So, you’re ready to update your kitchen – maybe it’s long overdue, maybe it’s part of a larger renovation, or maybe you’ve just had enough of the wonky cupboard doors. Whatever the reason, the big question remains: how long does it take to fit a kitchen?
The answer, as you might expect, isn’t totally straightforward. Some kitchens can be done and dusted in a couple of weeks, while others stretch into months depending on what’s involved.
In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process from start to finish – including a realistic kitchen fitting timeline, what affects the duration, and what to expect at each stage.
So if you’ve been asking, “How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?” or “How long does it take to fit a kitchen?” you’re in the right place. Let’s get stuck in.
How long does it take to fit a kitchen on average?
The timeline for fitting a kitchen can vary widely. It depends on everything from how big your space is, to what kind of worktop you’ve chosen, to whether you’re just swapping out the old or starting from scratch.
Here’s a ballpark idea of what to expect:
- Standard kitchen fitting: Around 2 to 4 weeks.
- Smaller, simpler kitchens: Around 5 to 10 working days.
- Larger or bespoke designs: Can stretch to 4–6 weeks, sometimes more.
This timeframe includes both removal and installation – so from the moment the fitters walk through the door to the final finishing touches. And while each job is a little different, most follow a fairly similar path.
What’s usually included in the kitchen fitting timeline?
Old kitchen removal:
- Taking out existing units
- Pulling up old flooring
- Removing wall tiles
- Disconnecting and taking away old appliances
New kitchen installation:
- Cabinets and carcasses fitted.
- Worktops (standard or templated).
- Sink, tap, and appliances installed.
- Electrical and plumbing work (first and second fix).
- Finishing touches like splashbacks, sealing, and paintwork.
What affects how long it takes to fit a Kitchen?
While some kitchens sail through without a hitch, others hit delays. Knowing what can affect how long kitchen fitting will take helps you plan better – and avoid unexpected surprises.
1. Kitchen size – large Kitchens take more time
The size of your kitchen can significantly affect how long it will take to fit it. A compact galley kitchen might be quick to fit, but a large open-plan space with an island and pantry unit will naturally take longer.
More cabinets, more appliances, more time.
2. Design complexity – the more detailed, the longer it takes
How long your new kitchen will take for fitting will depend largely on design complexity. A simple kitchen layout with standard units can go in quickly.
But if your design includes bespoke touches, clever storage solutions, or tech features like under-cabinet lighting or smart plugs, expect things to slow down.
The more customisation you need, the longer it will take to install a new kitchen. Handleless kitchens, integrated appliances, or layouts with utility rooms and breakfast bars all demand extra precision – and that adds time.
3. Extent of renovation – Is it just a refit or a full remodel?
You might want just a straightforward kitchen fitting or a full remodel and renovation from scratch. If your kitchen project is a simple swap out, it might not take more than 1-2 weeks, but in case of a full renovation, fitting time will increase significantly.
For example, structural changes such as removing walls or adjusting ceiling height can add days or even weeks. Utility upgrades such as electrical rewiring, moving sockets, plumbing for new layouts, or gas works also add complexity.
And don’t forget tricky alcoves or chimney breasts – those can require custom cabinetry or extra preparation work, too.
4. Material lead times – Some things just take time
Some delays have nothing to do with the work on-site or the kitchen installers. If you’ve ordered custom units, stone worktops, or special appliances, you could be waiting 4 to 10 weeks before they even arrive.
Imported goods, hand-crafted details, or unique splashbacks can also slow things down – especially if shipping or templating is involved.
5. Worktop material – Quick fit or made-to-measure?
Not all worktops are equal when it comes to fitting time. For instance, laminate or timber tops can usually go in straight away.
On the other hand, quartz, granite, or Corian worktops require templating after the cabinets are in, then fabrication – typically adding 7 to 14 days to the schedule.
6. Flooring – Surprisingly time-consuming
Flooring might not seem like a big deal, but it can be a hidden time sink. If the subfloor needs levelling or if you’re dealing with awkward old tiles, it’ll take longer.
Good fitters like us will often install flooring after the units are in, cutting it around the cabinetry – this can actually save time and materials, depending on the layout.
7. Unexpected surprises – Especially in older properties
The older your home is, the more time it will likely take to fit a new kitchen. In most cases, older homes throw up a few surprises. Things like outdated wiring, dodgy plumbing, or flaky plaster can all grind work to a halt.
Drying times are another factor – if plastering is needed, you’re looking at:
- 3–4 days in warm, dry weather.
- 7+ days in winter.
- Specialist plasters? Up to 3–4 weeks to cure properly.
8. Unique features & extras
The more extras you add, the longer the kitchen fitting process will take. Templated splashbacks (especially in glass or metal), waterfall edges, smart tech, hidden storage… it all takes time to install properly.
And if anything needs custom cutting or finishing, that’s more days added to the clock.
As you can see, apart from having an older home, the most significant factor in how long does it take to install a kitchen is customisation required.
So when thinking about fitting a new kitchen consider the time requirement for each thing you want to bring in the new cooking space.
We are not saying you should not renovate your new kitchen as you desire. However, knowing the actual timeline will help you keep your expectations realistic and avoid frustration.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does it Cost to Fit a Kitchen in London
Stage-by-stage breakdown: How long does it take to fit a Kitchen?
When you’re trying to get a realistic answer to how long does it take to fit a kitchen, it’s helpful to look at each part of the project on its own. In that way, you will know what happens at each stage and set your expectations accurately. Here we go.
Below is a typical kitchen fitting timeline broken down stage by stage — from initial design to final touch-ups. Of course, not every kitchen renovation follows the same path, but this gives you a solid idea of what to expect.
1. Kitchen design & planning: 2–6 weeks
The first part of any kitchen refit is choosing what’s going on. You’ll likely visit showrooms, compare different styles, pick materials, and work through various layout options.
This part can move quickly, or it can take a bit longer if you’re unsure or exploring custom kitchen designs.
It’s worth taking your time here, as any delays or indecision now will almost always carry through to the rest of the installation. You probably heard the quote, “proper planning is half the work done”.
This is very true when it comes to fitting a new kitchen. The better the planning, the smoother the kitchen installation will be.
2. Pre-fit survey: 1 day
A few days before the fitting begins, our kitchen fitting and renovation experts will carry out a pre-fit survey. This is where final measurements are confirmed, and your walls, floors, and utilities are assessed one last time.
It’s a crucial check to make sure everything’s ready for the actual installation and avoids surprises or delays once work starts.
3. Removal of the old kitchen: 1–2 days
Removing your existing kitchen is usually the first hands-on task once the project begins. This involves stripping out cabinets, disconnecting appliances, and pulling up any old flooring or tiling.
If you’ve arranged a skip, the fitters will clear the waste at this point.
In most cases, this stage can be done in a day, but if the kitchen is large or awkwardly built in, it might run into a second.
Older properties can also reveal hidden problems like dodgy electrics or crumbling walls once the old units come out.
4. First fix plumbing & electrics: 2–5 days
Once the room is cleared, it’s time to move or add services. This could mean shifting pipework, adding new sockets, updating lighting positions, or even running in new wiring or installing consumer units.
Gas lines may also need altering if you’re switching to or from a gas hob.
The complexity here really does vary — straightforward jobs might only take a couple of days, while a full kitchen renovation in an older house might take up to a week at this stage.
5. Wall prep and plastering: 1–3 days (plus drying time)
If walls have been opened up or old tiles pulled off, they may need plastering or patching up before anything else can go on the walls.
Standard plastering jobs usually take 1–3 days, but don’t forget drying time — depending on the season, this can add another 2–7+ days.
For major layout changes, such as creating a new stud wall or reshaping the room, this stage can take longer.
6. Flooring installation: 1–5 days
The floor usually goes down before the new kitchen units go in — though some fitters will work the other way around depending on the materials and layout.
Vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood are often quicker to install, while tile or stone floors take longer due to preparation and drying time.
If underfloor heating is being installed, expect to add another couple of days here.
7. Main kitchen fitting: 3–5 days
This is where your new kitchen starts taking shape. Cabinets are fitted, carcasses built, and appliance housings installed. In most cases, this stage includes fitting standard laminate or wooden worktops too.
How long to fit a kitchen at this stage depends on how complex the layout is. A simple galley kitchen might be wrapped up in a few days.
A large U-shape or open-plan kitchen with islands, utility areas, or multiple zones will need longer.
8. Worktop templating and fitting: 7–14 days (stone surfaces only)
If you’re going with quartz, granite, or Corian worktops, there’s usually a gap of one to two weeks between templating (which can only happen once the base units are fitted) and actual installation.
These surfaces need to be custom-cut off-site and carefully installed, which adds to the total timeline.
This wait time often catches people out — so it’s something to factor in if you’re choosing stone or composite worktops.
9. Second fix electrics & plumbing: 1–2 days
With everything now in place, it’s time to reconnect appliances, lighting, taps, and any smart kitchen features. This is known as the second fix and tends to be fairly quick — unless complications crop up, this part is usually complete within a day or two.
10. Tiling, splashbacks & final decoration: 1–3 days
Once the major fittings are in, final finishes can go ahead. That includes painting, tiling, splashback installation, and sealing around units and worktops.
Glass or custom splashbacks may come with their own lead time, depending on supplier availability.
11. Snagging & final touches: 1–2 days
Finally, any last adjustments or snagging jobs are tackled — that might include fitting handles, aligning doors, sealing edges, or touching up paint.
You’ll also do a walkthrough with your fitter or project manager to make sure everything is as it should be.
Quick tips to speed up the kitchen fitting process
If you’re asking how long does it take to install a kitchen, a lot of it depends on how prepared you are before the tools even come out.
There’s no magic trick to making a kitchen refit fly by, but a few smart moves can shave days (or even weeks) off the process.
If you’re trying to keep your kitchen installation time as short as possible, here’s what helps:
1. Finalise your design before work starts
Changing plans mid-way is the fastest way to slow things down. Confirm your layout, appliance sizes, and finishes ahead of time, and make sure your fitters have a copy of the final specification.
2. Get all materials and appliances on-site early
Delays often come from missing parts — especially bespoke worktops, splashbacks, or integrated appliances. Having everything delivered before day one helps your installer keep things moving without pause.
3. Empty Your kitchen before fitters arrive
It sounds obvious, but packing up a kitchen takes longer than you think. Move out everything — even the bits in the back of drawers — before the first fitting day to avoid holding things up.
4. Be available, but don’t hover
Your kitchen installer may have quick questions about layout, finishes, or adjustments. Being reachable helps avoid pause points — just try not to micromanage while they’re working.
5. Keep a buffer in your timeline and budget
No matter how well you prepare, surprises can still pop up. Build in a few extra days (and a small emergency fund) to deal with the unexpected. Older homes especially tend to throw a curveball or two.
6. Choose faster-fitting options where you can
Want to cut down on fitting time? Consider:
- Laminate or timber worktops instead of quartz or granite.
- Vinyl flooring over porcelain tile.
Flat-pack units that are pre-assembled by the fitter (instead of rigid units that may need adjustments)
Final thoughts
So — how long does it take to fit a kitchen from start to finish? If everything lines up — with a straightforward design, ready-to-go materials, and no hiccups — you could have your kitchen installed in 2 to 3 weeks.
That’s assuming minimal delays and a standard-sized room with no structural changes.
In real-world terms, though, most kitchen installations in the UK tend to take 4 to 6 weeks, especially once you factor in:
- Planning and design time.
- Lead times for materials.
- Worktop fabrication delays.
- Drying times for plaster or screed.
- Unexpected problems with electrics or plumbing.
For more complex kitchen renovations — especially those involving walls being moved, rewiring, or lots of bespoke features — 6 to 8+ weeks is not unusual.
The key takeaway? A smooth kitchen refit doesn’t just depend on how good your fitter is. It’s all about good planning, clear decisions, realistic expectations, and leaving space for a bit of the unexpected.