How Long Does It Take to Fit a New Kitchen?
A typical kitchen installation can take anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks, but there is no fixed timeframe that applies to every project.
The amount of time needed to fit a new kitchen depends on the size of the room, the amount of preparation required, whether the layout is changing and how many other trades are involved.
A straightforward replacement kitchen, where the existing layout is staying largely the same, can often move ahead relatively quickly. A full kitchen renovation involving plumbing, electrics, plastering, flooring, worktops and structural changes will naturally take longer.
The important thing is to work to a realistic programme rather than rush the installation. A well-fitted kitchen should look right, work properly and stand up to everyday use for years to come.
Delta Joinery provides expert kitchen fitting across West Lothian, Edinburgh and surrounding areas, with each project planned around the actual work required rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.
What Affects How Long a Kitchen Takes to Fit?
Several factors can influence the overall kitchen installation timescale.
These include:
- The size and layout of the kitchen
- Whether the old kitchen needs to be removed
- The condition of the walls and floor
- Whether plumbing or electrics need to be altered
- The number of units being installed
- The type of worktops being fitted
- Whether appliances are being integrated
- Whether plastering, tiling or flooring is required
- Any unexpected problems discovered during the strip-out
Two kitchens of a similar size can therefore take very different amounts of time to complete.
What Happens Before the Kitchen Is Fitted?
The fitting process does not always begin with installing cabinets.
In many projects, the old kitchen first needs to be removed and the room prepared for the new installation.
Once existing units, worktops and appliances are taken out, areas that were previously hidden become visible. This is often the point where issues such as leaking pipes, damaged walls, poor plumbing or outdated electrical work are discovered.
Delta Joinery has encountered these types of problems during kitchen strip-outs, and they should always be dealt with properly before the new kitchen installation progresses.
Trying to build a new kitchen over existing problems can create much bigger issues l
How Long Does Removing an Old Kitchen Take?
A straightforward kitchen strip-out can often be completed relatively quickly, but the exact time depends on the size and condition of the existing kitchen.
Removing units and worktops is only part of the process.
Appliances may need to be disconnected, plumbing isolated and waste removed. Once the room has been cleared, the walls, floor and existing services should also be inspected.
If everything is in good condition, the project can move directly into preparation and fitting. If repairs are needed, some additional time may need to be allowed before the new kitchen is installed.
Does Changing the Kitchen Layout Take Longer?
Usually, yes.
Keeping a similar kitchen layout can make the installation more straightforward because sinks, appliances and services may remain in roughly the same locations.
A completely new layout can involve moving:
- Sinks
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Ovens
- Hobs
- Electrical sockets
- Lighting
- Extractor fans
These changes may require additional plumbing and electrical work before the kitchen cabinets can be fitted.
That does not mean you should avoid changing the layout if it will create a better kitchen. It simply means the additional work should be factored into the installation programme from the beginning.
How Long Does Kitchen Cabinet Installation Take?
Once the room is properly prepared, the main kitchen fitting can begin.
Base units, wall units and tall housings need to be positioned accurately, levelled and secured.
This stage is where skilled installation becomes particularly important.
Very few homes have perfectly level floors or completely straight walls. The fitter may need to make careful adjustments to ensure the kitchen remains straight, level and properly aligned.
This can include:
- Levelling individual cabinets
- Scribing units or panels to uneven walls
- Adjusting fillers
- Checking cabinet runs
- Allowing the correct gaps for appliances
- Making sure doors and drawers will align correctly
Kitchen fitting is therefore about much more than simply assembling units.
How Long Does It Take to Fit Kitchen Worktops?
The timescale depends heavily on the type of worktop you choose.
Laminate Worktops
Laminate worktops can often be cut, joined and fitted on site as part of the kitchen installation.
The amount of time required depends on the kitchen layout, number of joints and cut-outs needed for sinks and hobs.
Quartz and Granite Worktops
Quartz, granite and some specialist solid-surface worktops are normally templated after the base units have been fitted and levelled.
The measurements are then sent for fabrication before the finished worktops are returned and installed.
This can create a gap in the overall kitchen installation programme, so it is worth discussing worktop lead times before the project starts.
Do Plumbing and Electrics Add Time?
They can.
If the new kitchen has a different layout, plumbing and electrical services may need to be moved or altered.
Even when the layout stays broadly the same, new appliances, sockets or lighting may require additional work.
Delta Joinery can co-ordinate the plumbers, electricians, plasterers and tilers required during an installation, helping the different stages of the project work together.
Does Plastering Affect the Kitchen Installation Timescale?
Yes.
If walls need to be repaired or replastered after the old kitchen has been removed, sufficient drying time must be allowed before decorating or fitting against those surfaces.
The extent of the plastering will affect how long this takes.
Minor patch repairs may have little impact on the overall project, while larger areas of new plaster can add additional time.
It is always better to allow the wall to dry properly than rush into fitting or decoration too early.
When Is Flooring Installed During a Kitchen Renovation?
The timing of flooring depends on the type of flooring and the kitchen design.
Some floors are installed before the kitchen, while others are fitted after the cabinets are in place.
For example, tiled or fully finished floors may sometimes run underneath the kitchen, whereas other flooring products may be laid around completed cabinets and plinths.
The best sequence should be agreed before the project begins so the fitter and flooring contractor are working to the same plan.
Why Rushing a Kitchen Installation Is a Bad Idea
It can be tempting to focus on getting a kitchen completed as quickly as possible.
However, accuracy is more important than speed.
Small fitting details have a significant effect on the finished kitchen:
- Doors should align
- Units should sit level
- Worktop joints should be neat
- Fillers should fit tightly
- Panels and trims should be carefully finished
Delta Joinery’s approach is based around detailed fitting and correcting anything that does not meet the required standard, even where the homeowner might not immediately notice it.
How Can You Help Your Kitchen Installation Run Smoothly?
Good planning makes a significant difference.
Before installation begins:
- Make sure the kitchen design is finalised
- Confirm appliance sizes
- Check delivery dates
- Discuss plumbing and electrical changes
- Clear the kitchen and nearby areas
- Agree who is responsible for each part of the project
An experienced fitter can help identify these issues in advance.
Should You Arrange the Fitting Before Ordering Your Kitchen?
Ideally, yes.
If you are buying your kitchen from Wren, Howdens, IKEA, B&Q or another supplier, it can be useful to speak to Delta Joinery while you are still planning the project.
You can choose the kitchen you want from the supplier that suits your style and budget, then use Delta Joinery for the expert fitting.
If you already have a kitchen plan, Andy can review the design and provide an estimate for the installation.
This also gives you a clearer understanding of the overall project before the kitchen arrives.
How Long Should You Allow for Your New Kitchen?
Rather than working towards an arbitrary number of days, your installer should provide a realistic programme based on your particular project.
A professionally installed kitchen should be completed efficiently without compromising on workmanship.
Delta Joinery provides kitchen fitting throughout West Lothian, Edinburgh and surrounding areas and manages installations from preparation through to finishing and aftercare.
If you are planning a new kitchen in West Lothian or the surrounding areas, get in touch with Delta Joinery today.
