How long does a kitchen installation really take? We walk you through what happens each day during a typical installation project.
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is 'how long will my new kitchen take?' The honest answer depends on the scope of your project, but we can walk you through a typical timeline for a standard family kitchen in Essex.
Before work begins, we'll have carried out a detailed survey of your space and agreed a project plan. Lead times for kitchen units from major manufacturers are typically 4–8 weeks from order to delivery, so there's usually a preparation period before installation day arrives.
Days 1–2: Strip-out and preparation. We remove all existing units, appliances, and flooring if required. The walls are assessed and any structural or damp issues are addressed. Waste is removed from the site cleanly.
Days 3–4: First fix plumbing and electrics. Before cabinets go in, the plumber and electrician do their first fix work — running new pipe runs, moving waste connections, adding circuits, and positioning sockets and switches in their new locations.
Days 5–7: Cabinet installation. The base units, wall units, and any larder or tall units are installed and perfectly levelled. Door hinges are fitted and adjusted for alignment.
Days 8–9: Worktop templating and fitting. A template is taken for stone worktops (usually installed 3–5 days after templating), or laminate worktops are cut and fitted on the same day.
Days 10–11: Appliance installation, final plumbing, and electrics. Appliances are connected and commissioned, the sink is fitted, and final electrical connections are made by our certified electrician.
Days 12–13: Tiling, splashback, and finishing. Wall tiling, splashback fitting, plinth installation, and any final decorating is completed. The kitchen is thoroughly cleaned.
This timeline assumes a standard 3–4 metre run kitchen. Larger projects, islands, complex layouts, or significant structural changes will add time. Our project manager will give you a precise schedule before work begins.