Complete Kitchen Renovation Cost: Cabinets vs Worktop
A full-gut kitchen in Canada costs {range:kitchen-remodel:mid} at mid-range. Here is how cabinet and worktop choices move that total.
A complete kitchen renovation in Canada typically costs $28,100 for a mid-range job, with a usual range of $21,900 – $36,500. A basic rebuild starts around $17,600, and a premium one reaches $43,300. All figures are for our default 4.5 m kitchen and are before GST/HST.
The two choices that move the total most are the cabinets and the worktop. Below we show how each shifts the price, and what sits in the "everything else" bucket that homeowners tend to forget.
How we calculate a full-gut kitchen
We build the estimate from labour hours × local rates, plus materials, then check it against market prices and real quotes. A complete rebuild means demolition, any rough-in changes, new cabinets, worktop, backsplash, flooring, lighting, paint and the trades to connect it all. Because the cabinets and worktop are the largest single material lines, they are where your decisions have the most leverage.
Cabinets: stock, semi-custom or custom
Cabinets usually account for the biggest share of a kitchen budget. Here is the mid-range total with each cabinet grade, holding everything else constant:
| Cabinet type | Mid-range total |
|---|---|
| Flat-pack / stock | $22,600 |
| Mid-range / semi-custom | $28,100 |
| Custom / high-end | $40,400 |
Some practical points on each:
- Stock cabinets come in fixed sizes. They work well if your room is a regular shape, and fillers cover small gaps.
- Semi-custom gives you more sizes, finishes and storage fittings. It is often the sensible middle for awkward walls or a specific layout.
- Custom is built to your room. It makes sense for unusual spaces, heavy-use kitchens or when you want a specific finish, but it is the clearest way to push a project towards premium pricing.
Worktops: four choices compared
Worktop choice changes the total less than cabinets do, but the gap between the cheapest and dearest is still real. Mid-range totals with each:
| Worktop | Mid-range total |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $24,100 |
| Quartz / engineered stone | $28,100 |
| Granite | $28,500 |
| Sintered stone / porcelain slab | $29,100 |
For the full table with the usual range and lifespan for each material, see below:
| Material | Typical | Usual range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate worktop | $24,100 | $18,800 – $31,400 | – |
| Quartz / engineered stone | $28,100 | $21,900 – $36,500 | – |
| Granite | $28,500 | $22,200 – $37,100 | – |
| Sintered stone / porcelain slab | $29,100 | $22,700 – $37,900 | – |
Laminate is the budget option, and quartz is the most common step up because it needs little upkeep. Granite and porcelain slabs usually involve heavier handling and more fabrication, which is why they sit higher. Ask your fabricator whether the sink cut-out and edge profile are included, as these can be priced separately.
Everything else: the hidden cost of a full gut
Once cabinets and worktop are chosen, a large part of the budget still remains. Items that catch people out:
- Plumbing and electrical. Moving a sink, adding circuits for appliances or upgrading lighting means licensed trades and usually a permit. Budget for this early.
- Hidden problems. Opening walls and floors can reveal old wiring, damp or uneven subfloors. Hold back a contingency for repairs.
- Flooring. Many people redo the floor at the same time. Doing it before the cabinets go in is easier, and our [flooring guide](Flooring installation) shows what to expect.
- Appliances. These are often priced separately from the build, so check whether a quote includes them.
- Tax. GST/HST applies to renovation work, and our figures exclude it. In Ontario that is 13% HST and in Alberta 5% GST.
- Living without a kitchen. A full gut can take weeks, so plan for temporary cooking and takeout costs.
Choosing where to spend
A sensible way to split the money:
- Fix the layout first. Moving plumbing and gas is the costly part, so keep the sink and range where they are if you can.
- Spend on cabinets where you use them. Semi-custom on the main run with stock elsewhere is a common compromise.
- Pick the worktop that suits your habits. If you cook heavily, durability matters more than the look.
- Keep a contingency. Full gut jobs uncover surprises.
Check your quote
Once you have written quotes, run them through our "is my quote fair" tool. Compare like with like: cabinet grade, worktop material, whether demolition, disposal, permits and flooring are included. For the overall picture, read our [kitchen remodel cost guide](Kitchen remodel).
If your plans stretch beyond the kitchen, these guides may help:
- [Bathroom remodel costs](Bathroom remodel)
- [House rewiring costs](House rewiring)