If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in 2026, one thing is certain: material costs are significantly higher than they were just a few years ago. Even for a DIY remodel—where labor costs are removed entirely—today’s kitchens require a much larger materials budget than homeowners often expect.
Very sad. But this is life…
In this article, I’ll walk through the true material costs of a 2026 kitchen remodel, broken down by major phases of the project:
- Demolition
- Tile flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops & backsplash
- Appliances
- Miscellaneous costs (plumbing, electrical, lighting, trim, paint, etc.)
This breakdown is based on a fully DIY kitchen remodel, meaning all labor was self-performed by me and costs reflect materials only.
And you might be wondering, “Why should I listen to this Guy?!”.
That’s a fair question. I just recently completed a DIY Kitchen Renovation and purchased all of the materials myself – so I know exactly what they cost! If you want to learn how to renovate a kitchen entirely by yourself so that you can save money on the labor, check out my “How to Remodel a Kitchen from A-Z” Video linked below:
Now, lets get into the 2026 Kitchen Remodel costs!
Demolition Costs
Demolition is typically the smallest portion of a kitchen remodel budget (since we are doing it ourselves), but it still requires planning and materials.
Typical demolition-related costs include:
- Contractor bags or debris hauling fees
- Dump fees or dumpster rental
- Saw blades and oscillating tool accessories
- Dust control materials (plastic sheeting, tape, filters)
Because demolition is labor-heavy but material-light, DIY homeowners can save hundreds (or even thousands) by handling this phase themselves. That said, older kitchens can hide surprises—multiple flooring layers, plaster walls, or unexpected water damage—that increase both time and disposal costs.
Key takeaway: Demolition won’t break your budget, but poor planning can lead to extra dump runs and unnecessary expenses. Consider renting a dumpster if you have a large kitchen!
Pro-Tip: Before throwing your old cabinets, aplliances, etc. in a dumpster, try listing them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. I was able to sell all of the existing cabinets and appliances in my kithen for a few hundred bucks! And the best part, I didn’t have to haul them away. However, always be careful when selling to strangers!
Below are the typical costs associated with Demolition:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1000 |
Tile Flooring Costs (Including Underlayment)
Tile flooring remains a popular choice in kitchens due to its durability and water resistance. As a result, I installed tile in my 2026 Kitchen Remodel. Keep in mind that it is more than just tile that drives cost.
Pro-Tip: If you removed tile as part of the demoltion process, you might have some leftover mortar that is stuck to the subfloor in your kitchen. I found this Angle Grinder Attachement that made removing this mortar super easy (when compared to chipping it off).
For my kitchen remodel, I used the Schluter DITRA peel-and-stick uncoupling membrane as the tile underlayment. This system costs more than traditional cement board, but it offers several advantages:
- Faster installation (no thinset required underneath)
- Crack isolation
- Reduced floor height buildup
- Long-term durability
However, this system did require me to “prime” the playwood subfloor before applying the peel and stick membrane.
Tile flooring costs typically include:
- Tile (price varies widely by material and size)
- Underlayment (DITRA, cement board, or similar)
- Thinset mortar and grout
- Spacers and leveling Clips
- Tile trims, transitions, and consumables
Below are the typical costs associated with Kitchen Flooring:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,1001 | $5,000 |
- added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
For more information on the tiling process from start to finish, you can check out my blog article linked here or watch my “How to Install Tile (and the Schluter Heat DITRA System)” liked below.
Cost insight: Underlayment is one area where spending more up front can prevent cracked tile and failures down the road. In 2026, reliable prep systems are well worth the added cost.
Cabinet Costs (Budget-Friendly Without Looking Cheap)
Cabinets are usually the largest single line item in a kitchen remodel. For this project, I used ProCraft Cabinets, which strike an excellent balance between cost and quality.
ProCraft cabinets are:
- More budget-friendly than many semi-custom brands
- Well-built with solid construction
- A strong option for DIY installation
Cabinet costs go beyond just the boxes. A realistic cabinet budget should also account for:
- Fillers and end panels
- Toe kicks
- Hardware
- Trim or crown (if used)
- Installation supplies (shims, screws, ledger boards)
Below are the typical costs associated with Kitchen Cabinets:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,1001 | $5,000 |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $4,900 | 14,000 |
- I added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
Also, if you need to learn how to install you own Kitchen Cabinets, I have a YouTube video showing the entire cabinet installation process, step-by-step.
Cost insight: Choosing a value-oriented cabinet brand allows you to spend more elsewhere—like countertops or appliances—without sacrificing overall kitchen quality.
Countertops & Backsplash Costs (Premium Category)
For this kitchen, I used Dekton “Awake” for both the countertops and the backsplash. This is a premium surface material, and it significantly increased the total kitchen cost.
Dekton offers:
- Extreme durability
- Heat and scratch resistance
- A seamless, modern look when extended into the backsplash
However, it also comes with higher costs due to:
- Material pricing
- Fabrication complexity
- Professional templating and installation
Recommendation for most homeowners: If you’re budgeting a kitchen remodel in 2026, quartz countertops are often a more cost-effective alternative. Quartz provides excellent durability and aesthetics at a lower installed cost while still offering a wide range of styles.
Below are the typical costs associated with Kitchen Countertops:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,100 | $5,000 |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $4,900 | 14,000 |
| Countertops | $3,700 | $14,8002 | $25,000 |
- I added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
- I installed counter material as my backsplash, which added quite a bit of material cost.
For more information on the different types of countertop options, check out my “Watch this before Buying Countertops” YouTube Video:
Appliance Costs (Refridgerator, Dishwasher, Stove, etc.)
Appliances are one of the most variable categories in a kitchen remodel. Pricing depends heavily on brand, features, and availability.
Typical appliance costs include:
- Refrigerator
- Range or cooktop/wall oven
- Dishwasher
- Microwave or hood vent (I went with a “drawer-style” microwave in my kitchen, which added a bit of cost)
- Installation kits, cords, hoses, and vents
In 2026, a typical mid-tier appliance bundle that includes all (or most) of the appliances above will cost you areound 4k-6k. However, high-end brands can cost 15k for a refriderator only.
Below are the typical costs associated with Kitchen Appliances:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,100 | $5,000 |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $4,900 | 14,000 |
| Countertops | $3,700 | $14,8002 | $25,000 |
| Appliances | $3,500 | 4,900 | $20,000 |
- I added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
- I installed counter material as my backsplash, which added quite a bit of material cost.
Budget tip: Always account for delivery fees, haul-away charges, and required installation accessories—they can add up quickly if they are not included.
I don’t have a video on installing appliances, but it’s pretty simple. Just plug them in 🙃
Miscellaneous Costs (The Most Underestimated Category)
The “miscellaneous” category is where most kitchen remodel budgets quietly explode. These are small purchases that feel insignificant individually but add up fast.
Common miscellaneous kitchen remodel costs include:
- Plumbing fixtures (sink, faucet, disposal)
- Shutoff valves and supply lines
- Electrical materials (wire, outlets, GFCIs, breakers)
- Lighting (recessed lights, pendants, under-cabinet lighting)
- Backsplash installation materials
- Baseboard and Cabinet Trim, caulk, and adhesives
- Paint, primer, and finishing supplies
- Drywall repair materials
Cost insight: It’s not uncommon for miscellaneous items to account for 10–25% of the total material budget in a 2026 kitchen remodel.
Below are the typical costs associated with Miscellaneous Kitchen Remodel Costs:
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,100 | $5,000 |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $4,900 | 14,000 |
| Countertops | $3,700 | $14,8002 | $25,000 |
| Appliances | $3,500 | 4,900 | $20,000 |
| Miscellaneous3 | $2,290 | $4,460 | $9,000 |
- I added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
- I installed counter material as my backsplash, which added quite a bit of material cost.
- Miscellaneous costs are calculated at 20% of the project cost.
Total Cost for my 2026 Kitchen Remodel
So if we add up all the costs for demolition, flooring, cabinets, coutertops, appliances, and miscellaneous items, we get a grand total of. $31,660!
| Cost Description | Low End Cost | My Cost | High End Cost |
| Demolition | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $2,100 | $5,000 |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $4,900 | 14,000 |
| Countertops | $3,700 | $14,800 | $25,000 |
| Appliances | $3,500 | 4,900 | $20,000 |
| Miscellaneous3 | $2,290 | $4,460 | $9,000 |
| TOTAL COST | $13,740 | $31,660 | $74,000 |
- I added a heated flooring system below my tiles which added around 1,000 dollars in material costs.
- I installed counter material as my backsplash, which added quite a bit of material cost.
- Miscellaneous costs are calculated at 20% of the project cost.
As you can see from the table above, a “low end” Kitchen remodel will likely cost you around $13,740 in 2026.
My Kitchen remodel which I would consider to be mid range, cost $31,660 in 2026.
And finally, a high end kitchen remodel with premium appliances, etc. will likely cost around $74,000 in materials!
Comparing 2022 vs. 2026 Kitchen Remodel Costs
One of the biggest takeaways from this project is how much material choices influence total cost.
- The kitchen I remodeled in 2022 cost significantly less in materials (approximately 11k)
- The 2026 kitchen cost far more, even though labor was still DIY
While inflation and supply costs played a role, a major factor was material selection:
- Less expensive countertops were used in 2022 (quartz)
- Fewer premium finishes overall
- Simpler backsplash and flooring details
So although it costs signifcantly more to remodel a kitchen in 2026 than it did in 2022, the biggest factor impacting cost will be the materials selected (premium vs basic).
Key lesson: Rising prices matter, but upgrading materials has an even bigger impact on your final budget.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen remodel in 2026 can still be done efficiently and cost-effectively, especially if you’re willing to DIY the labor. However, realistic budgeting requires understanding where the money actually goes.
If you’re planning your own remodel:
- Spend wisely on prep and structural components
- Choose cabinets that balance cost and quality
- Be intentional with premium materials like countertops
- Always budget generously for miscellaneous items
When planned correctly, a 2026 kitchen remodel can deliver long-term value, durability, and a finished look that feels anything but “budget.”
Lastly, if you would like to learn how to remodel a kitchen entirely by yourself as a DIY project, check out my complete “How to Remodel a Kitchen” YouTube Video linked below:
Thanks for reading and good luck with your kitchen renovation!
DISCLAIMER: This is a reference guide only. Consult local code requirements. Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting ATimprovements so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!