# Kitchen Renovation Calculator

> Free kitchen calculator. Estimate backsplash tiles, cabinet paint, countertops, and total renovation costs instantly.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/kitchen-renovation-calculator
Prices updated: 2026-03

## At a glance

A basic refresh — backsplash tiling plus cabinet painting — costs EUR 200–600 in materials, vs EUR 5,000–20,000+ for a full refit with new cabinets, worktops, and appliances. A 3 m × 0.6 m backsplash is ~1.8 m² (roughly 198 of the 10×10 cm tiles after 10% waste). Painting cabinets is the highest-ROI upgrade: EUR 50–200 in specialist cabinet paint vs thousands for replacement. Project timelines run 1–2 days for backsplash, 3–5 days for cabinet repaint, 5–14 days for a full renovation.

## How to Calculate Materials for a Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation can range from a quick backsplash and paint refresh to a complete refit. Our calculator helps you estimate materials for the three most common DIY kitchen projects: backsplash tiling, cabinet painting, and countertop replacement.

### Kitchen Renovation Cost by Element

| Element | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---------|--------|-----------|---------|
| Backsplash tiles (1.8 sqm) | EUR 40-70 | EUR 70-130 | EUR 130-250 |
| Tile adhesive + grout | EUR 15-25 | EUR 20-35 | EUR 25-45 |
| Cabinet paint (12 doors) | EUR 40-80 | EUR 80-150 | EUR 150-250 |
| Primer (12 doors) | EUR 15-30 | EUR 25-45 | EUR 40-60 |
| Laminate countertop (3m) | EUR 240 | EUR 360 | EUR 480 |
| Stone countertop (3m) | - | EUR 600 | EUR 900-1500 |
| **Materials subtotal** | **EUR 350-485** | **EUR 755-1120** | **EUR 1045-2585** |

Labour for a full kitchen refresh (backsplash + paint + worktop) typically costs EUR 800-2000 depending on kitchen size and location.

### Common Kitchen Layouts and Sizes

| Layout | Typical Length | Floor Area | Best For |
|--------|-------------|-----------|----------|
| Galley (two parallel runs) | 2.5-4 m | 6-10 sqm | Narrow rooms, apartments |
| L-shape | 3-4 m + 2-3 m | 8-14 sqm | Most homes, good workflow |
| U-shape | 3 runs of 2-3 m | 10-16 sqm | Larger kitchens, maximum storage |
| Island | L or U + 1.5-2 m island | 14-20 sqm | Open-plan, social cooking |
| Single wall | 3-5 m | 6-12 sqm | Studios, open-plan living |

The work triangle (fridge-sink-hob) should total 4-8 metres for efficient movement. Our calculator uses the floor area to estimate project duration — smaller kitchens under 8 sqm take 3-5 days, medium kitchens 5-8 days, and large kitchens 8-14 days.

### Backsplash Tile Materials

| Material | Cost per sqm | Pros | Cons |
|----------|-------------|------|------|
| Ceramic (10x10cm) | EUR 20-35 | Affordable, easy to cut, huge colour range | Can chip on edges |
| Glass mosaic | EUR 40-80 | Reflective, waterproof, modern look | Expensive, shows imperfections |
| Subway tiles (10x20cm) | EUR 25-45 | Timeless, versatile, easy to lay | Requires more grout than large tiles |
| Porcelain (30x60cm) | EUR 30-60 | Durable, minimal grout lines | Heavy, needs diamond blade for cuts |
| Natural stone | EUR 50-100 | Unique patterns, premium look | Needs sealing, porous |

### Cabinet Painting Coverage

One litre of cabinet paint covers approximately 10 sqm. Each cabinet door is approximately 0.5 sqm. With 2 coats of paint and 1 coat of primer:

- **10 doors**: 1 L paint + 0.5 L primer
- **15 doors**: 1.5 L paint + 0.8 L primer
- **20 doors**: 2 L paint + 1 L primer
- **25 doors**: 2.5 L paint + 1.3 L primer

Always degrease, sand, and prime before painting. Melamine cabinet paint adheres to glossy surfaces without heavy sanding. Allow 16-24 hours between coats for a hard, durable finish.

If you are renovating the bathroom at the same time, our [bathroom renovation calculator](/bathroom-renovation-calculator) provides tile and waterproofing estimates. For repainting other rooms, try the [paint calculator](/paint-calculator). The [tile calculator](/tile-calculator) handles general tiling projects beyond the kitchen backsplash.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

A basic kitchen refresh (backsplash + cabinet paint) costs EUR 200-600 in materials. A mid-range renovation with new countertops adds EUR 500-1500. A full kitchen refit with new cabinets, worktops, and appliances costs EUR 5000-20000+ depending on size and quality.

### How many backsplash tiles do I need?

Measure the length of your backsplash area and multiply by the height (typically 0.6m between worktop and wall units). A 3m x 0.6m backsplash = 1.8 sqm. With 10% waste and 10x10cm tiles, that is approximately 198 tiles or 2 boxes.

### Can I paint kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them?

Yes. Painting cabinets is the most cost-effective kitchen upgrade — it costs EUR 50-200 in materials vs EUR 2000-8000+ for new cabinets. Use a specialist cabinet paint (melamine or cupboard paint) with proper preparation: degrease, sand or degloss, prime, then apply 2 coats.

### What backsplash tile size should I choose?

10x10cm tiles are the classic kitchen backsplash choice, offering a timeless look with easy cutting around sockets. Subway tiles (10x20cm) are popular for a modern look. Large format tiles (30x60cm) minimise grout lines but need precise socket cutouts.

### How long does a kitchen renovation take?

A backsplash tiling project takes 1-2 days. Cabinet painting takes 3-5 days (including drying time between coats). Countertop replacement takes 1-2 days. A full kitchen renovation including all elements takes 5-14 days depending on kitchen size and scope.

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Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/kitchen-renovation-calculator. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.