How Long Does It Take to Install Kitchen Cabinets? What to Expect from Start to Finish

When you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building one from scratch, timing matters just as much as design. And if custom cabinetry is part of your project, you’re probably asking the same thing most homeowners do: how long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?

The answer depends on the size of your kitchen, the type of cabinets, and the condition of the space. But whether you’re working with standard units or fully customized pieces, understanding the timeline helps you avoid surprises and delays.

Before Installation Starts: Design and Delivery

Cabinet installation doesn’t begin the day your contractor shows up with tools. First, there’s the design process, material selection, and fabrication. For stock cabinets, this part moves quickly. But for custom cabinets, especially with personalized features or finishes, it takes more time.

At Premiere Custom Millwork & Fireplaces Ltd, the full pre-installation process typically includes:

• An in-home consultation and measurement
• Design review and approvals
• Shop drawings and renderings
• Fabrication and finishing
• Delivery coordination

This stage can take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on your selections and how busy the workshop is. The payoff? A kitchen that fits your space perfectly, with finishes you won’t find in a showroom.

What Happens During Installation?

So, how long does it take to install kitchen cabinets once they’re ready to go? On average, expect 3 to 5 days of actual installation time for an average-sized kitchen. Larger layouts, multi-room installs, or complicated wall conditions may add a few extra days.

Day 1 typically involves prepping the space, confirming measurements, and installing base cabinets. Day 2 might include upper cabinets and hardware. If your cabinets include crown moulding, integrated lighting, or custom-built ins, those features will follow.

What Can Cause Delays?

Even with the best planning, there are a few things that can stretch the timeline:

• Unlevel floors or uneven walls
• Plumbing or electrical work not completed beforehand
• Last-minute design changes
• Damaged materials (rare but possible during shipping)
• Waiting on countertop templating and installation

At Premiere, we manage these variables by doing site walkthroughs and coordinating closely with other contractors. The goal is to ensure your cabinet installation stays on schedule and the results match your expectations.

Why Quality Installation Takes Time

Installing kitchen cabinets isn’t just about attaching boxes to the wall. It involves alignment, levelling, scribing to fit wall contours, securing filler strips, and ensuring that every door and drawer functions properly. Rushing that process leads to gaps, cracks, or uneven finishes, and that’s not something we accept.

If you’re working with custom designs, it’s worth giving the team the time they need to get every detail right. Your kitchen will reward you for years.

Final Note

So, how long does it take to install kitchen cabinets? For most projects, 3 to 5 days of installation time is standard, with a few weeks of planning and fabrication beforehand. Every hour spent upfront ensures your cabinets look great, fit perfectly, and perform the way they should.

At Premiere Custom Millwork & Fireplaces Ltd., we don’t just install cabinets. We build kitchens around how you live. If you’re planning a remodel and want cabinetry that’s worth the wait, our team is ready to help you get started.