Pricing & Budgeting
What Does a Kitchen Really Cost? Getting an Accurate Online Estimate
Why most online kitchen price guides are misleading — and how to get a number you can actually use
6 min read · Cupboards2Cabinets design team
Online kitchen calculators usually quote a per-unit price with no reference to board, hardware or worktop. That is how a R120 000 kitchen becomes a R210 000 invoice.
01What an estimate needs to include
For a number to be meaningful it must state linear metres, finish, worktop material, hardware brand, and whether installation and removal of the old kitchen are included.
- Linear metres of base, wall and tall units
- Door finish and carcass specification
- Worktop material and total m²
- Hardware brand and soft-close coverage
- Installation, strip-out and waste removal
02Use estimates as a range, not a price
A good online estimator should give you a band — for example R180 000 to R240 000 — and explain what pushes you to each end. A single precise figure before a site visit is marketing, not pricing.
03Contingency
Hold back 10–15% for the things a site visit reveals: an out-of-square wall, an unexpected waste position, or an appliance that turns out to be a non-standard size.
The takeaway
Treat any online figure as a range. The site visit is what converts a range into a price you can sign.
Planning this project yourself?
Use our cost estimator for an indicative range, or book a free home consultation and we'll measure, design and quote precisely.