It came as a big surprise to us that the number one search on our site is “kitchen cost.” We never planned on breaking down the total kitchen cost in its own post, since we did share costs of projects and purchases as we went and also a complete source list.  But also, there are a lot of factors that come into play that won’t be the same depending on what part of the country or world you live in like gas lines or construction costs. But after enough inquiries, and our budget post last week, we decided to lay it all out on the table. So how much did our kitchen renovation actually cost?
In short, about $28,000. For reference, the kitchen is about 13×11. That is not including the walk-in pantry we added or the recessed portion where our new fridge, microwave and cabinets surrounding those are (add another 2′ for that). All in all, it was a good mix of splurge and save items. Considering the average cost of a kitchen overhaul is $54K (the cost of a minor kitchen renovation comes in at just over $18K), we’re feeling pretty good about where we landed on this kitchen we took all the way down to the studs and rebuilt. We could have easily spent way more money, but we could have pinched pennies more, too. But that’s just us in a nutshell. We like to be somewhere right in the middle, mixing splurge and save pieces. Â For instance, while the white concrete countertops were a save, the black walnut island top was a bit of a splurge. We saved by going with Ikea cabinets (in their Laxarby finish) but splurged a bit on hardware, which I always think is a good idea.
While the appliances were provided by Frigidaire Professional, we chose them because they look really expensive and high-end, but cost about half of what another all-refrigerator or 60 inches of range would cost (we pushed 2 30″ ranges together to achieve the look here). A major save.
How does it break down dollar for dollar?Â
Demo + construction materials: $1850
All Refrigerator, Frigidaire Professional: $2099
All Freezer, Frigidaire Professional: $2099
Dishwasher, Frigidaire Professional: $1099
(2) 30″ Gas ranges, Frigidaire Professional: $5398
2 Gas Lines: $800
Built-in Microwave: $549
Deep, double-basin sink: $399
Faux Wood Tile Flooring in Nordic Brown: $673
Ikea Sektion cabinets in LAXARBY finish: $5300
Mission bin pull in unlacquered brass:Â $450
Plank-style black walnut island top:Â $1478
White concrete perimeter countertops, DIY (concrete and forms from Z Counterform): $856
Concrete Countertop Sealer: $200
4Â Counter stools:Â $455
Vintage Runner, Ebay (similar): $135
Paint–Hazy Skies, Benjamin Moore: $40
4×5 White Subway tile: $983
 Pocket Door (stained with Minwax English Chestnut): $299
Pocket Door handle:Â $10
8 Shelf brackets BlueStoneShelves: $120
Reclaimed Shelves: $30
3 Sconces above windows: Alto Sconce, Cedar & Moss: $537
2 Island Pendants: Mist Corded Pendant, Rejuvenation: $430
3 250 series low-E triple pane Pella Windows, Lowe’s: $600
Triassic Touch2OÂ Faucet: $239
Pot Filler: $290
Hood insert and cover: $500
Island Customization: $150
TOTAL: $28,068
So there you have it! That’s what a $28,000 kitchen renovation looks like. While I did include the cost of items that were c/o, like the appliances, I didn’t include decor or plates or anything in the cost break-down, because we mostly had all of that. But if you’re curious where anything came from that’s not mentioned in the list above, you can check out our Shop Our House page for image links to just about everything in our house. I can barely believe it’s already been 6 months (tomorrow!) since we finished this space and shared it right here. The honeymoon period is still going strong. Hope this helps a bit in your upcoming kitchen remodels or plans!



How do you feel the quality is of your ikea cabinetry? Are they solid wood cabinets or are they particle? I love your cabinets but convincing my husband that ikea is the way to go may be difficult!
Ikea has a crazy amazing warranty and we are so ecstatic about the quality. They aren’t solid wood though.
Hi! Like everyone else, I love all that you do and provide online for the rest of us. Thank you!
I am remodeling my kitchen and love the Mission Bin Pulls you used. Can you tell me what size you bought? I like the price point of the 3″ better than the 4″ (obviously) but want to make sure they aren’t too small. Does Chris find the size OK? What size is in your kitchen? TIA!! Joclyn
Ours are indeed the 4″
I have a silly question. Why 2 stoves??? GENIUS IN MY OPINION!!! But what made you even think 2 stoves??? It actually looks great. I love it and want to do it in my kitchen, but how did it even occur to you to even take this route?
Love it all!!!! Great job.
Thanks
Michelle
I think I saw a picture of it somewhere, and when looking at the price difference it just made so much sense.
HELLO Chris and Julia, I love your blog and it has been a huge source of ideas and motivation. We bought our first house and it’s a 1905 one with big need of remodeling. We would like to remodel the bathroom (there is just one) this spring and kitchen once we save enough for it but I wanted to ask how can we enter in the spring remodels you do from Lowe’s. We would love to give it a try as there is a lot that needs to go!
Do you by chance know the length from the wall where the couch is all the way to the wall where your stoves are?
I believe it is about 35′.