Kitchen Layout Comparison
Single-wall, galley, L-shape, U-shape, or island — the right kitchen layout depends on your room's shape, your budget, and how you actually use the space. Here's how the five layouts compare.
| Layout | Relative Cost Factor | Best For | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Wall | 0.85× – 0.95× | Apartments, baches, narrow rooms | Lowest |
| Galley | 0.95× – 1.05× | Dedicated, efficient cook's kitchen | Low |
| L-Shape | 1.0× – 1.05× | Most NZ homes — flexible for small-to-mid rooms | Moderate |
| U-Shape | 1.08× – 1.15× | More storage and bench space for family homes | Moderate–High |
| With Island | 1.15× – 1.25× | Open-plan living and entertaining | Highest |
Relative cost factor shown as a multiplier against the same kitchen size and finish tier — L-shape is the closest to a neutral baseline. Figures match those used in our kitchen cost calculator.
Single-Wall Kitchens
All cabinetry and appliances run along one wall. It's the most space- and cost-efficient layout, using the least cabinetry and benchtop of any option — ideal for apartments, baches, and narrow rooms where floor space is the limiting factor.
Galley Kitchens
Two parallel benchtop runs face each other, creating a tight, efficient workflow between prep, cook, and clean zones. It suits a dedicated cook's kitchen well, though it can feel cramped with more than one or two people working in it at once.
L-Shape Kitchens
Two connected runs at a right angle free up an adjoining wall for a dining table or walkway. It's the most common layout in New Zealand homes because it adapts well to both small and mid-size rooms without needing extra floor space.
U-Shape Kitchens
Three connected runs wrap around the room, giving significantly more bench space and storage than an L-shape — at a real cost premium, since it uses more cabinetry and benchtop material and takes longer to install.
Island Kitchens
Any of the above layouts plus a freestanding island. It carries the highest relative cost of the five layouts — a full extra bench run, plus usually extra plumbing or electrical coordination — but it's also the layout most suited to open-plan entertaining, since it puts a workspace and social space in the same footprint.
Layout FAQ
Which kitchen layout is cheapest?
A single-wall layout is typically the most cost-effective, using the least cabinetry and benchtop material of any layout. Galley and L-shape layouts are broadly comparable in cost.
Which kitchen layout is best for a family home?
L-shape and U-shape layouts are the most common choices for family homes, since they offer more bench space and storage than a single-wall layout without requiring an island. An island layout adds further bench space and a social/entertaining focal point, at a higher material cost.
Does adding an island always cost more?
Yes — an island layout carries the highest relative material and installation cost of the five layouts, since it adds a whole additional bench and cabinetry run plus extra plumbing/electrical coordination in most cases.
What's the difference between a galley and an L-shape kitchen?
A galley kitchen has two parallel benchtop runs facing each other, suiting a dedicated, efficient workflow. An L-shape uses two connected runs at a right angle, freeing up one wall — it's the most common NZ layout because it adapts well to both small and mid-size rooms.
Can I get an exact cost for my chosen layout?
Yes — our free kitchen cost calculator applies these same layout factors to your specific size and finish tier for a tailored estimate.
Get a Cost Estimate for Your Layout
Our free cost calculator applies these same layout factors to your kitchen's size and finish tier.
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