Iโve been designing kitchens for a long time now, and when I meet my clients for a design consultations, one of the questions I hear the most is: โJosh, how much does it really cost to remodel a small kitchen?โ
The truth is, โsmallโ doesnโt mean โsimple.โ Kitchens under 70 square feet like galley, L-shaped, or tucked into an older DC rowhouse, can be some of the trickiest and most rewarding projects. When space is tight, every inch counts, and every design choice has a bigger impact.
On average, most of the small kitchens Iโve worked on this year fall between $19,900 and $28,500. That said, the number can swing up or down depending on layout changes, the materials you choose, and how much labor is involved.
Let me walk you through how I think about the costs and where your money really goes.
Where the Money Goes in a Small Kitchen Remodel
Layout & Structure:ย If you want to move plumbing or knock down a wall, it can push the budget higher.
Cabinetry: This is usually the biggest line item. Stock cabinets keep things affordable, semi custom gives you flexibility, and custom is where you can really dial in every detail.
Countertops: I always recommend investing here if you can. Quartz or granite gives you durability and a high-end look without going overboard.
Appliances:ย You donโt have to splurge on luxury brands, but choosing reliable, midrange appliances will give you good performance and value.
Finishes & Details:ย Backsplash tile, flooring, lighting, and hardware donโt just change the look, they change how your kitchen feels day to day.
How Much Is a Small Kitchen Remodel? Breaking Down the Numbers
Every small kitchen remodel is a little different. Some homeowners want a full transformation with new cabinets, flooring, and layout changes and some others just want to refresh whatโs already there. Either way, understanding where your budget actually goes is the key to making smart decisions.
Over the years, Iโve noticed that most small kitchens share the same cost patterns, a few areas take up the majority of the budget, while others can be adjusted to fit your priorities. Below, Iโve broken down the main components of a small kitchen remodel and what you should know about each one before you start planning.
Cabinet Costs in a Small Kitchen Remodel
Cabinets almost always take up the largest portion of your remodeling budget. In a small kitchen, the right cabinets can completely change how the space works and the overall budget.
Stock Cabinets ($6,000โ$9,000)
These are pre made, standard size cabinets. They are the most affordable option and come in limited styles and finishes. If you want a quick update without major investment, stock cabinets can be a solid choice. But you will have to work with whatโs available, not whatโs ideal.
Semi Custom Cabinets ($9,000โ$12,000)
This is where most of my clients land. Semi custom gives you more flexibility with sizes, colors, and finishes, while still being more affordable than fully custom. You can adjust dimensions, add upgrades, and pick from a much wider style selection. For most homeowners, itโs the sweet spot between cost and personalization.
Custom Cabinets ($15,000+)
Fully custom cabinets are built to order, which means every single detail is made just for your kitchen. You get complete control, the result is stunning, but it does come with a higher price tag.
From my years of experience, I have found that semi custom is usually the best fit. It offers plenty of design freedom and quality without pushing the budget all the way into luxury territory.
Countertop Costs: Materials That Matter
Countertops are one of the first things people notice in a kitchen, and in a small space, they really set the tone. I always tell clients: if youโre going to splurge somewhere, this is the place. Hereโs what you can expect to spend depending on the material you choose:
Laminate ($20โ$50 per sq. ft.)
A budget friendly option with plenty of styles, but it doesnโt hold up as long as stone. Good if you need a quick refresh but I don’t recommend it to use due to lack of durability.ยButcher Block ($40โ$100 per sq. ft.)
Warm, natural, and great for farmhouse-style kitchens. It does need sealing and maintenance to prevent stains and scratches but if you like wood tones might be a good option.Granite ($60โ$120 per sq. ft.)
Classic and durable, with lots of natural variation. A solid midrange choice that gives you a timeless look. Please note, every slabs are unique and I highly recommend to visit fabricator to see actual slabs in advance.Quartz ($70โ$150 per sq. ft.)
My go-to recommendation for most small kitchens. Itโs non porous, easy to maintain, and comes in endless colors and patterns. I can say quartz are reasonably priced for the quality.Marble ($80โ$200+ per sq. ft.)
Beautiful and luxurious, but softer than granite or quartz. It can stain and etch, so itโs not for everyone.Quartzite ($120โ$250+ per sq. ft.)
A natural stone that looks like marble but performs like granite. Itโs high-end but worth it if you want durability with stunning veining.Dekton / Porcelain ($120โ$250+ per sq. ft.)
An engineered material thatโs heat, stain, and scratch resistant. Great for modern designs and clients who want cutting edge performance.
My tip: In small kitchens, you donโt need a massive slab, so upgrading to quartz or even quartzite can sometimes be more affordable than you would expect.
Flooring and Backsplash Costs
Flooring and backsplash might not seem like the biggest budget items, but they have a huge impact on how your kitchen looks and feels. In a small kitchen, these surfaces take up less square footage, which means you can sometimes stretch your budget further and choose higher quality materials without overspending.
However, itโs usually not a good idea to change only the kitchen floor unless itโs really necessary, since it can get costly if you end up needing to update the flooring throughout the rest of the space as well.
Flooring ($6โ$15 per sq. ft.)
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is the most budget friendly at $6โ$10 per square foot.ย Durable, water resistant, and available in plenty of styles but needs leveled subfloor for long lasting use.
Ceramic or porcelain tile runs closer to $8โ$20, and itโs a classic choice that can last for decades.
Hardwood brings natural warmth at $8โ$17 per square foot, though it does need more care to protect it from spills and moisture.
Backsplash ($8โ$190+ per sq. ft.)
The backsplash is your chance to add personality. Iโve shared more details in this post: Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options.
A simple subway tile comes in around $8โ$15 per square foot and works in almost any design.
If you want something bolder, decorative tile or mosaics range from $20โ$30+ and instantly draw the eye.
For a dramatic, seamless look, some homeowners choose to carry their countertop material up the wall as a slab backsplash, which can cost $60โ$190+ per square foot.
My tip: In smaller kitchens, you donโt have to spend a fortune to make the space feel custom. Sometimes upgrading to a higher end backsplash or patterned floor is surprisingly affordable because you need so little material and it gives you that โdesignerโ look without the big ticket price tag.
Plumbing and Electrical Costs
Plumbing and electrical are often the โhiddenโ costs in a remodel.ย You donโt see them when the projectโs finished, but they make all the difference in how your kitchen functions.
If you keep your sink, stove, and outlets in the same place, you might only spend $1,000โ$2,000. But the moment you start moving things around,ย like relocating a sink to the island, adding circuits for new appliances, or upgrading lighting etc. costs can climb to $4,000โ$5,000. Gas line changes and major rewiring sit at the higher end of the scale.
If your current layout works, keeping plumbing and electrical in place is one of the best ways to save money in a remodel.
The Cost of Layout Adjustments
Layout changes can transform a small kitchen, but they come with a price tag. Knocking down a wall to open up space, reconfiguring cabinet runs, or adding square footage can add anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity.
In many of the small kitchens I design, even removing one wall or opening a pass-through makes the room feel twice as large so sometimes itโs worth the extra investment.
Appliance Costs in a Small Kitchen Remodel
Appliances are one of those areas where prices swing widely. Midrange models, a reliable refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher usually fall in the $800โ$1,500 each range. If you prefer professional grade or designer brands, itโs common to see $3,000โ$6,000 per appliance.
While appliances arenโt exactly my area of expertise, we typically work with Ferguson, and theyโre great at helping our clients choose the right products at competitive prices.
Lighting Costs
Lighting can completely transform the way a small kitchen feels. Itโs one of those things that clients donโt always think about early on, but it ends up making one of the biggest differences in the finished space. The right lighting doesnโt just brighten the room it brings out your colors, enhances your finishes, and can even make a small kitchen feel more open.
Recessed lighting usually runs about $150โ$250 per fixture and provides clean, even light across the entire kitchen. Pendant lights, often placed above an island or peninsula, add warmth and character, expect to spend $200โ$500 each, depending on the style. I almost always recommend under cabinet lighting, which ranges from $300โ$800. Itโs a simple upgrade that instantly adds depth and makes everyday tasks like cooking and prep much easier.
My tip: Good lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a small kitchen look high-end without spending a fortune. A well layered lighting plan combining recessed lights for brightness, pendants for style, and under-cabinet lights for function, can make even the smallest kitchen feel welcoming, polished, and surprisingly spacious.
Sink and Faucet Costs
A basic sink and faucet combo might run $200โ$500, but most of my clients spend closer to $800โ$1,500. Thatโs usually for pull-down faucets, deeper basins, or farmhouse-style sinks. Premium designer fixtures can easily reach $2,000 or more, depending on finishes and features.
Labor Costs for a Small Kitchen Remodel
Labor is one of those parts of a remodel that most people donโt think much about at first, but itโs what makes everything come together. In most small kitchens, labor usually makes up about 25% to 35% of the total cost, which comes out to roughly $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the scope of work.
That includes all the behind the scenes work like demolition, cabinet installation, tile setting, plumbing, electrical, and the small finishing details that make your kitchen look clean and complete.
I always tell homeowners: you can pick the nicest materials in the world, but if theyโre not installed properly, theyโll never look right. The craftsmanship is what makes or breaks the project.
So, How Much Does a Small Kitchen Remodel Cost by the End of 2025?
After helping so many homeowners redesign their kitchens over the years, Iโve found that most small kitchen remodels fall somewhere between $10,000 and $40,000 by the end of 2025. The final number really depends on how far you want to go with the updates and the materials you choose.
Budget-Friendly and Mid-Range Kitchen Remodels
On the lower end, youโre looking at a clean and simple refresh, stock or semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, new lighting, and an updated backsplash can completely change the look and feel of your space without needing a full gut renovation.
Mid-range projects often include semi-custom or custom cabinets, upgraded tile, and premium quartz or granite countertops. This level also allows for small layout adjustments and upgraded finishes while staying practical with your budget.
High-End Kitchen Remodels
On the higher end, youโre transforming your space completely with custom cabinetry, luxury materials like quartzite or Dekton, upgraded lighting, and possibly a reworked layout to open up your kitchen. These are the remodels where we take a small, dated space and make it feel twice as big with thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship.
Before you start, think about what really matters to you like storage, style, durability, or layout. Knowing your priorities helps you invest where it counts, so every dollar makes an impact.
Letโs Remodel Your Small Kitchen
No matter the size of your space, thereโs always a way to make it more beautiful and functional. At My Kitchen and Bath, weโve been helping homeowners across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. transform their kitchens since 1994.
If youโre ready to explore whatโs possible for your home, our team would love to help. We offer free design consultations, where you can sit down with one of our award-winning designers, browse materials, and start building a plan that fits your style and budget.
Fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation. One of our team members will reach out to confirm your appointment and help you get started.
Letโs create a small kitchen that looks amazing, works beautifully, and feels like home.
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