You have had long-awaited thoughts of a beautiful new kitchen (maybe for months now). If you have been reading design blogs articles, watching numerous renovation videos in Instagram and YouTube and even carefully chosen every detail from cabinet door style down to the perfect hardware.
What we’re all thinking right now is when can we expect this installation. Is my living room going to look like this forever? I can’t keep up anymore with all these cardboard boxes and fuss around.
Several variables impact the cabinet installation schedule so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Do not worry; we shall break it down for you. This way, you will be aware of what to expect when the new cabinets arrive.
Factors That Determine Cabinet Installation Time
Like any home improvement project, the cabinet installation process isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key variables can significantly speed things up or add extra time to the timeline:
Project Size & Scope
- Number of cabinets being installed
- Overall square footage of the kitchen
- Whether it’s a full renovation with demolition or just a cabinet refresh
Cabinet Complexity & Customization
- Using standard stock cabinets vs. custom designed
- Incorporating specialized organizational inserts or intricate detailing
- Adding extras like a entertaiment center, wine fridge, etc.
Other Renovations Happening Concurrently
- Installing new floors, walls, windows, etc.
- Moving major appliances or plumbing lines
- Changing the overall kitchen layout
Design Changes & Modifications
- Making changes after cabinets have already been ordered
- Last-minute additions or adjustments to the original plan
Availability of Installers & Tradespeople
- Scheduling conflicts with in-demand installation teams
- Needing to coordinate with other contractors like electricians or plumbers
The more complex, customized, and renovation-intensive the project, the longer you can expect the installation timeline to be. This is a general rule of thumb in home improvement projects.
Simple cabinet refacing jobs can often be turned around very quickly. However, full kitchen overhauls may take several months from start to finish due to their complexity.
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A Typical Cabinet Installation Timeline
Now that we’ve covered the key factors, let’s walk through what you can generally expect the timeline to look like when installing new kitchen cabinets:
Design & Ordering (4-8 weeks)
- Meet with a designer to plan layout, select cabinet models, finishes, etc.
- Cabinet company processes your specific order
- Lead times of 6-10 weeks are very common for manufacturing
Delivery (1-2 days after manufacturing)
- Your new cabinets are shipped and received
Cabinet Installation (3-5 days for average kitchen)
- Experienced installers can have your new cabinets up in under a week for most kitchens
- Very large, complicated or customized kitchens could take 1-2 weeks
- Other tradespeople like electricians or plumbers may need to do prep work first
Countertop Installation (1 week after cabinets)
- Countertop templating happens once cabinets are installed
- Counters are fabricated to the exact specifications
- Installation usually occurs within 7 days of templating
Finishing Touches (2-4 days)
- Backsplash, tile, cabinet hardware installed
- Final plumbing and electrical work completed
- Cleanup and final walkthrough
So in total, we’re generally looking at around a 2-3 month timeline from design to fully completed kitchen for a typical cabinet installation. Of course, complications or an extremely large/custom project could extend that timeframe.
To illustrate with some real examples:
Example 1: Small, Simple Cabinet Remodel
- Design & Order: 4 weeks
- Manufacturing: 6 weeks
- Delivery: 2 days
- Install: 3 days
- Countertops: 1 week
- Finishing: 2 days
Total Timeline: Around 10 weeks
Example 2: Full Kitchen Renovation
- Design & Order: 8 weeks
- Manufacturing: 10 weeks
- Delivery: 2 days
- Demo & Prep: 2 weeks
- Cabinet Install: 10 days
- Counters: 1 week
- Plumbing/Electrical: 1 week
- Finishing: 4 days Total Timeline: Around 5 months
As you can see, larger more ambitious renovation projects require significantly more time to complete. Having a realistic expectation of the schedule upfront is crucial.
Tips for A Smooth Cabinet Install
Based on years of experience, here are some insider tips for helping to keep your cabinet installation running smoothly and on schedule:
★ Plan Ahead Thoroughly: Decide on all design details like cabinet style, finish, layout, etc. during the planning phase to avoid delays from changes later. Being well-prepared upfront saves a lot of headaches.
★ Choose Standard Over Custom If Possible: While custom cabinets allow for stunning personalization, they also add considerable time to manufacturing. Opt for stock/semi-custom if you can.
★ Don’t Make Changes After Ordering: Making modifications once your cabinets have entered production can really throw a wrench into the schedule. Avoid this if at all possible.
★ Be Flexible on Installer Availability: In-demand installation teams book up far in advance. Being flexible on your preferred dates prevents unnecessary delays.
★ Have Demo/Prep Work Completed First: Make sure any demolition, structural changes, etc. are fully completed before the cabinet installers arrive.
★ Communicate Constantly: Discuss timeline frequently with your designer, installers, and any other contractors. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings.
While no renovation is 100% stress-free, following these tips will go a long way toward an efficient, headache-free cabinet installation.
Also read
Can You Replace Countertops Without Replacing Cabinets?
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to install cabinets?
Installing cabinets can be challenging, especially for those without experience, due to precise measurements and alignment required. Professional installation ensures accuracy and efficiency.
How many hours does it take to install a kitchen?
Installing kitchen cabinets typically takes 3-5 days for an average kitchen, amounting to approximately 24-40 hours of work. Larger or more complex projects may take longer.
How long does it take to put cabinet doors on?
Putting cabinet doors on typically takes a few hours, depending on the number of doors and the complexity of the installation. For an average kitchen, this can usually be done in 2-4 hours.
How long does it take to hang cabinets?
Hanging cabinets usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the kitchen size and complexity. Professional installers can complete most jobs within this timeframe.
Can one person install cabinets?
One person can install cabinets, but it can be challenging due to the need for precise alignment and heavy lifting. Having an extra pair of hands is often recommended for efficiency and safety.
Conclusion
Understanding general installation timelines and what factors impact the schedule is crucial when planning a new kitchen. Whether you’re doing a quick facelift or a complete gut renovation, this knowledge is essential. Don’t be afraid to lean on experienced design professionals to guide you through the process and set realistic expectations.
Some delays are inevitable, so it’s wise to build in some buffer room. But you should also feel empowered to speak up if unnecessary delays arise that could have been prevented with better planning or communication.
At the end of the day, having your new dream kitchen is well worth a little short-term inconvenience and upheaval. With some flexibility, patience, and partnership with the right team, you’ll be whipping up meals amid those gorgeous new cabinets before you know it. Bon appétit!
