Tired of your kitchen's look but not quite ready to replace your cabinets? Kitchen door wrapping could give you the fresh look you want. It's a cost-effective way to transform your kitchen by applying a thin adhesive film over your existing cupboard doors and drawer fronts, giving the entire space a sleek, new appearance without the expense of buying new units.
Many UK homeowners are turning to wrapping as an alternative to full renovations. Whether you're after a modern matte finish or a warm woodgrain texture, high quality vinyl wraps offer both versatility and affordability. In fact, a full kitchen wrap typically costs between £200 and £700, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to modernise your space.
The Benefits of Kitchen Door Wrapping
Kitchen wrapping offers several benefits:
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Cost-effective solution: Significantly cheaper than replacement or repainting.
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Quick turnaround: Most kitchens can be vinyl-wrapped in just a day.
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Durable: More resilient than paint, resistant to scratches and peeling.
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Removable: Vinyl wrap is easy to change again if your tastes shift later on.
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Stylish options: Choose from hundreds of colours, textures, and patterns.
The result? A flawless, smooth finish that instantly elevates your kitchen's aesthetic without streaks or brush marks.
Types of Kitchen Door Wraps
The most common material for kitchen wraps is vinyl, prized for its durability and easy maintenance. It resists moisture, scratches, and chips and never needs repainting. You'll find vinyl wrap in a vast range:
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High gloss or matte finishes
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Wood grain and textured finish looks
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Metallic, carbon fibre, glitter, and patterned styles
Other options include laminate wraps, known for extra durability, and wood veneer, which adds natural charm, but both come with higher costs or maintenance needs.
How Much Does Kitchen Door Wrapping Cost?
Wrapping your kitchen doors is an affordable way to give your kitchen a modern makeover without the steep cost of full cabinet replacements. But how much should you actually budget for?
On average, in the UK, the cost of wrapping a single kitchen door typically ranges from £50 to £250, depending on material quality and the complexity of the finish. That puts the average per-door cost around £150. For a complete kitchen vinyl wrap—including around 13 doors, 3 drawers, side panels, and plinths—you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,500 to £4,000, with the national average sitting at approximately £2,750.
Several key factors influence the final cost:
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Material choice: Standard gloss vinyl might cost just £10–£20/m², while textured, metallic, or patterned finishes can run as high as £25/m².
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Kitchen size: More doors and drawers mean higher material and labour costs.
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Design complexity: Intricate vinyl wraps or premium textures may take longer to apply and cost more.
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Labour: Professional fitting typically costs between £150 and £200 per day, depending on location.
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Preparation work: Kitchens that need deep cleaning or sanding before wrapping may see additional charges.
Here's a rough guide by kitchen size:
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Small kitchen (4 drawers, 5 doors) – £450 to £800
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Medium kitchen (6 drawers, 9 doors) – £800 to £1,200
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Large kitchen (8 drawers, 12 doors) – £1,100 to £1,500
To get the best deal, always request multiple quotes from local kitchen fitters. Many professionals will include the cost of vinyl wrap, labour, and finishing in one package, so be sure to clarify what's included before signing anything.
Kitchen Vinyl Wrapping Service Costs: What's Included?
When budgeting for kitchen vinyl wrapping, it's helpful to understand what goes into the total service cost beyond just the vinyl.
Most kitchen wrapping jobs take 1 to 3 days, depending on kitchen size and design complexity. You'll usually pay a daily rate for the tradesperson, which ranges from £100 to £200 per day, adding up to roughly £120–£320 in labour for a standard kitchen.
Other common service costs include:
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Preparation and cleaning: £30–£75
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Ongoing maintenance (if offered): £25–£60
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Miscellaneous tools and materials: £30–£50
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Transport fees: £20–£50
To get the best value, look for experienced professionals specialising in kitchen vinyl wrapping. A proven track record can mean faster, higher-quality work, saving you money in the long run.
Check customer reviews and request a fully itemised quote showing material and labour breakdowns. The vinyl wrap itself can cost £10–£25 per square metre, so your provider's transparency matters.
Kitchen Door Wrapping Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Total
Want to price up your kitchen door wrapping project in advance? Here are the four main cost variables:
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Type of vinyl wrap: Gloss is typically cheaper than textured or metallic finishes. Prices range from £10–£25/m².
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Number of doors: Most homeowners pay £150–£250 per cabinet door, which quickly adds up in larger kitchens.
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Condition of existing cabinet doors: Any dents or bumps must be smoothed out before wrapping, increasing prep costs. New cabinet doors may be required to replace broken ones.
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Labour and project duration: One to three days of work means an average labour cost of £120–£320.
Factor in all of the above for a more accurate cost estimate for your kitchen wrapping project. Also, always add a 10% contingency buffer for unexpected adjustments.
Alternatives to Vinyl Wrapping: What Else Can You Do?
Not sure vinyl wrapping is right for you? Here are a few other options:
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Painting: Budget-friendly, but a fresh coat but requires prep and precision to look good.
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Replacing doors: Ideal if doors are damaged, but costs more than wrapping.
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Staining or varnishing: Best for wooden doors; retains natural beauty.
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Decorative overlays: Temporary, inexpensive, and easy to switch up.
Each option has pros, cons, and price points, so weigh what matters most: cost, appearance, or longevity.
How to Maintain Your Wrapped Kitchen Doors for Long-Lasting Results
Once your kitchen doors are beautifully wrapped, it pays to look after them. With proper care, vinyl wraps can stay sleek and stylish for up to 10 years, making your initial investment go even further.
Here's how to keep your wrapped doors in top condition:
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Clean regularly: Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to wipe down the surfaces. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners, which can scratch or dull the finish.
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Limit moisture exposure: Excess moisture can weaken adhesive over time. Always wipe away splashes on the kitchen worktop and doors, and ensure your kitchen space is well-ventilated after cooking.
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Handle gently: Repeated slamming can cause the vinyl to lift at the edges. Soft-close hinges or a little extra care when opening and shutting doors go a long way.
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Watch out for heat: Keep wrapped doors away from ovens, toasters, or heat vents. Direct heat can cause warping or discolouration.
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Fix minor damage early: Address any small tears, bubbles, or peeling on your kitchen units as soon as you notice them to prevent the issue from spreading.
With these habits, your vinyl kitchen doors will continue looking showroom-ready—no repainting or replacements needed.
FAQs
Can I remove the vinyl wrap from the kitchen doors?
Yes, but it's best done by a professional to avoid damaging the surface underneath.
Is vinyl wrapping worth it?
Absolutely. It's an affordable, high-impact upgrade that's perfect if a complete refit is outside your budget.
Can you wrap kitchen cabinets, too?
Yes, wrapping is commonly done on both cabinet doors and drawer fronts for a seamless look.
How long will the wrap last?
With proper care, up to 10 years or more.
Can I do it myself?
Technically, yes, but professional installation (and specialist tools) is recommended over a DIY project for a smooth, bubble-free finish.
Does vinyl wrapping work on all surfaces?
It works best on smooth MDF or laminate. Uneven or damaged surfaces may not hold the wrap well.
Is it easy to remove?
It can be removed, though some adhesive residue may remain, meaning it's another reason to let a pro handle it.
