How Many Days Does It Take to Fit a Kitchen?

Days by Kitchen Size

Installation time is driven primarily by the number of units and the complexity of the layout. A small kitchen of 8–12 units in a simple L-shape or galley layout takes 3–4 days. A medium kitchen of 13–20 units with a more complex arrangement takes 4–6 days. A large kitchen of 21 or more units, or any kitchen incorporating an island, typically takes 6–10 days. These figures assume a pre-assembled kitchen with laminate or timber worktops. IKEA flat-pack kitchens add 1–2 days due to on-site carcass assembly. In-frame kitchens add approximately 20–30% to the standard programme.

What Extends the Programme

Several factors can extend the installation programme beyond the standard timescales. Stone worktops require templating after base units are installed, followed by a 5–10 working day fabrication period before the worktop is returned for fitting. This creates a gap in the middle of the programme during which the kitchen is not fully functional. Significant floor or wall irregularities that require additional preparation time will add to the programme. Appliance deliveries that do not arrive on time, or missing unit components, can also cause delays. These factors are identified at survey stage and factored into the programme planning.

Building Your Full Project Schedule

A complete kitchen project — including first-fix services, delivery, installation, stone templating, plumbing connections, and final tiling — typically takes 3–5 weeks from the start of first-fix work to final completion. Planning this sequence carefully, with each trade booked in the correct order, is essential. Install My Kitchen advises clients on programme planning during the survey visit. Call 07399 651836 to book your £195 survey — credited in full against your installation cost when you book — across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Factors That Can Shorten the Programme

A few factors can bring the installation programme in at the shorter end of the typical range. A simple, single-wall or galley layout with no corner units fits faster than an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with multiple corners. Pre-assembled rigid carcasses from Howdens or Wren fit faster than IKEA flat-pack. Laminate or solid wood worktops that are cut and fitted directly, rather than stone requiring a templating gap, keep the whole project within a single continuous week rather than split across two visits.

Sample Weekly Schedule for a Medium Kitchen

A typical medium kitchen of 13–20 units with laminate worktops might run: Monday — strip-out and base unit installation; Tuesday — wall units and filler panels; Wednesday — worktop fitting and sink cut-out; Thursday — door and drawer hanging, handles, plinths, and cornices; Friday — final snagging, adjustments, and handover. This is a general guide only — your specific schedule will be confirmed during your survey based on your kitchen's size and complexity.