Being without a kitchen is disruptive, so one of the most common questions I get asked is simply: how long will it take? Here is a realistic guide to how long it takes to fit a new kitchen, and what can make the difference.
The Short Answer
A typical kitchen takes around three to five working days to fit. A small, straightforward kitchen with laminate worktops might be done in two to three days, while a larger kitchen with stone worktops, tiling and flooring can run to a week or more.
A Rough Day-by-Day Timeline
Every job is different, but a typical install often runs like this:
- Day 1: Remove the old kitchen, prepare the walls and floor, and start any first-fix plumbing and electrical work
- Day 2: Fit the base and wall units, levelled and secured
- Day 3: Template and fit worktops (laminate same-day; stone or quartz may be ordered after templating)
- Day 4: Fit the sink, tap, appliances and splashbacks, and connect services
- Day 5: Finishing — trims, handles, adjustments, sealing and a final tidy
What Can Add Time
- Stone or quartz worktops, which are templated then fitted a few days later
- Tiling and flooring as part of the job
- Moving plumbing or electrics, for example relocating the sink
- Replastering or making good after the old kitchen comes out
- Delivery delays or missing parts from the supplier
- Older properties with uneven walls and floors that need extra levelling
How to Keep Things on Track
The biggest cause of delays is usually the kitchen not being fully on site before fitting starts. To keep things moving:
- Make sure your whole kitchen has been delivered and checked before the start date
- Confirm worktop choice early, especially for stone or quartz
- Clear the room and nearby space for access
- Agree the plan and timeline with your fitter up front
Why some kitchens take longer than others
The headline timescale shifts with a few things. A like-for-like replacement in the same layout is quickest; moving the sink, hob or sockets adds first-fix plumbing and electrical work. Tiling and flooring add days, and the worktop matters — laminate is cut and fitted on the day, while solid stone or quartz is templated first and fitted on a separate visit a week or so later. Integrated appliances and trims add a little time too.
Living through a kitchen fit
A bit of planning makes the disruption bearable. Set up a temporary kettle-and-washing-up station in another room, plan easy meals, and make sure your appliances have arrived before fitting starts so nothing holds the job up. If you are having stone worktops, expect a gap mid-fit while they are templated and made. My supply-only kitchen guide covers how to line everything up.
Get a Realistic Timescale
When I quote a kitchen, I give you a realistic timescale based on your actual job — not an optimistic guess. If you are planning a kitchen in the Blackburn area, see kitchen fitting in Blackburn or get in touch with your plans for a free quote and timeline.