Putting in new kitchen cabinets can take different amounts of time. For a small kitchen, a skilled pro might finish in 1 to 3 days. A bigger kitchen or a more complex design can take 3 to 7 days or even longer. If you do it yourself (DIY), it often takes more time, maybe 1 to 2 weeks, especially if you are new to the job. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how long it takes, and what makes the job faster or slower.
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General Timeline for Kitchen Cabinet Installation Time
The total time for kitchen cabinet installation time depends on many things. These include your kitchen’s size, the type of cabinets, and who does the work.
Professional Cabinet Fitting Timeline
When you hire pros, they usually work fast. They have the right tools and lots of experience.
- Small Kitchen (10 linear feet or less): 1 to 2 days. This is often a galley kitchen or a very compact space.
- Medium Kitchen (10-25 linear feet): 2 to 4 days. Most standard kitchens fall into this range.
- Large Kitchen (25+ linear feet or with an island): 4 to 7 days or more. Big kitchens with lots of cabinets, unique shapes, or complex features will take longer.
DIY Cabinet Install Time
Doing it yourself can save money. But it will take more time. You need to learn as you go.
- Small Kitchen: 3 to 5 days. You might need weekends plus some evenings.
- Medium Kitchen: 1 to 2 weeks. This often means several weekends of work.
- Large Kitchen: 2 to 3 weeks or more. This is a big project for a DIYer.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Installation Time
Many things change how long it takes to install kitchen cabinets. Knowing these helps you plan better.
Kitchen Size and Layout
The size of your kitchen matters a lot. More walls and more cabinets mean more work.
- Small Kitchens: Have fewer cabinets. This means less measuring and less hanging. The professional cabinet fitting timeline will be short.
- Large Kitchens: Need many more cabinets. This adds time.
- Kitchen Shape: A simple U-shape or L-shape kitchen is easier. A kitchen with many turns, angles, or an island adds work. An island means cabinets on all sides. This adds more steps.
Cabinet Type
The kind of cabinets you choose also changes the time.
- Stock Cabinets: These are ready-made. They come in set sizes. They are the fastest to install. They are often simple boxes.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: These have more choices. You can change sizes slightly. They might need more work to fit just right.
- Custom Cabinets: These are made for your kitchen only. They fit perfectly. But they often have unique shapes or special features. These can take the most time to put in. They need very careful fitting.
Kitchen Condition: New Build Versus Remodel
Is your kitchen brand new, or are you fixing up an old one?
- New Kitchen Cabinet Install Schedule (New Build): This is often faster. The walls are flat. There are no old cabinets to remove. The floor is usually clear.
- Time for Kitchen Cabinet Replacement (Remodel): This adds steps.
- Demolition: Old cabinets must come out. This can be dusty and hard work.
- Wall Prep: Walls might need fixing. They might not be flat. There might be holes or old tile glue. This prep work adds time.
- Floor Damage: Taking out old cabinets can harm the floor. This needs repairs.
These extra steps add days to the overall cabinet installation project length.
Installer Experience and Skill
Who does the work makes a big difference in the speed of cabinet fitting.
- Professional Installers: They do this all the time. They know tricks to solve problems quickly. They have the right tools. Their work is often faster and better. They can give you an average cabinet installation duration.
- DIYers (Do-It-Yourself): If you are new to this, it will take longer. You will learn as you go. You might make mistakes and need to re-do things. This is fine, but it adds to the DIY cabinet install time. You might need to buy or rent special tools.
Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools helps a lot.
- Pros: Have special lasers, levels, drills, and saws. These tools make the work quick and exact.
- DIYers: Might need to buy or rent tools. Learning to use them also takes time. Simple hand tools work, but power tools are much faster.
How Many People Are Working
More hands can make the job go faster.
- One Person: Can install cabinets. But it’s harder, especially with heavy or long cabinets. Lifting a long upper cabinet alone is tough.
- Two People: This is best. One person can hold a cabinet while the other screws it in. They can share tasks. This speeds up the process a lot.
- Large Crew: For very big kitchens, a team of three or more pros can finish very fast.
Appliance Integration
Where your appliances go can affect cabinet installation time.
- Built-in Appliances: Things like built-in fridges, dishwashers, or ovens need special cabinet sizes. These areas need exact measurements and fitting.
- Hood Vents: Installing a vent hood above a stove can be tricky. It often needs careful cuts into cabinets. This adds time.
Unexpected Issues
Even with good planning, problems can pop up.
- Uneven Walls or Floors: Old houses often have walls that are not straight. Or floors that are not level. This means more work to make cabinets sit correctly. You might need to add shims.
- Plumbing or Electrical Obstacles: Old pipes or wires might be in the way. You might need to move them. This requires help from plumbers or electricians. This stops cabinet work.
- Damaged Cabinets: Sometimes, cabinets arrive damaged. You have to wait for new parts. This stops your project.
Step-by-Step Cabinet Installation Process (and time estimates)
Let’s look at the main steps involved in cabinet installation and how long each might take. This shows the typical new kitchen cabinet install schedule.
h4 Planning and Design (Before Installation Starts)
This step is very important. It happens before you even get the cabinets.
- What it is: Deciding on cabinet types, sizes, and layout. Measuring your kitchen exactly. Ordering the cabinets.
- Time: Weeks or months. This is not part of the installation time itself. But poor planning here can add much time to the installation later. If you measure wrong, cabinets might not fit.
h4 Demolition and Preparation (If Remodeling)
This is the first physical step if you are doing a time for kitchen cabinet replacement.
- What it is: Taking out old cabinets, countertops, and maybe flooring. Cleaning the area. Fixing any wall damage. Painting or drywall work. Making sure walls are flat and strong. Finding stud locations.
- Time: 1 to 3 days for pros, 2 to 5 days for DIY. This depends on how much you take out and how much fixing is needed.
h4 Layout Marking
This step sets the stage for hanging cabinets.
- What it is: Drawing lines on the walls where the top and bottom of your cabinets will sit. Marking where each cabinet goes. Finding and marking wall studs for screwing.
- Time: 2 to 4 hours for pros, 4 to 8 hours for DIY. This needs to be very exact. Mistakes here mean cabinets are not level.
h4 Base Cabinet Installation
Base cabinets go on the floor. They form the bottom part of your kitchen.
- What it is: Placing base cabinets first. Making sure they are level. Screwing them to each other and to the wall studs. Putting in filler strips if needed.
- Time: 1 to 2 days for pros (for an average kitchen), 3 to 7 days for DIY. These are often the first cabinets to go in. It’s vital they are perfectly level.
h4 Wall Cabinet Installation
These cabinets hang on the wall above the base cabinets.
- What it is: Lifting wall cabinets into place. Making sure they are level and straight. Screwing them to wall studs. Screwing them to each other.
- Time: 1 to 2 days for pros (for an average kitchen), 3 to 7 days for DIY. This step can be harder than base cabinets because you are lifting and holding cabinets up high. A helper is a must.
h4 Finish Work and Adjustments
After all cabinets are hung, there are still steps to make them look good.
- What it is:
- Adjusting Doors and Drawers: Making sure they open and close smoothly. Ensuring they are straight.
- Installing Hardware: Putting on handles and knobs. This seems small but takes time.
- Adding Trim and Molding: Crown molding on top of wall cabinets. Base molding. Filler strips.
- Touch-ups: Fixing small scratches or dings.
- Cleaning: Wiping down cabinets.
- Time: 1 to 2 days for pros, 2 to 4 days for DIY. This part of the cabinet installation project length makes a big difference in the final look.
Professional Cabinet Fitting Timeline: A Closer Look
Hiring professionals offers speed and skill. They aim for the shortest average cabinet installation duration.
Benefits of Hiring Pros
- Speed: They work much faster. They know the best way to do things. This means a quicker new kitchen cabinet install schedule.
- Skill: They have the right training. They can solve tricky problems easily. This leads to a better finished look.
- Tools: They own all the right tools. You don’t have to buy or rent anything.
- Less Stress: You don’t have to do the hard work. You can focus on other parts of your remodel.
- Warranty: Many pros offer a warranty on their work.
What to Expect from a Pro
- Clear Plan: They will discuss the schedule with you.
- Care for Your Home: They will try to keep dust down. They will protect your floors.
- Troubleshooting: They will fix problems fast. If a wall is not straight, they know how to handle it.
- Final Walkthrough: They will walk through the finished job with you. They will fix anything you point out.
The speed of cabinet fitting by professionals is usually very high. They can often do in one day what a DIYer might do in three.
DIY Cabinet Install Time: Is It for You?
Taking on a DIY cabinet installation can save money. But it needs time, patience, and some basic skills. This will directly affect how long to hang kitchen cabinets.
Skills You Will Need
- Measuring: Very exact measuring is key.
- Leveling: You must make sure everything is perfectly level and plumb.
- Drilling and Screwing: You need to be good with drills and screws.
- Cutting: You might need to cut filler strips or molding.
- Patience: Things will take longer than you think. You need to be ready for this.
Pros of DIY
- Save Money: This is the main reason. Labor costs are a big part of cabinet installation.
- Learning Experience: You learn new skills. You feel proud of your work.
- Control: You can work at your own pace. You can do things exactly how you want.
Cons of DIY
- Time: It takes much longer. This can impact the overall cabinet installation project length.
- Tools: You might need to buy or rent special tools.
- Mistakes: Mistakes can be costly. You might damage cabinets.
- Physical Work: It is very hard work. Lifting heavy cabinets can be tough.
- No Warranty: If something goes wrong, you fix it yourself.
If you are doing it yourself, add extra days to all time estimates. You might need to re-do steps. This is normal. The total DIY cabinet install time can be double or triple that of a professional.
Time for Kitchen Cabinet Replacement: Specific Considerations
Replacing cabinets adds extra steps to the overall process. This is not just a new kitchen cabinet install schedule; it’s a renovation.
Demolition and Disposal
- More Time: You need to take out the old cabinets. This can be hard work. They are often screwed very tightly to the walls.
- Disposal: You need a plan to get rid of the old cabinets. This might mean renting a dumpster or making many trips to a dump.
Wall and Floor Repairs
- Hidden Damage: When old cabinets come out, you might find surprises. There could be old holes, damage from water, or uneven spots.
- Patching and Painting: You will likely need to patch drywall. Then, paint the walls before new cabinets go in. This adds time.
- Floor Cleaning: If you keep your old floor, you might need to clean glue or marks from it.
These extra steps mean that time for kitchen cabinet replacement is usually longer than installing cabinets in a brand new space. It can add 1 to 3 extra days to the timeline.
New Kitchen Cabinet Install Schedule: Fitting into a Bigger Project
Cabinet installation is just one part of a full kitchen remodel. The overall project length can be much longer.
- Order of Work: Cabinets usually go in after rough plumbing and electrical work. They go in before countertops, flooring (if new), and appliance hookups.
- Waiting Times: You might wait for materials. Countertops need to be measured after cabinets are in. Then, they take time to make and install.
- Coordination: If you have different pros (plumber, electrician, painter, cabinet installer), they need to work together. Bad timing can cause delays.
The cabinet installation project length itself might be a week. But waiting for other parts can make your kitchen unusable for many weeks or months.
Speed of Cabinet Fitting: Tips to Make it Faster
Want to make your kitchen cabinet installation time shorter? Here are some tips.
- Be Ready: Have all cabinets, tools, and screws ready. Don’t waste time looking for things.
- Clear the Space: Make sure the work area is empty. Move furniture. Remove old things.
- Read Instructions: Even pros read cabinet instructions. They might have special steps.
- Use a Helper: Two people are much faster than one. They can hold cabinets.
- Mark Clearly: Spend time marking your layout on the walls. This saves time later. Mistakes here cause re-work.
- Start Level: Make sure your first cabinet is perfectly level. All other cabinets depend on this.
- Work in Sections: Install base cabinets first. Then do wall cabinets. Work around the kitchen in an organized way.
- Power Tools: Use power drills and saws. They are much faster than hand tools.
- Pre-Drill Holes: For screws, pre-drill pilot holes. This stops wood from splitting. It also makes screws go in easier.
- Plan for Problems: Have shims ready for uneven walls. Have extra screws.
By following these tips, you can help speed up the cabinet fitting process. Even small things add up to save time.
Cabinet Installation Project Length: A Summary
How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets? There is no single answer.
- Small Kitchen, Pro: 1-3 days
- Large Kitchen, Pro: 3-7+ days
- Small Kitchen, DIY: 3-5 days
- Large Kitchen, DIY: 2-3+ weeks
The biggest things that change the time are:
* Your kitchen’s size and shape.
* If you hire pros or do it yourself.
* If you are replacing old cabinets or working in a new space.
* How well you plan and prepare.
Installing kitchen cabinets is a big job. But with good planning and hard work, you can have your dream kitchen ready in a reasonable amount of time. Keep in mind that a smooth kitchen cabinet installation time means a good outcome for your whole kitchen project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 Q1: Can I install kitchen cabinets myself if I have no experience?
A1: Yes, you can. But it will take much longer. You will need to learn many new skills. You might also need to buy some special tools. Be ready for it to be a big job.
h4 Q2: Do I need a permit to install kitchen cabinets?
A2: Usually, no. Installing cabinets themselves does not need a permit. But if your project involves moving walls, changing plumbing, or altering electrical wiring, then you likely need permits for those parts of the job. Always check with your local building office.
h4 Q3: Should I install flooring before or after cabinets?
A3: For most floating floors (like laminate or luxury vinyl), it’s best to install them after cabinets. For tile or glued-down hardwood, many people install it before cabinets. Installing flooring under cabinets can protect them from spills or unevenness later. But it can also make repairs harder. Discuss this with your installer.
h4 Q4: How long after cabinet installation can countertops be installed?
A4: Countertops are usually measured after cabinets are fully installed and leveled. Then, it takes time for the countertop company to make them. This can be 1 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer. So, there is often a waiting period between cabinet and countertop installation.
h4 Q5: How much do professionals charge to install kitchen cabinets?
A5: The cost varies greatly. It depends on your area, kitchen size, and cabinet type. Generally, professional installation labor can cost between $50 to $100 per linear foot. Or, it might be 10-20% of the cabinet cost. Always get several quotes.