Kitchen with tall units, wall cabinets and an island with seating

Short answer

Aluminum kitchen cost = linear meters × price per meter + worktop + tall units + accessories and appliances + any extra site work. Differences between market quotes usually come from two things: what a "meter" includes, and the specification of the carcass, hinges and fronts. Align both before comparing one price per meter with another.

What is a linear meter?

A linear meter is the length of the cabinet run along the wall, usually measured on the base units. Standard base units are about 85–90 cm high including the worktop and 60 cm deep; wall units are 70–90 cm high and 30–35 cm deep. Quotes differ on three points:

  • Base and wall units: some quotes price the meter for base units only, others for base plus wall units.
  • The corner: in an L-shaped kitchen the corner may be counted on both legs or on one, a difference of about 60 cm.
  • Tall units: a full-height oven or pantry unit is sometimes priced as two or three meters, or as a separate item.

Worked example: an L-shaped kitchen

Legs of 320 cm and 240 cm, wall units on both, and one 60 cm tall oven unit:

How the meter count changes with the method
MethodMeters countedNote
Both legs in full3.2 + 2.4 = 5.6 mCorner counted twice
Corner deducted from one leg3.2 + 1.8 = 5.0 m0.6 m difference
Tall unit as a separate itemAdded at its own priceAsk whether it sits inside or outside the meters

At the same price per meter, the total can differ by 10% or more from the measuring method alone. Always ask for a dimensioned drawing that shows every unit.

What raises or lowers the cost?

Aluminum kitchen cost drivers
FactorRaises costLowers cost
FrontsCladding, gloss or special wood-look finishesStandard matte fronts
DrawersMany full-extension soft-close drawersDoors instead of some drawers
CornersPull-out or carousel corner systemsFixed corner shelves
HeightWall units to the ceilingStandard wall-unit height
WorktopQuartz or marble with many edges and cutoutsStandard thickness and edge
AppliancesIntegrated appliances needing special unitsFreestanding appliances in standard sizes
AccessoriesInternal organizers, LED lighting, special basketsBasic dividers

What to compare in a kitchen quotation

Custom-kitchen quotation checklist
ItemQuestion to askWhat to record
Dimensions and quantitiesWhich base, wall, tall and corner units are included?Size and count of each unit
Carcass and frontsWhat are the carcass material, profile thickness, door core, finish and edges?Specification or sample code
Drawers and hingesWhich extension, closing and load specifications apply?Included hardware and optional upgrades
Worktop and sinkWhich material, thickness, cutouts and edges?Measuring, fabrication and fitting scope
Appliances and servicesWho supplies appliances and completes site work?Included and excluded tasks
Delivery and installationWho handles access, fitting and site preparation?Responsibilities, schedule and change procedure
Warranty and serviceWhat coverage applies to each part, and what is excluded?The warranty document for the selected product

How to manage the budget

  1. Fix appliance sizes first; they change the units.
  2. Use drawers only where you reach every day (pots, dishes, spices).
  3. Choose a feature front for visible units and a standard front elsewhere.
  4. Simplify complex corners you rarely use.
  5. Ask for an updated written quote after every layout change.

Aluminum kitchen price FAQs

Does the price per meter include wall units?

Not always. Some quotes price base units only, others base plus wall units. Ask for it in writing.

Is the worktop included in the price per meter?

Usually the worktop is priced separately by material, thickness and cutouts. Check each quote you compare.

How do I count the meters in my kitchen?

Add up the wall lengths that will carry base units, then ask how corners and tall units are counted. An L-shaped kitchen with 3.2 m and 2.4 m legs comes to 5.0 or 5.6 m depending on the corner.

Why does aluminum price per meter vary between companies?

Profile thickness, fronts, hinges and runners, what the meter includes (wall units, worktop, installation), and the warranty and after-sales service.