Buying kitchen units in the UK for 2025 involves navigating a market where prices range from under £50 per base cabinet to over £15,000 for a full trade-grade setup. With major brands such as IKEA, B&Q, Wren, Magnet, Howdens, and Homebase all competing, understanding standard sizes, installation complexity, and hidden costs is essential for anyone planning a kitchen renovation.
Whether you are looking for cheap kitchen units, considering second-hand options, or comparing trade-only suppliers with DIY brands, the choices can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key facts about kitchen unit prices, standard dimensions, brand differences, and practical buying advice based on verified industry data.
The UK kitchen unit market was valued at approximately £1.2 billion in 2024, with the majority of sales going through three channels: large DIY retailers, trade suppliers, and online-only sellers. Each channel offers distinct advantages in terms of price, service, and quality, but the lack of direct cross-brand comparisons remains a common gap for consumers.
Where to Buy Kitchen Units: Online vs Local Suppliers
| Budget Range £50–£200 per unit (DIY) / £200–£500 per unit (fitted) |
Top Brands by Volume IKEA, B&Q, Howdens, Wren, Wickes |
| Standard Base Unit Size 600mm deep x 720mm high x 300–1000mm wide |
Typical Lead Time 1–14 days (stock) / 4–8 weeks (made-to-order) |
- Price per linear meter varies more than per unit, requiring a calculator-based approach when comparing full kitchens.
- Second-hand units can save 60–70% but lack warranty and may need new doors or trims.
- IKEA dominates the self-assembly market; Howdens offers higher build quality for a similar price if you have a trade account.
- Most buyers underestimate installation complexity – hanging wall units specifically requires fixings suitable for plasterboard versus brick.
- Standard sizes (600mm wide base, 300mm deep wall) are consistent across major UK brands, simplifying replacement part buying.
- Installation costs typically add £1,500–£3,000 to the total for a complete fitted kitchen, depending on existing work and electrics.
| Key Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Average cost per base unit (supply only) | £90–£180 |
| Most common base unit width | 600mm (single door) |
| Estimated DIY fit time per 5-unit kitchen | 2–3 days |
| UK kitchen unit market size (2024) | £1.2 billion |
| Standard wall unit depth | 300mm |
| Base unit height including legs | 870mm |
When buying kitchen units, the choice between online and local suppliers often comes down to lead time and the ability to inspect materials. For established brands such as IKEA and B&Q, buying online is generally safe with clear returns policies. For unknown online-only brands, independent reviews and sample requests are advisable. Local trade suppliers like Howdens require an installer account but offer UK-manufactured units and direct support.
Second-hand kitchen units are widely available on platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. Savings of 60–70% are possible, but buyers must check for water damage, non-standard sizes, and missing parts. The Which? Kitchen Buying Guide recommends inspecting used units in person before committing.
IKEA vs Howdens vs B&Q: Which Kitchen Unit Brand is Best?
The three most discussed brands in the UK kitchen unit market offer very different value propositions. IKEA focuses on flat-pack affordability with component-based pricing; B&Q provides the widest design variety at competitive prices; Howdens, as a trade-only supplier, targets higher build quality and professional installation.
IKEA vs Howdens: The Trade Account Advantage
IKEA cabinets start at £51 per base cabinet and can be financed interest-free over five years. Howdens requires a trade account – not open to the general public – and its average kitchen package (including appliances) falls between £5,000 and £15,000. The trade account advantage is that Howdens units are manufactured in the UK and often include a five-year warranty. However, the true cost comparison is complicated because Howdens prices are negotiated per project.
The actual total cost of a full kitchen using “cheap units” can vary by up to 200% depending on the choice of doors, worktops, and appliances. Two kitchens with identical carcasses may differ by thousands of pounds once finishing components are added.
Best Value Brands for 2025
According to data from the FMB 2025 kitchen buyer guide, the price range for an 8-unit kitchen (supply only) varies significantly: Wren starts at £468 (Slab range), B&Q at £1,196 (Balsamita), Magnet at £2,487 (Ascoli), and Homebase between £2,000 and £6,000. Wickes offers a budget option starting around £5,000, with a design service included. For the best overall balance of design service and quality, Magnet scores highly, while IKEA remains the most affordable for self-assembly projects.
Freestanding vs Fitted: Which is Right for You?
Freestanding kitchen units offer flexibility and are easier to move during a renovation, but they may not maximise space in small or irregularly shaped rooms. Fitted units provide a seamless look and can be customised to exact dimensions, but installation is more complex and typically requires professional help. For most UK homes, fitted units are the standard choice, while freestanding options appeal to renters and those planning frequent layout changes.
Standard Kitchen Unit Sizes: What You Need to Know
Standard dimensions for kitchen units are remarkably consistent across UK retailers, which allows for mixing brands during a renovation or replacement. Knowing these sizes is essential when planning a layout or ordering doors online.
Base Unit Standards
Base units typically measure 560mm deep, 720mm high without legs, and 870mm high with legs. Widths range from 300mm to 1000mm, with 600mm being the most common. According to CutMy’s kitchen size guide, cabinet doors should be approximately 4mm smaller than the opening to ensure proper clearance.
Wall Unit Depth
Standard wall unit depth is 300mm, and heights are available in 575mm, 720mm, and 900mm. The bottom edge of wall units should be installed 450–500mm above the worktop. Widths mirror base unit options, ranging from 300mm to 1000mm.
Always measure wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, accounting for windows, doors, and plumbing before ordering. Leaving a small tolerance (2–5mm) helps avoid fitting problems, especially in older homes where walls may not be perfectly square.
Tall Unit Dimensions
Tall units are 560mm deep and come in heights of 1970mm or 2150mm, with widths from 300mm to 600mm. Measure floor-to-ceiling including any obstructions such as cornices or pipework before selecting a tall unit.
DIY Kitchen Units: Cost, Planning, and Installation Guide
DIY kitchen installation is a popular route for saving money, but it requires careful planning of measurement, ordering, and fitting. The following subsections answer common questions about costs, design tools, and buying units only.
How Much Do DIY Kitchen Units Cost?
Budget DIY base units start at around £50 each (supply only), with mid-range options costing £90–£180. A full set of 10–15 units typically costs £800–£2,500, depending on door style, material, and finish. IKEA remains the cheapest per cabinet, while Wren and B&Q offer competitive choices with more design options.
Layout Planners and Design Tools
IKEA provides a free, user-friendly kitchen planner. B&Q and Howdens also offer online design tools. For professional-grade planning, SketchUp and dedicated kitchen design apps allow greater flexibility. Using a planner before ordering helps avoid costly mistakes in unit sizing and appliance placement.
Buying Units Only and Fitting Yourself
Most brands, including IKEA, B&Q, and DIY Kitchens 4 U, sell supply-only units without requiring their installation service. DIY fitting requires basic tools (drill, level, spirit level, screws) and confidence in measuring and levelling. The most time-consuming part is often removing old units and preparing plumbing and electrics.
For unknown online-only kitchen unit brands, quality is unverified without physical inspection. Check for independent reviews, request material samples, and ensure the returns policy covers damage and incorrect sizing. Warranty terms also differ significantly between suppliers and are rarely compared transparently.
Typical Kitchen Unit Buying & Installation Timeline
- Planning & measuring (1–2 weeks): Room measurement, layout design, style selection.
- Sourcing & ordering (1 day – 8 weeks): Ordering units, awaiting delivery. Stock items may arrive within days; made-to-order units can take up to eight weeks.
- Preparation & fitting (2–5 days): Removing old units, plumbing/electrical prep, installing carcasses. DIY fitting of a 5-unit kitchen typically takes 2–3 days.
- Finishing (1–2 weeks): Worktops, doors, handles, appliances, splashback. This phase often takes longer than expected due to worktop templating and appliance delivery.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Standard base unit depth is 600mm (B&Q and industry standard). | Actual total cost of a full kitchen using “cheap units” varies by up to 200% depending on doors and worktops. |
| IKEA sells kitchen cabinets in flat-pack form. | Quality of online-only kitchen unit brands is unverified without physical inspection. |
| Second-hand units are available on Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. | Warranty terms differ significantly and are rarely compared across suppliers. |
Why Kitchen Unit Prices Vary So Much
The price of kitchen units depends on three main factors: door material (solid wood vs MDF vs laminate), carcass material (particle board vs plywood), and brand markup. IKEA uses a cost-optimised supply chain to keep base prices low, while Howdens invests in UK manufacturing and higher-grade components. The trade account model of Howdens means that prices are negotiated per project, making direct comparisons with retail brands difficult.
The second-hand market adds another layer: used units may be 60–70% cheaper but carry risks such as water damage, non-standard sizes, missing brackets, and worn hinges. Freestanding units are generally cheaper than fitted because they do not require custom trimming or professional installation, but they may not offer the same seamless finish.
Ultimately, the biggest price variable is the door and worktop combination. Two kitchens with identical carcasses can differ by thousands of pounds once premium door styles and quartz worktops are chosen. For budget-conscious buyers, selecting standard-sized doors and ready-made worktops can keep costs under control.
What Do the Experts Say?
“Base units are typically 600mm deep and 720mm high, while wall units are shallower at around 300mm deep.”
– B&Q specifications page
“UK manufactured. No. 1 trade kitchen supplier.”
– Howdens manufacturing claim
“Explore our wide range of wall and base kitchen units to find the perfect size and style.”
– IKEA range description
Next Steps in Your Kitchen Renovation
After selecting your kitchen units, the next phases involve choosing worktops, splashback materials, and finding a professional fitter if needed. For further guidance on measuring and ordering, refer to our standard UK kitchen unit sizes guide. For a detailed brand price comparison, see the 2025 kitchen brand prices and comparisons page from the Federation of Master Builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep are standard kitchen wall units?
Standard kitchen wall units are typically 300mm deep. This is a consistent industry standard across brands like IKEA, B&Q, and Howdens.
Can I buy kitchen units only and fit them myself?
Yes. Most brands including IKEA, DIY Kitchens 4 U, and B&Q sell supply-only units. You do not need to use their installation service. DIY fitting requires basic tools and confidence in measuring and leveling.
Is it safe to buy kitchen units online without seeing them?
For established brands (IKEA, B&Q, Howdens) it is generally safe. For unknown online-only brands, check for independent reviews, samples, and a clear returns policy.
What is the best layout planner for designing DIY kitchen units?
The IKEA kitchen planner is free and user-friendly. B&Q and Howdens also offer design tools. For professional-grade planning, consider SketchUp or focused kitchen design apps.
How much do DIY kitchen units cost?
Budget DIY units start at around £50 per base unit (supply only). Mid-range units cost £90–£180. Full kitchen sets (10–15 units) typically cost £800–£2,500 depending on style and doors.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.