How Much Does It Cost to Install a Kitchen Sink? (UK 2025)

If the sink is the workhorse of the kitchen, the bill to fit it is the reality check. The short version: a like-for-like replacement in the same spot is usually quick and affordable. Moving locations, cutting stone worktops or upgrading to heavier bowls (hello, fireclay) is where costs creep. Here’s the practical UK picture for 2025 – what most households actually pay, why quotes vary, and how to avoid surprises.

Typical kitchen sink installation cost (UK)

For a straight swap – new sink, same position – most homes land in the £250–£400 range including labour and small materials. That’s usually 2–4 hours on site, depending on sealing and waste alignment. (Source: MyJobQuote avorenovations.co.uk)

If you’re fitting a new sink and tap together, the national guides suggest an all-in average around £400–£575. (Source: Checkatrade)

These are ‘same place’ prices. Expect higher figures if you’re relocating the bowl, switching sink type (e.g. inset to undermount) or cutting into stone such as quartz, granite or ceramic.

Want to ballpark your full project (worktops, appliances, trades) before you commit? Try our renovation calculator. It comes with a handy guide.

What actually drives the price up (or down)

1) Sink type & material

Stainless inset bowls are the friendliest on budget. Composites, ceramics and fireclay cost more and need more support. Stainless can start from £100, granite composite - from ~£190 – £1,000, ceramic or fireclay often £210–£1,090+, and copper or cast iron higher again. The supply cost isn’t the whole story, but it sets the tone of the quote. (Source: PriceYourJob)

If you’re weighing form and function, check out our undermount vs Belfast sinks guide.

2) The worktop you’re cutting into (laminate vs stone)

Laminate is straightforward and inexpensive to modify: an overmount (inset) cut-out can be as little as ~£40 per cut from a specialist service. Sealing edges properly matters, but you won’t need a stone fabricator on site (Source: worktop-express.co.uk)

Quartz, granite and ceramic are different. Most cuts are done by fabricators with proper tooling. Expect £118 – £185 per sink cut-out depending on whether it’s polished for an undermount finish, plus extra for drainer grooves if you want them. These are “per-cut” line items and add up fast if you’re changing plans late. (Source: Affordable Granite Surrey Ltd Checkatrade)

3) Moving the sink vs replacing in place

Relocation means fresh hot/cold feeds, a re-routed waste with correct falls, and making-good. That’s a small day’s work, not a few hours. Like-for-like swaps sit lower because you’re paying for the bowl, not the route. (Source: Checkatrade)

4) Tap, waste and “small” extras

Taps, filtered or boiling units, basket strainers, traps and extra holes all add up. Boiling-water taps need clearance for a tank, correct spurs and ventilation. Filtered taps need neat cartridge routes and service access. Many ‘quick jobs’ overrun because the inside of the sink cabinet wasn’t designed for real life.

Timelines & sequencing (so you don’t do things twice)

For a replacement in the same spot, expect 2–4 hours including sealing and test. If stone is involved, book the fabricator in sequence with your fitter — templating and cutting should happen before appliances and final plumbing, not after. Most kitchen-install day rates are £250–£350, useful if your quote is time-based. (Source: MyJobQuote Homebuilding)

Beams’ take: design the wet zone like the room depends on it (because it does)

We start with bowl size, bin position, dishwasher proximity, hose swing for pull-outs, trap access, and realistic room for a filter or boiling tank. Then we confirm the worktop strategy (cut-outs before the stone is booked), route wastes with proper falls, and set a sealing spec that actually survives daily life. If the sink is part of a bigger kitchen project, feel free to explore our kitchen renovation approach and services.

FAQs: Kitchen sink installation (UK 2025)

How much to replace a kitchen sink only (no tap)?

A like-for-like swap is typically ~£250–£350 depending on sealants, clips and waste alignment. National averages for replacements are around £275–£400. Adding a tap pushes it higher. (Source: MyJobQuote Checkatrade)

Is an undermount sink more expensive to fit than an inset?

Usually yes. Undermounts need a polished cut-out in stone and careful bonding underneath. Typical quartz charges are ~£180–£185 per polished cut-out, plus drainer grooves. Laminate overmounts don’t carry those fabricator costs. (Source: Checkatrade)

Can you cut a quartz or granite worktop on site for a new sink?

Possible, but not ideal. Most fabricators template and cut at the factory, then install. On-site cuts are limited and carry extra charges. (Source: Affordable Granite Surrey Ltd)

How long does sink installation take?
Replacements: 2–4 hours. New locations: a day or more, especially with surface cuts and making-good. (Source: MyJobQuote)

I’m redoing the whole kitchen—when should the sink go in?

Services first, cabinets plumb-true, then worktops, then sink/tap fit and seal. For the bigger picture, try our UK renovation cost calculator.

Which sink style suits my kitchen design best?

Belfast adds character (and weight), undermounts feel seamless under stone, inset sinks keep life simple in laminate. See our undermount vs Belfast sink guide for details.