving plumbing or walls adds major cost.
- Mix materials: Combine engineered stone benchtops with laminate cabinetry.
- Reuse quality appliances: Integrate them into your new design.
- Stage upgrades: Prioritise joinery and benchtops now, add decorative elements later.
- Work with a single builder: Bundling design and build (like we do) avoids double margins and miscommunication.
If sustainability matters to you, we also recommend reading about our eco-friendly joinery and materials — they last longer and reduce waste.
Example Budgets for Real Sydney Kitchens
Compact Apartment Kitchen (Galley or L-shape)
- Cost: $20,000–$35,000
- Features: Flat-pack cabinetry, laminate benchtops, tiled splashback, simple layout. For layout ideas, you may check our guide about the top kitchen layouts for small Sydney spaces.
Family-Size Renovation (Open Plan or U-shape)
- Cost: $40,000–$60,000
- Features: Stone benchtops, custom joinery, upgraded appliances, new flooring
Luxury Kitchen Build (Custom Joinery & Design)
- Cost: $70,000–$100,000+
- Features: Bespoke cabinetry, high-end appliances, island bench, designer lighting
For visual ideas, check out our kitchen renovations gallery and see how different budgets translate into real results.
Cost of Common Upgrades in 2025
| Upgrade Type | Approximate Cost (Installed) |
| Stone benchtop (engineered) | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Splashback (tile or glass) | $900–$2,000 |
| Custom pantry cabinet | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Appliance package | $3,000–$8,000 |
| New flooring | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Lighting upgrade | $800–$2,000 |
These costs include supply and professional installation, based on 2025 Sydney pricing.
Timeline & Approvals
Most kitchen renovations in Sydney take 4–8 weeks, depending on design complexity and materials.
In most cases, no council approval is required unless structural walls or plumbing positions are changed. For strata apartments, building management approval may be needed.
If you’re renovating an older property, our heritage home renovations guide explains how to upgrade safely while preserving character.
When to Renovate — Timing & Market Insight
Sydney’s renovation industry tends to be busiest in spring and early summer.
If you can plan your renovation in the first half of the year, you may find shorter lead times and more flexible scheduling.
Renovating ahead of selling season (September–December) can also boost property value and buyer appeal. Our post on modern kitchen design trends explores which styles attract the best ROI.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen renovation is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your Sydney home — both for lifestyle and resale.
At Blackwood Carpentry, we believe in transparency and craftsmanship. We don’t just build kitchens — we help you make informed decisions that fit your space, budget, and goals.
If you’re ready to plan your renovation, get in touch today. Request a quote and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Most of our kitchen renovations take around 4–6 weeks, depending on the size and level of customisation. Full, high-end custom builds may extend to 8 weeks, especially if there are structural changes or stone installations.
Do I need council or strata approval?
Usually not. Approval is only required if we’re making structural changes or altering plumbing and wiring that affect load-bearing walls or shared property in strata buildings.
What’s the most durable benchtop?
We recommend engineered stone or porcelain — both resist heat, stains, and daily wear while offering a sleek, timeless look.
Can I mix flat-pack and custom elements?
Yes, absolutely. We often combine custom joinery for key cabinetry with flat-pack or modular storage options to help clients stay on budget without compromising style.
How do I make a small kitchen feel bigger?
Use light colours, mirrored splashbacks, and minimal upper cabinetry to visually open the space and create a brighter, more spacious feel.