One of the first questions we hear is: how long will this take? It is a fair question — particularly if you are living in the home throughout the project and need to plan around a period without a functioning kitchen.
The honest answer is that most bespoke kitchen projects take between 12 and 20 weeks from design sign-off to installation completion. Smaller cabinetry commissions can be quicker; full renovations with structural work may take longer.
Here is how that time is typically spent.
Phase 1: Design (2–6 weeks)
Design is where the project takes shape. After your initial design consultation, we develop layouts, cabinetry drawings, and material selections. This is an iterative process — we present options, refine details, and adjust until you are completely happy.
Rushing design is false economy. Decisions made carefully now prevent expensive changes during manufacture or installation.
What happens during design:
- Detailed measurements and site surveys
- Layout proposals and 3D visualisations
- Material and finish selections
- Appliance specification and coordination
- Quotation and contract agreement
Design concludes when you sign off the final scheme. Only then does manufacture begin.
Phase 2: Manufacture (6–10 weeks)
Once the design is approved, your cabinetry is handmade in our workshop. This is not off-the-shelf production — each piece is cut, assembled, and finished specifically for your kitchen.
Lead times vary depending on the complexity of the project and our current workshop schedule. We confirm the manufacture timeline when you sign off and keep you updated throughout.
What happens during manufacture:
- Timber cutting and frame assembly
- Door and drawer construction
- Painting or finishing
- Quality checks before dispatch
While cabinetry is being made, we can begin coordinating trades for any preparatory work — electrics, plumbing, plastering, or structural alterations.
Phase 3: Installation (1–3 weeks)
Installation is the phase most clients are naturally anxious about. We plan it meticulously to minimise disruption and complete the project as efficiently as possible.
Our kitchen installation team manages the entire fit — cabinetry, worktops, appliances, and coordination with plumbers, electricians, and tilers where required.
What happens during installation:
- Protection of floors and adjacent spaces
- Cabinetry fitting and alignment
- Worktop templating and installation
- Appliance integration
- Plumbing and electrical connections
- Final adjustments, silicone, and snagging
For a straightforward cabinetry replacement, installation may take five to seven working days. A full kitchen renovation with structural work will take longer.
What can delay a project?
Most delays are avoidable with good planning. The common causes we see are:
- Delayed design decisions — changing materials or layout after sign-off
- Structural surprises — unforeseen issues behind walls or under floors
- Third-party trades — delays from builders or other contractors outside our control
- Client-led changes — adding scope during installation
We mitigate these by surveying thoroughly during design, coordinating trades in advance, and communicating clearly when anything affects the programme.
Living without a kitchen
We do not pretend this is easy. During installation, you will likely be without a fully functioning kitchen for one to three weeks. We discuss practical arrangements during the consultation — temporary cooking setups, access routes for the team, and which rooms need protecting.
Our goal is to make the disruption as short and manageable as possible.
How to keep your project on track
- Make design decisions promptly and avoid revisiting them after sign-off
- Disclose any known issues with your property early (damp, uneven floors, old wiring)
- Ensure clear access to the property on installation days
- Be available for quick decisions if unexpected questions arise on site
Ready to plan your timeline?
Every home is different, and we will give you a specific programme during your consultation. If you are thinking about a kitchen project in 2026, now is a good time to begin the design conversation.
Book a design consultation and we will map out a realistic timeline for your home.
