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How Long To Install Kitchen Cabinets: A Quick Guide
Installing kitchen cabinets takes time. For a regular kitchen, the average kitchen cabinet installation time is about 2 to 3 days. This means around 16 to 24 hours of work to install kitchen cabinets for one person. But this can change a lot. Many things affect how many hours to install kitchen cabinets, like kitchen size, cabinet type, and if you do it yourself or hire help.
Grasping Cabinet Installation Timelines
Putting in new kitchen cabinets is a big job. It needs planning. It needs careful work. The time it takes can change a lot. This guide helps you know what to expect.
What Makes Cabinet Install Time Change?
Many things can make the job longer or shorter. These are factors affecting cabinet installation duration.
- Kitchen Size: A small kitchen takes less time. A big kitchen takes much longer.
- Cabinet Type: Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets take more time to build. Pre-assembled cabinets are faster to install.
- Kitchen Shape: A simple, straight wall is fast. A kitchen with many corners or odd shapes takes more time.
- Old Cabinets: Taking out old cabinets adds time. If you start with empty walls, it’s quicker.
- Wall Ready: Are your walls flat? Are they strong? If not, you need more time to fix them.
- Your Skill: If you are a pro, you work fast. If you are new to it, you will be slower.
- Help: Do you have friends or family helping? More hands can make it faster.
- Tools: Do you have all the right tools? The right tools make the job easier and faster.
- Surprises: Sometimes, you find problems in the wall. This can make the job longer.
DIY vs. Pro: Who Works Faster?
There are two main ways to install cabinets. You can do it yourself (DIY). Or you can hire someone to do it. Each has a different cabinet installation timeline.
Your Own Pace: DIY Kitchen Cabinet Install Time
If you do it yourself, you save money. But it takes more time.
- Learning: You might need to learn how to do it first. This takes time.
- Errors: You might make mistakes. Fixing them takes more time.
- Tools: You might need to buy or rent tools. This also takes time.
- Patience: You need a lot of patience. This job is not for rushing.
For a DIY person, a small kitchen might take a week or two, working evenings and weekends. A large kitchen could take even longer. This is because you are not doing it full-time. You are learning as you go.
DIY Time Estimates (Rough):
| Kitchen Size | RTA Cabinets (Build + Install) | Pre-Assembled Cabinets (Install Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 40-80 hours (1-2 weeks) | 30-60 hours (1 week) |
| Medium | 80-160 hours (2-4 weeks) | 60-120 hours (1.5-3 weeks) |
| Large | 160-320 hours (4-8 weeks) | 120-240 hours (3-6 weeks) |
Note: These times are for one person working part-time. Full-time DIY might be quicker.
Expert Speed: Professional Cabinet Installation Timeline
Hiring a pro costs more money. But it saves you a lot of time and worry.
- Skill: Pros know what they are doing. They have done it many times.
- Tools: They have all the right tools.
- Team: They often work in teams. More people work faster.
- Accuracy: They do it right the first time. Less time fixing mistakes.
For a pro, a standard kitchen install often takes 1 to 3 days. This is usually 8-24 work hours for a small team. They work full days. They work quickly and well.
Professional Time Estimates (Rough):
| Kitchen Size | Pre-Assembled Cabinets (Install Only) |
|---|---|
| Small | 8-16 hours (1-2 days) |
| Medium | 16-32 hours (2-4 days) |
| Large | 32-48+ hours (4-6+ days) |
Note: This does not include building RTA cabinets. Pros usually charge extra for that or prefer pre-assembled.
Time for Each Part: Upper and Lower Cabinet Installation Time
Cabinets are put in two main parts: upper and lower. Each part has its own steps and time. This affects the total kitchen cupboard fitting duration.
Upper Cabinets: The High Work
Upper cabinets are harder to put in. They hang on the wall. This needs careful work.
- Finding Studs: You must find the strong wood parts inside the wall. Cabinets must screw into these. This takes time.
- Leveling: Each cabinet must be perfectly flat and straight. If not, doors will not close right. This takes time.
- Lifting: Upper cabinets are heavy. You need strong arms or a helper. A lift can also help.
- Screwing: You need to screw them to the wall studs. You also screw cabinets to each other.
Time needed to hang kitchen cabinets that are upper ones:
For a typical kitchen, hanging just the upper cabinets might take 4 to 12 hours for a pro. For a DIY person, it could be 10 to 30 hours. This is for the hanging part only. It does not include building the cabinets if they are RTA.
Lower Cabinets: The Ground Work
Lower cabinets sit on the floor. They are often easier to put in than uppers.
- Leveling: They still need to be perfectly flat. You use shims (small wood pieces) under them to make them level. This is very important for the countertop.
- Securing: You screw them to the wall. You also screw them to each other.
- Toe Kick: Most lower cabinets have a “toe kick” at the bottom. This needs to be put on.
- Fillers: Sometimes, small wood pieces (fillers) are needed between cabinets or at walls.
Time for lower cabinet fitting:
For a typical kitchen, putting in the lower cabinets might take 3 to 10 hours for a pro. For a DIY person, it could be 8 to 25 hours.
Kitchen Size Matters: Small vs. Large Kitchen Cabinet Installation Time
The size of your kitchen is a big factor. It changes how much work is needed.
Small Kitchen Cabinet Installation Time
A small kitchen has fewer cabinets. This means less work.
- Fewer Boxes: You have fewer cabinets to build (if RTA). You have fewer to move.
- Less Measuring: Less wall space to measure.
- Quicker Leveling: Fewer cabinets to make flat and straight.
- Less Screwing: Fewer screws to put in.
A small kitchen cabinet installation time for a pro might be 1 to 2 full days. For a DIY person, it might be 3 to 7 full days, spread over a week or two. This assumes a simple layout.
Large Kitchen Cabinet Installation Hours
A large kitchen means more of everything. More cabinets, more walls, more time.
- Many Boxes: You will have many cabinets. This means more building time for RTA. More moving.
- More Measuring: More wall space. More complex layout.
- More Leveling: Many more cabinets to make flat and straight.
- Many Screws: A lot more screws to put in.
- More Corners: Large kitchens often have many corners. Corner cabinets can be tricky and take more time.
- Island: A kitchen island means more cabinets. This also needs careful planning and leveling.
Large kitchen cabinet installation hours for a pro might be 4 to 6+ full days. For a DIY person, this could be 2 to 4+ weeks, even if working full time.
Steps to Install: What Takes How Long?
Installing cabinets is not one single step. It is many steps. Each step takes time. Knowing these steps helps you plan your kitchen cupboard fitting duration.
Step 1: Taking Out Old Cabinets (If Any)
- Time: 2-8 hours.
- What you do: Unload old cabinets. Unscrew them from the wall. Take them out. Clean the space.
- Why it takes time: Old cabinets can be heavy. They might be stuck well. You need to be careful not to damage walls or floors.
Step 2: Getting Walls Ready
- Time: 1-4 hours.
- What you do: Patch holes. Make walls smooth. Check if walls are flat. Mark where cabinets will go. Find wall studs. Draw lines for upper and lower cabinets.
- Why it takes time: This step is very important. Bad walls lead to bad cabinet installs. Finding studs is key for strong cabinets.
Step 3: Building RTA Cabinets (If Needed)
- Time: 1-3 hours per cabinet box.
- What you do: Follow instructions. Put cabinet pieces together. Use glue and screws.
- Why it takes time: Each cabinet is like a puzzle. It takes time to build each one carefully. If you have many cabinets, this step adds many hours. Pros often use pre-assembled cabinets to save this time.
Step 4: Installing Upper Cabinets First
- Time: 4-12 hours for a small kitchen. 12-30 hours for a large kitchen.
- What you do:
- Place first cabinet: Start in a corner or marked spot. Lift it up. Screw it loosely to the wall studs.
- Level and secure: Make sure it is perfectly flat. Use shims if needed. Screw it tightly to the wall.
- Add next cabinets: Bring the next cabinet. Connect it to the first one with screws. Screw it to the wall. Keep doing this for all upper cabinets.
- Check: Stand back. Are they all straight and level?
- Why it takes time: Lifting heavy boxes. Making sure they are level. Screwing them firmly into wall studs. This needs precision.
Step 5: Installing Lower Cabinets
- Time: 3-10 hours for a small kitchen. 10-25 hours for a large kitchen.
- What you do:
- Place first cabinet: Start in a corner or marked spot. Place it on the floor.
- Level and secure: Use shims under the cabinet to make it perfectly flat. Screw it to the wall studs.
- Add next cabinets: Connect the next cabinet to the first one. Screw them together. Screw to the wall. Repeat.
- Check: Make sure all are level and straight.
- Why it takes time: Getting them perfectly level is critical for the countertop. This takes patience.
Step 6: Adding Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
- Time: 0.5-1 hour per cabinet.
- What you do: Put doors on hinges. Put drawers into slides. Add pulls or knobs to doors and drawers.
- Why it takes time: Each door and drawer needs to be put on right. Hinges need to be set so doors close well. This is detailed work.
Step 7: Adding Finish Pieces
- Time: 2-10 hours.
- What you do:
- Toe Kicks: Attach the long pieces of wood that cover the bottom of lower cabinets.
- Filler Strips: If there are gaps between cabinets and walls, cut and fit thin wood strips to fill them.
- Crown Molding/Light Rail: Attach decorative trim on top of upper cabinets or under them (for lights).
- End Panels: Put panels on the exposed sides of cabinets to make them look finished.
- Why it takes time: These are the details. They make the kitchen look great. They need careful measuring and cutting.
Making the Job Faster: Smart Tips
You can do things to speed up your kitchen cupboard fitting duration.
- Plan Ahead: Know your layout. Know where each cabinet goes. Draw it out.
- Check Cabinets: When cabinets arrive, check them. Are all parts there? Are there any broken pieces? It saves time later.
- Clear the Area: Make sure the kitchen is empty. No old furniture. No tools in the way.
- Have Help: An extra set of hands makes a big difference. Especially for heavy upper cabinets.
- Good Tools: Use a good drill, a laser level, and a stud finder. These save time and make work easier.
- Flat Walls: If your walls are very uneven, fix them before cabinets arrive. This saves big headaches.
- Work Smart: Do all the same steps at once. For example, build all RTA cabinets first. Then hang all uppers.
- Stay Organized: Keep tools in one spot. Keep screws in small boxes. A messy workspace slows you down.
- Read Instructions: Always read the instructions for your specific cabinets.
Before Cabinets Arrive: What to Do
The work starts even before the cabinets get to your home. Doing these things can speed up the install day.
- Remove Old Kitchen: Take out old cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
- Fix Walls: Repair any holes. Make sure walls are strong and flat. Paint walls if you plan to. It’s easier before cabinets are in.
- Check Floor: Make sure your floor is level and clean.
- Check Electrical/Plumbing: Make sure wires and pipes are where they need to be. Hire a pro for this if you need to.
- Measure Again: Double-check your kitchen measurements. Make sure the cabinets will fit.
- Find Studs: Use a stud finder. Mark where the studs are on the walls. This saves time during installation.
- Clear a Path: Make sure there is a clear path from your door to the kitchen.
- Find Storage: Have a place to put the new cabinets when they arrive. Keep them safe and dry.
After Cabinets Are In: What Happens Next?
Once your cabinets are installed, the kitchen is not yet done.
- Countertops: You will need to install countertops. This usually happens a few days or weeks after cabinets are in.
- Sink/Faucet: Install your sink and faucet.
- Appliances: Bring in your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, etc.
- Backsplash: Put up your tile backsplash. This is often the last step.
- Clean Up: Clean all the dust and mess.
Money Talk: How Time Connects to Cost
How long it takes to install cabinets also affects how much you pay.
- DIY: You spend time, not money, on labor. You buy materials and tools.
- Professional: You pay for their time. The longer they work, the more you pay. This is why pros work fast and efficiently. They charge by the hour or by the project. A faster job often means a lower labor bill.
Summary: Average Kitchen Cabinet Installation Time
To quickly sum it up:
- Small Kitchen (Pro): 1-2 days (8-16 hours)
- Medium Kitchen (Pro): 2-4 days (16-32 hours)
- Large Kitchen (Pro): 4-6+ days (32-48+ hours)
- Small Kitchen (DIY): 3-7 days (30-60 hours, over 1-2 weeks)
- Medium Kitchen (DIY): 7-15 days (60-120 hours, over 2-4 weeks)
- Large Kitchen (DIY): 15-30+ days (120-240+ hours, over 4-8+ weeks)
These numbers are guides. Your project might be faster or slower.
Often Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do you put upper or lower cabinets in first?
A: You always put upper cabinets in first. This is safer. It is also easier to level them without lower cabinets in the way.
Q2: How long does it take for two people to install kitchen cabinets?
A: For two people, it will be much faster than one. They can share tasks. One can hold, one can screw. A standard kitchen might take 8-16 hours (1-2 days) for two experienced people. For DIY, it might still take a few days of part-time work.
Q3: Can I install kitchen cabinets myself if I am not handy?
A: It is possible, but it will be very hard. You might need to learn a lot. It will take much longer. You might need help from someone who knows how. Mistakes can be costly. It is often best to hire a pro if you are not handy.
Q4: How long do kitchen cabinets need to acclimate before install?
A: Cabinets should sit in your home for 3-5 days before you install them. This lets the wood get used to your home’s air. It helps prevent problems later like warping. Keep the cabinets in the same room where they will be installed.
Q5: What tools do I need for cabinet installation?
A: You will need a drill, level (a long one and a small one), stud finder, tape measure, shims, screws, a pencil, and safety glasses. A laser level, impact driver, and cabinet jack can make it easier. A circular saw or miter saw is needed for filler strips and toe kicks.
Q6: How many hours does it take to assemble RTA cabinets?
A: It takes about 1-3 hours to build one ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet box. If you have 10 cabinets, that’s 10-30 hours just for building. This is often the longest part of a DIY RTA cabinet install.
Installing kitchen cabinets is a big home improvement job. It takes time, care, and the right tools. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, knowing what to expect can help your project go smoothly. Plan well, take your time, and enjoy your new kitchen.