What are the stages of installing a new kitchen?

Installing a new kitchen

Your dream kitchen has been designed and you’ve prepared your space for the build phase – now, it’s time for the installation.

From clearing the entryways to the last building control inspection, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has put together a quick guide on what you need to know about installing your new kitchen…

Open and bright kitchen design with modern cabinetry, and garden access through a pivot door.
Designer Lea Grange of Studio 163 transformed a dark and damp one-bed garden flat into a bright and modern two-bed apartment. She brought the living spaces to the rear to create a strong connection with the garden, increased by the use of a large pivot door. Ikea Havstorp cabinetry, priced around £5000.

Kitchen cabinets

While it might sound obvious, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got entryways clear, and plenty of space in the room where your cabinetry will be installed, before it’s scheduled to be delivered.

Once it’s arrived, allow five to seven days to install a typical kitchen, not including worktops, advises Tom Edmonds, founder of Lewis Alderson & Co. “Ideally, allow the fitters sole access, so contractors aren’t working around each other,” he adds.

Sophisticated design with marble surfaces, a multi-functional island and layered lighting.
Grid Thirteen revised the existing floor plan in this family home, applying a spatial approach to increase the connectivity, flow and functionality of the space. The contrasting cabinetry styles blend modern with traditional elements to ensure the new extension works in harmony with the rest of the property. Darling Maeve handcrafted kitchen with Aberford and Hepworth cabinets. Grid Thirteen kitchens start from £50,000. Photography: Andy Haslam.

Worktops

Once base cabinets are fitted, those installing the work surfaces can measure up to create a ‘template’ of your worktops before they cut it to size. “All cabinets should be level and any overhangs appropriately supported,” explains Tom.

Kitchen design flooded with light through glazing, with a central island and statement pendants above it.
This renovation turned the kitchen into a fusion of natural light and bold design elements. A mix of materials and textures bring warmth and elegance, creating an inviting space connected to the outdoors. Femmen cabinetry with Fenix Verde Comodoro doors, and hammered brass island. Sola Kitchens start from £45,000.

Natural stone, quartz and porcelain are ‘templated’ in the same way, although Tom says porcelain will take longer to process, as extra fabrication is required to make up for the thinner material. Edge details on stone and quartz also take longer to process, which bumps up the costs, too.

Once templated, it’s a week turnaround before the worktop is installed.

Kitchen appliances and lighting

The appliances are usually installed by the fitting team during the kitchen installation, unless it’s a more specialist appliance such as an Aga, which is typically installed prior to the cabinets, according to Tom.

Warm and welcoming extension with blue cabinetry, glazing, a window seat, and a central island with a built-in sink and tap.
Kitchens by Holloways designed an open space that feels welcoming but also functional, with each area having its own purpose and appeal. The blue cabinetry ‘zones’ the kitchen, while a seating nook provides a spot for others to perch while the chef cooks. Ludlow kitchen cabinetry; Kitchens by Holloways are priced on application. Photography: Enzo Cerri.

However, the fitters don’t second-fix the appliances and light fixtures – this needs to be completed by qualified electricians and/or gas engineers for legislative reasons. This usually takes a couple of hours for an average kitchen, and is often completed once the worktops are fitted.

Hardware and finishing touches

Finally, the fun details. If your kitchen is hand painted, the cabinet painters will come in to apply the top coats, which can take around four to five days. Hardware will be added and the fitters will arrange a ‘snagging’ session, checking doors and drawers for rubbing or catching; that the handles are aligned, and the paint finish is up to scratch.

Hand-painted kitchen in an olive green, with wall panelling, shelving, and rustic decor.
Kitchen hand-painted in Olive Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan.

Now’s the time to raise any issues with your builders, before the last building control inspection and the ‘final certificate’ is issued – proving the work meets the standards required by law.

Pop the kettle on, put your feet up, and relax.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for tips on getting ready for the build phase of your new kitchen

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