By BuildMan · Kitchen renovations by home builders · Updated
In Toronto in 2026, a kitchen renovation costs about $25,000 to $50,000 for a refresh, $55,000 to $90,000 for a full renovation with new cabinets on the same footprint, and $90,000 to $120,000+ for a layout change or custom build. Cabinetry and countertops usually take 45 to 60 percent of the budget. Removing a load-bearing wall needs an engineered beam and a City of Toronto permit, adding $6,000 to $15,000.
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
| Level | 2026 range | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $25,000 – $50,000 | New counters, backsplash, paint, hardware, sink/faucet; keep existing cabinet boxes and layout |
| Full renovation | $55,000 – $90,000 | New cabinets, counters, backsplash, lighting, flooring, appliances set; same footprint |
| Layout change / custom | $90,000 – $120,000+ | Wall removal, moved plumbing/gas, island, panelled appliances, custom cabinetry |
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.
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Get My Free Quote →Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Toronto in 2026?
A refresh (new counters, backsplash, paint, hardware) runs about $25,000–$50,000. A full renovation with new cabinets and finishes is typically $55,000–$90,000, and layout changes or custom kitchens run $90,000–$120,000+.
What's the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry, followed by countertops — together they're usually 45–60% of the budget. Choosing cabinetry grade deliberately is the biggest single lever on the final price.
Do I need a permit to renovate a kitchen in Toronto?
A like-for-like cosmetic refresh usually doesn't, but changing plumbing or electrical, or removing a wall, requires a City of Toronto permit — and a load-bearing wall needs an engineered beam. We handle the permits and inspections.
Can I save money by keeping my kitchen layout?
Yes — significantly. Not moving the sink, stove and fridge avoids new plumbing, gas and electrical rough-ins, which can save several thousand dollars.
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