How Long Does It Take to Fit a Kitchen?

Having a new kitchen installed can prove quite an upheaval for a household. Aside from the costs involved, there are times you won’t be able to use either the sink or cooker, for instance, and will have to eat out or get takeaways.

There are also physical obstacles getting in the way of entering or leaving your home. So, it’s fair enough to wonder exactly how long it takes to fit a kitchen.

Quick Answer: Kitchen Fitting Timeline

A typical kitchen installation takes between 5-14 days for the actual fitting work, with the entire project (including planning and delivery) spanning 1-4 weeks. The exact timeline depends on your kitchen size, complexity of work, and whether you encounter any unexpected issues.

Kitchen Fitting Timeline by Size

• Small (under 10m²) | 5-7 days | £5,000-£8,000
• Medium (10-15m²) | 10-14 days | £8,000-£15,000
• Large (15m²+) | 3-4 weeks | £15,000-£30,000+

Day-by-Day Kitchen Fitting Schedule

For a typical medium-sized kitchen (10-15m²), here’s what you can expect:

Day 1: Removal and Preparation (4-8 hours)

Your existing kitchen is stripped out, including cabinets, worktops, and appliances. The space is cleared and prepared for the new installation.

Days 2-3: First Fix (Electrics, Plumbing, Gas)

Tradespeople install new wiring, move plumbing connections, and update gas lines as needed for your new layout.

Days 4-6: Cabinet Installation and Worktop Fitting

Base and wall units are installed and levelled. Worktops are measured, cut to fit, and secured in place. This is when your kitchen starts to take shape.

Days 7-9: Second Fix and Appliance Installation

Electricians connect lighting and appliances, plumbers fit the sink and taps, and gas engineers install the hob or cooker.

Days 10-12: Finishing Touches

Flooring is laid, splashbacks are tiled, and decorative elements are added. Skirting boards and final paintwork complete the look.

Days 13-14: Final Checks and Handover

All tradespeople return for final connections and safety checks. Your kitchen fitter inspects everything and signs off on the project.

Total Time Taken for a New Kitchen Installation

How long does it take to fit a kitchen? Well, it mainly depends on the size of your kitchen, what you’re having done (a full refit will take longer than a smaller kitchen renovation project) and whether or not you have a kitchen fitter who is both organised and experienced in dealing with other tradesmen.

The rough answer is that it can take between one to four weeks from the planning stage to completion, depending on the size of your existing kitchen, and how much building work you’re having done.

Then again, other factors also come into play. We’ve attempted to answer the question of the length of time it takes to install a kitchen in greater detail in this article.

The Stages of Having a New Kitchen Fitted

It’s a good idea to break the kitchen installation down into stages. Each of these stages should come with a plan of action and timeframe in mind. That way, once you cross off a stage, you’ll know you’re finally getting somewhere.

After all, without a definite answer to the question posed at the start of this article it can, at times, feel as if you’re never going to get there.

Here are the main stages for a new kitchen fitting:

1. Planning

The length of time you spend planning your new kitchen renovation is entirely up to you.

Do you, for instance, want to replace the kitchen units, or keep the shells and just buy new doors for them? Or, are you looking for a full kitchen makeover with new flooring and worktops too? If so, it’s going to take some time to choose your favourite cabinets and floor tiles etc.

If you want to alter your kitchen completely then it’s a good idea to consult a kitchen designer. He or she will be able to find the best storage and budget solutions for you.

2. Removal of the Old Kitchen

Your contractor will do this since he or she will be familiar with what should come out first and how to do that. It shouldn’t take too long either – a few hours tops to an experienced kitchen fitter.

If you plan on reselling the cabinets then let him or her know before they start. The same with your worktops and any kitchen appliances.

3. Ordering and Delivery of the New Kitchen

A new kitchen can take anything from two to four weeks to get delivered: longer if it’s being customised for you. Once you know when it’s being delivered you can then go ahead and book your kitchen fitter in.

4. The First Fix

To fit a kitchen you’ll want an electrician, gas engineer and a plumber to come in and check everything (i.e. the wiring, plumbing etc.) is in good working order. It may be that you have to alter things slightly to fit with the layout of the new kitchen.

You may, for instance, want the sink in a different place, an induction hob fitted to a kitchen island, or more sockets installed etc. This first fix phase should take around two to three days, depending on the work involved and the availability of the tradespeople you want.

Electrics

Your lighting requirements will probably change when you have a new kitchen fitted. Under-cabinet lighting is very popular these days and so too is pendant lighting over a kitchen island. As such, rewiring is common when you have a new kitchen fitted.

Plumbing

You’re more than likely going to require new taps to fit in with your new kitchen renovation design. But there may be an alteration to the plumbing too, especially if you want to change the location of your dishwasher and washing machine.

Gas

Gas cookers are still more popular than the newer induction hobs. As a result, you’ll likely have a Gas Safe Engineer in to check everything is in order and to install new piping or remove older ones, depending on what you choose to cook with in your new kitchen installation.

5. Fitting

Once the plumbing and rewiring etc. is completed the kitchen can be fitted. It’s at this stage that you see your dream kitchen fitting finally take shape. The kitchen cabinets, island and kitchen worktops are the first to go up, followed by the sink, cooker and large electrical appliances.

6. The Finishing Touches

The flooring, skirting boards, splashbacks and decorative touches are the next to be done. Painting and tiling can also be carried out at this stage. Expect this to take around two to three days. Then you can add any additional kitchen furniture you require.

Final Checks

The final fix involves your earlier tradespeople appearing, such as the electrician returning to connect the wiring for your appliances and under-cabinet lighting etc. The plumber will connect the sink and taps, as well as the washing machine etc., while the gas engineer will connect the hob and double-check gas fittings (he or she will also provide you with a gas safety certificate). This could take up to two days.

Your kitchen fitter (whoever was in charge of the project) will double-check all appliances, fixtures and fittings etc then sign off the job.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

Even well-planned kitchen installations can encounter delays. Here are the most common issues and how to minimise their impact:

Delivery Delays (Add 1-2 weeks)

Custom cabinets or specialist worktops may arrive late. Always build in a buffer period and confirm delivery dates before booking tradespeople. Consider ordering materials 1-2 weeks earlier than your planned start date.

Hidden Structural Issues (Add 2-5 days)

Removing old units may reveal damp, faulty wiring, or weak flooring. Have your fitter inspect the space beforehand if possible, and set aside a contingency budget of 10-15% for unexpected repairs.

Tradesperson Availability (Add 1-3 days)

Coordinating electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers can be challenging. Book all tradespeople as soon as you have a delivery date, and choose a main contractor who manages these schedules for you.

Incorrect Measurements (Add 3-7 days)

Worktops or cabinets that don’t fit properly need to be reordered. Professional templating before ordering worktops is essential, especially for stone or composite materials.

Planning Permission or Building Regulations (Add 4-12 weeks)

If you’re removing load-bearing walls, extending your kitchen, or making major structural changes, you may need approval. Check requirements with your local council before starting work.

Additional Factors That Can Affect the Time Taken

• Changing the position of appliances – Moving the location of your dishwasher, washing machine, cooker etc will certainly add time on to your kitchen renovation. That’s because it will involve complete rewiring.
• Expensive worktops – Some worktops may need finishing or a specialist installer to ensure the units are strong enough. Marble worktops and those made from granite, for instance, are particularly heavy.

Hiring a Kitchen Fitter

There are various routes you can go down to find the right kitchen fitter for you. We’ve listed some of them right here:

1. The Page – You can get a list of local experienced and trusted kitchen fitters from us. Get in touch for a curated list.
2. Online Directories – TrustMark and Buy with Confidence are two government-run directories where tradespeople are qualified, vetted and have to adhere to a code of conduct. Both also ensure clients have access to a complaints system should they be unhappy with the work or conduct of a member.
3. Facebook groups – Residents in local community groups can recommend kitchen fitters in the area. You can also find forums such as Find a Tradesman UK.
4. Recommendations – Work colleagues, neighbours, friends, family – you probably know someone who has recently had a kitchen fitted. Ask them if they would recommend their fitter.
5. Other Tradespeople – It takes a good tradesperson to know one etc. Ask a joiner, builder or plumber if they know of a good kitchen fitter. Chances are they’ve worked with several in their time and can recommend their favourite to you.

Whichever path you go down, make sure you get at least three quotes. Look at previous work too and look for any online reviews, testimonials etc. Better to be safe than sorry!