Replace kitchen panels & trim.

Replacing kitchen end panels, plinths, cornices, pelmets, and appliance decor trim in the UK typically costs £60–£300 per panel or trim, depending on size and finish. A typical "minor refresh" of damaged panels and trims runs £200–£800 total — much cheaper than a kitchen refit and refreshes the look noticeably if you're keeping the carcasses.

Common reasons: water damage at the dishwasher / washing machine end panels, scratched or chipped panels in high-traffic areas, replacing dated profiles (cornice / pelmet) for a more contemporary look, or matching panels after appliance changes.

Typical UK costs

Common replacement scenarios

• Water-damaged end panels — dishwasher and washing machine adjacent panels swell from leaks. Replace and reseal the appliance better to prevent recurrence.
• Scratched or chipped panels — high-traffic areas (next to bin pull-outs, dog bowls). Replace and consider a tougher edge finish.
• Dated profiles — replacing chunky 1990s cornice with slimline modern profile gives a contemporary look without changing doors.
• Mismatched panels after appliance upgrade — swapping a freestanding appliance for an integrated one needs a matching decor door panel.
• Plinth gaps after flooring change — new flooring height changes plinth fit; either plane down old plinths or replace.

Sourcing matching panels

The challenge is matching colour and finish on a kitchen that may be 5-15 years old. Options:

• Original supplier — Howdens, Wickes, B&Q, Magnet, etc. often carry the original ranges for 5-10 years post-launch. Best match if you can find the original product code.
• Specialist replacement panel suppliers — companies like Kitchen Door Workshop, Replacement Doors UK can match older finishes from labels or photos.
• Custom paint match — solid-colour panels can be remade in MDF and painted to match. £60-£200 per panel.
• Veneer or laminate sample — for wood-effect panels, take a sample to a kitchen panel supplier for matching.

Things people often miss

• Carcass condition — if the carcass behind a damaged panel has also rotted, replacing just the panel is a stop-gap. Inspect the carcass when removing the old panel.
• Edge finishing — panel cut edges need ABS edge banding or paint to match the visible faces. Cheap installs leave bare MDF edges visible.
• Plinth ventilation for appliances — fridge and freezer plinths need vent grilles for compressor airflow. Don't replace with solid plinth.
• Skirting interaction — kitchen panels often meet the room's skirting boards. Fit one or the other in the right order to avoid an awkward joint.
• Painted panels in family kitchens — solid-colour painted finishes show fingerprints and scuffs more than veneer or laminate. Consider tougher finishes (high-pressure laminate) for high-use areas.
• Worktop overhang — replacing end panels on a unit with worktop overhang means measuring for the correct panel dimension that doesn't compromise the worktop.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A kitchen fitter or specialist panel replacer will source matching panels, fit cleanly, and finish edges properly. The £150-£400 fee is small vs a full kitchen and gets the job done in a day or two.