Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto (2026)

By BuildMan · Kitchen renovations by home builders

The kitchen is the most expensive room in most homes to renovate — and the one that adds the most value when it's done well. In Toronto in 2026, a kitchen renovation runs anywhere from $25,000 for a refresh to $120,000+ for a custom build. That's a wide range, so here's what you actually get at each level, where the money goes, and how to keep the number under control.

The three levels of kitchen renovation

Most Toronto homeowners doing a "proper" kitchen renovation — new cabinets and finishes on the existing footprint — land in the $55,000–$90,000 range.

Where the money actually goes

Cabinetry and countertops are the two heavyweights, usually 45–60% of the budget between them. A realistic split for a $70,000 full renovation:

• Cabinetry: $20,000–$32,000 (the single biggest line — grade matters enormously)
• Countertops: $4,500–$10,000 (quartz is the popular default; exotic stone costs more)
• Labour — demo, install, trades: $14,000–$22,000
• Backsplash, flooring, paint: $5,000–$9,000
• Electrical & plumbing: $4,000–$8,000
• Permits & project management: $3,000–$6,000

What pushes a Toronto kitchen's price up

• Removing a wall. Opening the kitchen to the dining or living room is the most-requested change — but if the wall is load-bearing it needs an engineered beam and a permit, adding $6,000–$15,000.
• Moving the layout. Relocating the sink, stove or fridge means new plumbing, gas and electrical rough-ins — thousands more than keeping them in place.
• Older homes. Toronto's century houses hide surprises: knob-and-tube nearby, out-of-level floors, old plaster and undersized electrical service that needs upgrading.
• Cabinetry grade and custom millwork. Custom, full-height and specialty storage cost well above stock or semi-custom lines.
• High-end appliances and panel-ready integration. Built-in and panelled appliances add both material and coordination cost.

Do you need a permit?

A like-for-like cosmetic refresh usually doesn't. The moment you move plumbing or electrical, or take out a wall, you need a permit from the City of Toronto — and a load-bearing wall also needs an engineered beam. A good contractor files and passes all of it for you, which is part of what you're paying for.

How to keep the budget under control

• Keep the footprint if you can. Not moving the sink, stove and fridge saves thousands in plumbing and gas work.
• Choose cabinetry grade deliberately. It's the biggest line — semi-custom often gives 90% of the custom look for far less.
• Quartz over exotic stone. Durable, consistent and usually cheaper than marble or rare granite.
• Get materials at cost. Ask whether your contractor marks up materials; ours are billed at supplier cost.
• Insist on a fixed quote. A detailed fixed price after an in-home measure protects you from the "allowances" that balloon on hourly jobs.

How long does a Toronto kitchen take?

A refresh is typically 2–3 weeks; a full renovation 4–6 weeks; a layout change or custom kitchen 5–10 weeks. The long pole is almost always cabinetry lead time, so ordering early matters. A realistic written schedule before demolition is the sign of a contractor who actually plans the work.

The bottom line

Budget $55,000–$90,000 for a proper full kitchen renovation in Toronto in 2026, less for a refresh and more for custom or a layout change. The number that matters is a fixed quote after someone walks your kitchen. See the full scope on our Kitchen Renovation Toronto page, or compare with Kitchen Renovation Mississauga.

Frequently asked questions