What the price per linear metre means
The price per linear metre is a way to roughly estimate what a kitchen costs before a project exists. A linear metre is one metre of kitchen length along the wall, and the price includes both base and wall units over that length. A kitchen along a three-metre wall therefore has three linear metres. If the kitchen is an L-shape, ask the maker how they count the corner, because it is not the same everywhere.
This is an estimate, not a final price. Two kitchens of the same length can have very different prices, depending on the number of drawers, tall units, built-in appliances and equipment. The final price comes from the maker’s offer for your project.
Prices by material
| Material | From | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Chipboard (univer) | 400 € | 550 € |
| MDF with foil or acrylic | 600 € | 650 € |
| Painted MDF | 750 € | 900 € |
The “From” column is the lowest price the makers gave for that material, and “Typical” is the price you can most often expect. The difference usually comes from the finish, the hardware and the amount of work on the kitchen itself.
Chipboard, MDF or painted MDF
Univer is chipboard covered with a decorative melamine foil. It is the most common choice because it is affordable, scratch-resistant and comes in many finishes, from plain white to wood imitation. Chipboard does not handle water well, so around the sink and dishwasher it is important that the edges are well sealed and that moisture-resistant board is used.
MDF is a denser and smoother board than chipboard. MDF fronts are wrapped in foil or acrylic. Foil is pulled over the whole front, so the edges can be slightly rounded, while acrylic gives a deep, even gloss.
Painted MDF is lacquered in the colour you choose, in a matt or gloss finish. It is the most expensive of the three because lacquering takes the most handwork, but it gives the most even look, and the front can later be repaired or repainted.
How much a three-metre kitchen costs
| 3 m kitchen | From | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Chipboard (univer) | 1.200 € | 1.650 € |
| MDF with foil or acrylic | 1.800 € | 1.950 € |
| Painted MDF | 2.250 € | 2.700 € |
Three metres is a common kitchen length in a one- or two-bedroom apartment. For a chipboard kitchen, count on roughly 1.200 € at the low end and typically around 1.650 €. Appliances, meaning the cooker, fridge and dishwasher, are not included in these prices.
What raises the price
The price per metre is raised most by high gloss, CNC-cut fronts, LED lighting, glass doors, better hardware and a worktop in compact laminate or ceramic. With all of those extras, a metre of kitchen can reach 1.500 €.
Hardware means hinges, drawer runners and the lift mechanisms for wall unit doors. You do not see them, but they decide most of how long the kitchen will last, because drawers and doors are opened many times every day. If you save anywhere, do not save on hardware.
What to ask the maker before you order
Ask whether the worktop is included in the price per metre, because with some makers it is and with others it is paid separately. Ask the same about delivery and installation. Also ask which chipboard they use, because chipboard is not always the same grade.
Ask for a written offer that states the material, hardware, worktop, production time and warranty. A custom kitchen is made to your specification, so the 14-day right of withdrawal you normally have for distance or off-premises purchases does not apply to it. That is why a clear offer before production starts is the best protection.
Making a kitchen usually takes about a month from the moment the project is agreed. If you are planning to move in, order the kitchen among the first things.