A kitchen renovation is the big one, the project that delivers the most joy and adds the most value, and also the one most likely to blow a budget if you go in unprepared. As someone who has lived through the dust and decisions of a kitchen reno, my best advice is to know your numbers before you fall in love with a slab of marble. Here's what a kitchen renovation realistically costs in Canada, with materials and labour separated so you can plan with clear eyes.
What does it cost to do a kitchen renovation in Canada?
Expect to spend roughly $25,000 to $75,000 CAD for a typical mid-range kitchen renovation in Canada. A budget-conscious refresh that keeps the existing layout can come in around $15,000 to $30,000 (and if you're renting, our renter-friendly kitchen upgrades are a no-reno alternative), while a high-end renovation with custom cabinetry, premium stone, and moved walls can run $75,000 to $150,000+.
A common rule of thumb is to budget roughly 10 to 15% of your home's value for a kitchen reno. The single biggest cost driver is labour, which varies dramatically by city, rates in Toronto and Vancouver run well above those in smaller centres. Moving plumbing, gas, or walls is what pushes a project from mid-range into premium territory, so changing the layout always costs more.
Cost breakdown: materials vs. labour
Materials
- Cabinetry: roughly $6,000 to $35,000+. Stock/flat-pack (IKEA) is lowest; semi-custom is mid; full custom is the priciest single line item.
- Countertops: roughly $60 to $200+ per sq ft installed (laminate is cheapest, quartz and natural stone the most).
- Appliances: roughly $4,000 to $20,000+ for a full suite.
- Backsplash tile: roughly $10 to $40+ per sq ft.
- Sink + faucet: roughly $300 to $1,500.
- Flooring: roughly $5 to $20+ per sq ft.
- Lighting fixtures: roughly $500 to $3,000.
- Hardware: roughly $200 to $1,500.
Labour (varies a lot by city)
- General contractor: typically 10–25% of the project, or managed at an hourly/fixed rate.
- Cabinet installation: roughly $2,000 to $6,000+.
- Plumber: roughly $90 to $150/hour.
- Electrician: roughly $90 to $150/hour.
- Countertop fabrication and install: often included in the per-sq-ft price.
- Tile and flooring install: roughly $10 to $25+ per sq ft.
- Demolition and disposal: roughly $1,000 to $3,000.
A useful planning split: in a typical kitchen reno, cabinetry runs about 30–35% of the budget, labour about 20–35%, appliances and counters another big chunk, and the finishes the rest.
Budget, mid-range, and invest tiers
Budget (roughly $15,000–$30,000): Keep the existing layout, choose IKEA cabinets, laminate or entry quartz counters, a mid-range appliance package, and DIY the demo, paint, and styling.
Mid-range (roughly $30,000–$75,000): Semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, a quality appliance suite, new tile and flooring, updated lighting, and a contractor managing the trades. The layout largely stays put.
Invest (roughly $75,000–$150,000+): Full custom cabinetry, premium natural stone, professional-grade appliances, relocated plumbing and walls, and designer everything.
Where to save vs. splurge
Save on: the cabinet boxes (IKEA boxes with upgraded fronts are a designer favourite), the layout (keep it and save thousands), and trendy finishes like backsplash, which is cheap to swap later. Open shelving in a few spots also trims cabinetry cost.
Splurge on: countertops and the sink-and-faucet, the surfaces you use and touch every single day. Hardware is jewellery for the kitchen and worth a quality choice. And if your budget allows one premium appliance, make it the range; it's the workhorse and the visual anchor.
Where to shop and source in Canada
- IKEA is the value champion for kitchen cabinetry, and the boxes are genuinely good.
- Home Depot and Rona cover cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, sinks, and most building materials, plus appliance packages.
- Local cabinet makers and kitchen showrooms handle semi-custom and custom work with the best fit and finish.
- Wayfair and Amazon are handy for hardware, faucets, lighting, and accessories.
- West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and EQ3 are great for pendant lighting and bar stools to finish the space — and for fixtures, our roundup of the best Canadian lighting brands is a great starting point.
- HomeSense rounds it out with affordable styling, runners, and accessories.
- Local stone yards are where to source remnant slabs, often a fraction of full-slab pricing for a small island or counter.
Money-saving tips
- Keep your layout. Not moving the sink, stove, or walls is the biggest money saver in any kitchen reno, full stop.
- Upgrade IKEA cabinets with custom or third-party fronts. You get a high-end look at flat-pack prices.
- Ask about remnant stone. For a small kitchen or island, leftover slabs can save you hundreds.
- Buy appliances during major sales. Boxing Day, Black Friday, and long weekends bring real discounts on full suites.
- Get at least three contractor quotes. Labour pricing varies enormously by city and even by contractor; comparing protects your budget.
- Build in a 15–20% contingency. Kitchens almost always surprise you once the walls open up.
FAQ
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Canada?
Roughly $25,000 to $75,000 CAD for a typical mid-range kitchen. Budget refreshes can start around $15,000, while high-end custom kitchens can exceed $100,000. Labour costs vary significantly by city.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen reno?
Cabinetry is usually the single largest line item at around 30 to 35% of the budget, followed closely by labour. Moving plumbing or walls also adds substantial cost.
How can I renovate a kitchen on a budget?
Keep the existing layout, choose IKEA cabinets (optionally with custom fronts), opt for entry-level quartz or laminate counters, and DIY the demolition, painting, and styling.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A mid-range kitchen typically takes about six to twelve weeks from demolition to finish, longer if you're moving plumbing, walls, or waiting on custom cabinetry.
A kitchen renovation is a big undertaking, but with realistic numbers and a clear sense of where to save and splurge, it's one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. Keep your layout, invest in the surfaces you touch daily, lean on Canadian retailers, and always pad your budget for surprises. Do that, and you'll end up with a kitchen that's as functional as it is beautiful, without the financial hangover.
About the author: Paige Eaton is a design-obsessed DIYer, home renovator, and the founder of Organic Moderne.