How Long Does It Take to Install Kitchen Cabinets?

So, how long does it take to install kitchen cabinets? For most standard kitchens, expect the cabinet installation time to range from 2 to 5 days for professional installers, while a DIYer might need 4 to 10 days or more. Several factors influence this cabinet installation schedule, including the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the cabinet layout, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, and the specific kitchen cabinet fitting duration each company or individual provides.

The Factors Shaping Your Cabinet Installation Time

When embarking on a kitchen remodel, one of the most anticipated stages is cabinet installation. It’s the moment your kitchen truly begins to take shape. However, the question of how long do cabinets take to install isn’t a simple one to answer. The cabinet project duration is influenced by a mosaic of elements, each contributing to the overall timeline. Let’s delve into these crucial factors that determine the average cabinet install time.

Kitchen Size and Layout Complexity

The most apparent factor affecting cabinet installation time is the sheer size of your kitchen. A compact galley kitchen will naturally require less time for cabinet fitting than an expansive gourmet kitchen with an island and extensive cabinetry.

Small Kitchens (under 100 sq ft): Typically, these can be completed in 1-3 days by professionals.
Medium Kitchens (100-200 sq ft): Expect 2-5 days for professional installation.
Large Kitchens (over 200 sq ft): This can extend to 5-7 days or more, especially if custom configurations are involved.

Beyond sheer square footage, the complexity of the layout plays a significant role.

Straight-line layouts: Simpler to install.
L-shaped and U-shaped layouts: Add more corners and thus, more complex cuts and adjustments.
Galley kitchens: Often straightforward but can have their own intricacies with opposing runs.
Kitchens with islands: The island itself adds a significant block of installation time, requiring careful leveling and securing.
Custom cabinetry: This includes things like built-in pantries, wine racks, or unique shelving units, each requiring precise fitting and potentially more time for assembly and installation.
Obstacles: Existing plumbing, electrical outlets, windows, doors, and architectural features like soffits or bulkheads can all add to the installation complexity, requiring careful measurement, cutting, and fitting around them.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

The decision to tackle cabinet installation yourself or hire professionals is a major determinant of the cabinet installation schedule.

DIY Cabinet Installation Time

DIY cabinet installation time can vary wildly. A seasoned DIYer with experience in carpentry and home improvement might be able to install a standard set of cabinets in 4-7 days. However, for those new to this type of project, or if unexpected challenges arise, it could easily stretch to 10 days or even two weeks.

Factors influencing DIY cabinet installation time:

Skill Level: Familiarity with tools, reading plans, measuring accurately, and making precise cuts are paramount.
Time Commitment: Are you working on it full-time, or only in evenings and weekends? This significantly impacts the cabinet project duration.
Tools and Equipment: Having the right tools (level, stud finder, drill, saw, clamps, shims, screws) readily available and knowing how to use them efficiently saves time.
Learning Curve: The first few cabinets might take longer as you figure out the best methods for your specific situation.
Unexpected Issues: Dealing with out-of-plumb walls, uneven floors, or misaligned cabinet boxes can add considerable time and frustration.

Professional Cabinet Installation Time

When you hire professionals, you’re paying for expertise, efficiency, and speed. A professional cabinet installation schedule is generally much tighter. The time to hang kitchen cabinets is significantly reduced due to their experience and specialized tools.

Average Cabinet Install Time (Professional): As mentioned, 2-5 days for most standard kitchens.
Efficiency: Professionals have a streamlined process for unboxing, inspecting, leveling, shimming, and securing cabinets.
Problem Solving: They are adept at quickly identifying and resolving common installation issues.
Teamwork: Often, a team of two installers can work together, dividing tasks and speeding up the process.

However, even with professionals, the kitchen remodel cabinet timeline can be affected by:

Installer Availability: Booking a reputable contractor often requires planning ahead.
Project Management: The professionalism of the crew and their adherence to a structured cabinet installation schedule.
Cabinet Quality: While not directly about installation speed, poorly manufactured cabinets might require more adjustments.

Cabinet Type and Preparation

The type of cabinets you choose and the preparation involved before installation also influence the cabinet installation time.

Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom Cabinets

Stock Cabinets: These are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and configurations. They generally offer the quickest installation as they are ready to go out of the box.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: These offer more size and style options than stock cabinets. While still manufactured off-site, they might require slight modifications or assembly of certain components, adding a little to the cabinet fitting duration.
Custom Cabinets: Built to your exact specifications, these can involve a longer lead time for manufacturing and potentially a more intricate installation process due to unique designs and precise fitting requirements.

Cabinet Preparation

Before any time to hang kitchen cabinets can even begin, thorough preparation is essential. This is part of the overall cabinet project duration, even if it’s not the actual installation phase.

Emptying Existing Cabinets: This needs to be done by the homeowner before the installers arrive. The time this takes depends on the homeowner and the contents.
Removing Old Cabinets: If this isn’t done by the cabinet installers, it needs to be factored into the overall kitchen remodel timeline. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how well they are secured and the condition of the walls behind them.
Wall Preparation: Walls should be clean, dry, and structurally sound. Any necessary repairs to drywall or patching from previous installations should be completed beforehand to ensure a smooth cabinet installation schedule.
Plumbing and Electrical Rough-ins: Ensure all necessary plumbing and electrical work (like outlets for appliances) is completed and approved before cabinet installation begins.

Additional Elements Affecting Timeline

Beyond the core installation, several other aspects can impact the total cabinet installation time:

Countertop Installation

Countertop installation typically occurs after base cabinets are installed.

Measure and Templating: This usually happens a few days to a week after base cabinets are installed.
Fabrication: This can take 1-3 weeks, depending on the material (granite, quartz, laminate) and the fabricator’s schedule.
Countertop Installation: The actual installation of countertops usually takes 1-3 days, but can be quicker for simpler designs.

This means the kitchen remodel cabinet timeline needs to account for this separate, significant step. If you’re installing wall cabinets and base cabinets simultaneously, the countertop installation is a distinct phase that extends the overall project.

Hardware Installation (Hinges, Knobs, Pulls)

While often a final touch, installing hardware adds a small amount of time.

Professional Installation: Installers might do this at the end of the cabinet installation, adding a few hours to the cabinet fitting duration.
DIY Installation: This can be done by the homeowner, and the time will vary based on the number of cabinets and doors.

Backsplash Installation

The backsplash is typically installed after countertops are in place, further extending the kitchen remodel cabinet timeline.

DIY Backsplash: This can take 1-3 days for a moderately sized kitchen.
Professional Backsplash: Depending on the complexity of the tile pattern, this can also take 1-3 days.

The Cabinet Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

To better grasp the cabinet installation time, it’s helpful to understand the typical process involved. This breakdown provides insight into how long do cabinets take and why certain stages require meticulous attention.

Phase 1: Pre-Installation and Preparation

This phase is critical for a smooth installation and impacts the overall cabinet project duration.

Site Inspection and Measurement Verification

Professionals will double-check all measurements taken previously to ensure the cabinets ordered will fit perfectly.
They assess wall conditions, identify any structural issues, and plan the most efficient installation sequence.
Time: Can be part of the initial consultation or done just before installation begins.

Unboxing and Inspection

Every cabinet box is opened and inspected for damage, defects, and to confirm all parts are present.
This step is vital for both DIYers and professionals to avoid mid-installation surprises.
Time: Can take a few hours to half a day, depending on the number of cabinets.

Laying Out the Cabinet Plan

Installers will physically map out where each cabinet will go on the walls, often using chalk lines or pencil marks.
This ensures proper spacing and alignment according to the design.
Time: Typically done on the first day of installation.

Phase 2: Hanging the Cabinets

This is the core of the cabinet installation time and the time to hang kitchen cabinets.

Installing Base Cabinets

Marking the Layout: Using a level, installers will draw plumb lines on the walls to guide the cabinet placement.
Leveling and Shimming: Each base cabinet is placed, leveled using shims (small wedges of wood) inserted between the cabinet and the wall to ensure it’s perfectly vertical and horizontal.
Securing Cabinets: Cabinets are screwed into wall studs for maximum stability. Often, cabinets are also joined to each other for added rigidity.
Time: This is a significant portion of the cabinet installation time. For a standard kitchen, expect 1-3 days for all base cabinets.

Installing Wall Cabinets

Locating Studs: Crucial for securely mounting wall cabinets, as they bear significant weight.
Marking Upper Support Lines: Lines are marked on the wall indicating the top or bottom edge of the wall cabinets, depending on the installation strategy.
Lifting and Positioning: Wall cabinets are often heavy and awkward. They are lifted into place and temporarily supported by cabinet jacks, clamps, or by an assistant.
Leveling and Shimming: Similar to base cabinets, wall cabinets are leveled and shimmed to ensure they are plumb and straight.
Securing Cabinets: They are screwed into wall studs. Adjacent cabinets are also joined for stability.
Time: This can often take longer than base cabinets due to the need for lifting and precise positioning. Expect 1-3 days for wall cabinets.

Phase 3: Finishing Touches and Adjustments

These are the final steps that contribute to the overall cabinet fitting duration.

Door and Drawer Alignment

Once all cabinets are installed and secured, doors and drawers are aligned.
Hinges have adjustment screws that allow for fine-tuning so that doors hang straight and drawers slide smoothly without rubbing.
Time: Can take a few hours to half a day.

Installing Shelving and Accessories

Adjustable shelves are placed, and any internal accessories like pull-out drawers or spice racks are installed.
Time: Usually completed within the same timeframe as door and drawer alignment.

Hardware Installation

Knobs and pulls are attached to cabinet doors and drawers. This requires precise measurement to ensure they are centered and straight.
Time: A few hours.

Final Inspection and Cleanup

Installers perform a final walk-through to ensure everything is to satisfaction, clean up their work area, and remove debris.
Time: Typically half a day.

Factors That Can Extend the Cabinet Installation Schedule

While we’ve outlined average times, it’s important to be aware of potential delays that can push back your cabinet project duration.

Unexpected Structural Issues

Out-of-Plumb Walls: Walls that are not perfectly vertical require more extensive shimming, which can be time-consuming and requires careful execution.
Uneven Floors: Similar to walls, uneven floors necessitate precise shimming for base cabinets to sit correctly.
Hidden Obstructions: Discovering pipes, wires, or structural beams behind walls that weren’t accounted for during planning can require rerouting or modification, adding significant time.

Design Complications

Complex Corner Solutions: Installing corner cabinets, especially diagonal or “lazy Susan” types, can be tricky and require precise alignment.
Appliance Integration: Custom-fitting cabinets around specific appliance sizes (like built-in refrigerators or ovens) demands meticulous accuracy.
Specialty Cabinetry: Features like pull-out pantries, wine racks, or decorative molding often require more delicate installation.

Material Quality and Fit

Slightly Misaligned Cabinet Boxes: While reputable manufacturers have high quality control, minor imperfections in cabinet boxes can require extra effort to fit together perfectly.
Hardware Issues: Sometimes, pre-drilled holes for hardware might be slightly off, requiring minor adjustments.

Site Accessibility

Narrow Doorways or Hallways: Moving large, heavy cabinet boxes through tight spaces can slow down the process.
Limited Workspace: If the kitchen is small or cluttered, installers may have less room to work efficiently.
Parking and Material Staging: Difficulties with parking or staging materials can impact the start time and overall flow.

Decision Making and Changes

Owner Availability: If you are managing a DIY project or need to make decisions during professional installation, being unavailable can cause delays.
Last-Minute Changes: Deciding to add or alter cabinet features once installation has begun will inevitably extend the timeline.

Estimating Your Kitchen Cabinet Installation Time: A Practical Approach

To get a realistic estimate for your specific project, consider the following:

1. Define Your Project Scope

Kitchen Size: Measure your kitchen accurately.
Cabinet Quantity: List the number of base cabinets, wall cabinets, and any specialty units.
Layout Type: Is it straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, or does it include an island?
Cabinet Style: Stock, semi-custom, or custom?

2. Decide on Installation Method

DIY: Be honest about your skill level, available time, and tools.
Professional: Research local cabinet installers or contractors.

3. Get Quotes and Timelines from Professionals

Contact at least three different installers or companies.
Ask for a detailed quote that includes the estimated cabinet installation time.
Inquire about their typical cabinet installation schedule for projects similar to yours.
Ask what’s included (e.g., hardware installation, cleanup).

4. Factor in Additional Remodel Phases

Remember that cabinet installation is often just one part of a larger kitchen remodel. Account for:

Demolition of old cabinets
Plumbing and electrical rough-ins
Countertop templating and installation
Backsplash installation
Flooring and painting

Table: Estimated Cabinet Installation Times

This table provides a generalized overview. Always confirm with your chosen installer or by realistically assessing your DIY capabilities.

Kitchen Size	Cabinet Complexity	DIY Installation (Days)	Professional Installation (Days)
Small (under 100 sq ft)	Standard	3-6	1-2
Medium (100-200 sq ft)	Standard	4-8	2-4
Large (over 200 sq ft)	Standard	6-10	3-5
Small	Complex	5-8	2-3
Medium	Complex	7-12	3-5
Large	Complex	10-15+	4-7+
Any Size	Custom/High-End	10-20+	5-10+

Note: These are estimates and can vary significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Installation Time

Here are answers to some common questions regarding the cabinet installation time:

Q1: Can I install my kitchen cabinets myself?

Yes, you can install kitchen cabinets yourself if you have the necessary tools, skills, and patience. However, be prepared for a longer DIY cabinet installation time compared to professionals, and potential challenges with achieving perfectly plumb and level results without experience.

Q2: What is the most time-consuming part of cabinet installation?

The most time-consuming part is often the precise leveling and shimming of each cabinet, especially in kitchens with less-than-perfect walls or floors. Securing them to studs and joining adjacent cabinets also requires careful attention. The time to hang kitchen cabinets is largely dictated by this meticulous process.

Q3: How long does it take to install cabinet doors and drawers?

Installing and aligning cabinet doors and drawers is typically a finishing step. For a standard kitchen, this might take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the number of doors and drawers and the complexity of the hinge adjustments.

Q4: Does countertop installation affect cabinet installation time?

Countertop installation happens after base cabinets are installed and measured for. While it doesn’t directly add to the cabinet hanging itself, it’s a crucial step in the overall kitchen remodel cabinet timeline that follows cabinet installation. The templating and fabrication of countertops can take weeks.

Q5: What should I do to prepare for cabinet installation?

Before installers arrive, ensure the area is cleared of old cabinets and appliances, and that any necessary plumbing or electrical rough-ins are completed. Make sure the walls are clean and ready for installation.

Q6: How is the “average cabinet install time” calculated?

The average cabinet install time is typically based on the cumulative experience of professional installers working on kitchens of varying sizes and complexities. It reflects the efficient workflow and problem-solving skills of experienced teams.

By considering these factors and the detailed breakdown of the installation process, you can develop a more accurate expectation for your cabinet installation schedule and the overall cabinet project duration.