How Long Does Kitchen Installation Take?
A small kitchen typically takes 3–4 days to install; a medium kitchen 4–6 days; a large kitchen 6–10 days. This assumes all deliveries are on site, services are prepared, and no structural changes are needed.
- Small kitchens (8–12 units): 3–4 installation days
- Medium kitchens (13–20 units): 4–6 installation days
- Large kitchens (21+ units): 6–10 installation days
- IKEA flat-pack kitchens add 1–2 extra days for assembly
Day-by-Day Installation Timeline
For a typical medium kitchen installation, the programme broadly follows this sequence:
- Day 1: Delivery check, protection of floors and adjacent rooms, strip-out of existing kitchen, first base units installed and levelled
- Day 2–3: Remaining carcasses, wall units, any tall units or larder towers
- Day 3–4: Worktop templating (stone) or fitting (laminate), sink cutout
- Day 4–5: Doors, drawers, handles, plinths, cornices, fillers
- Day 5–6: Appliances, second-fix plumbing and electrics (by others), final snagging and handover
What Makes a Kitchen Take Longer?
Several factors extend the programme beyond the base estimate. IKEA kitchens are supplied flat-pack and require full assembly on site before installation can begin — this typically adds a full day or more. Kitchens with a high number of integrated appliances take longer at the fitting stage. Island units, peninsulas, and open shelving all add time.
Room conditions also matter. An out-of-level floor requires more careful packing and adjustment at the base unit stage. Very uneven or out-of-plumb walls require scribing of filler panels, which is time-consuming work. Our survey identifies all of these factors before installation begins so that your quote and programme reflect the reality of your room.
What Must Be Ready Before We Start?
To avoid delays, first-fix plumbing, electrical and gas work must be complete before installation day. This means water supply and waste pipes should be in their final positions, electrical sockets and switches roughed in, and gas connections capped in their correct locations. Our survey will confirm exactly what needs to be ready and provide a services drawing if required.
Related Questions
A very small galley kitchen with 6–8 units could theoretically be installed in a single long day, but this is uncommon. Most installations require a minimum of 2–3 days to achieve a quality result.
We primarily work Monday to Saturday. Weekend availability depends on scheduling — please discuss your preferred dates when booking your survey.
Our pre-installation survey checks your delivery against your kitchen plan. Missing parts identified before installation day can be ordered in advance. Parts discovered on the day may cause a delay — the survey is the best way to avoid this.
Laminate worktops can typically be fitted in half a day. Stone worktops (quartz, granite) require a separate templating visit 1–2 days before fitting, then a return visit of half to one day for installation.
Ready to Book Your Kitchen Installation?
Book a survey and get a fixed quote within 24 hours. Survey fee £195 — credited back on booking.