How Long Does It Take to Fit My New Kitchen?

Once you've decided you're ready for a new kitchen, one of the first questions on your mind is likely to be: "How long does a new kitchen take?"

The honest answer? It depends on a few things. The scope of your project, the style of kitchen you choose, and the level of service you need all affect the timeline. While a straightforward replacement can move quickly, a full renovation with layout changes, structural work, and stone worktops will take much longer.

Whether you're a homeowner in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, we know you want a concrete timeline to help you plan your project without any surprises. And we've put together this complete guide to help you know exactly how long it takes to install a new kitchen.

Typical Kitchen Projects Offered by Ridgeway Interiors

We know planning a new kitchen can feel like a big undertaking. So, before you ask the questions, how long does it take to install a kitchen, you need to know which level of service you're hiring. Ridgeway Interior, we've designed different levels of service to match your requirements and schedule.

Here's a quick look at the three main options:

Supply Only

If you already have your own tradespeople lined up, our supply-only service is perfect for you. Our skilled designers create your CAD design. Once the design is agreed, the deposit is paid, and the order is placed, delivery can be completed in as little as four weeks for some ranges. It's the quickest route. However, installation time depends on your tradespeople.

Dry Fit Installation

Perhaps you'd like us to handle the kitchen furniture, sinks, taps, appliances, and lighting, but you have your own tradespeople for final connections to services and other supplementary works. That's what we call a "dry fit", and it's a popular middle-ground option for homeowners who want professional kitchen installation without the full building works package.

Full Building Works Service

This is the longest route, but also the most complete. It can include strip-out, waste removal, wall changes, first-fix plumbing, first-fix electrics, plastering, floor preparation, installation, worktop templating, second-fix connections, decorating, and final snagging. Every task is carried out by our own fully employed team of expert and trusted tradespeople, overseen by our builders, installation manager, and full-time fitter.

You won't waste time waiting for tradespeople to turn up, face long gaps between different tasks, or worry about being let down and having to arrange and rearrange everyone. So, how long does it take to fit a new kitchen if you go for this option? It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish, but you get a completely stress-free solution in return.

We're also happy to work alongside your builders, sub-contractors, structural engineers, and building control if needed.

What Factors Affect Your Kitchen Installation Timeline

Several factors influence how long it takes to install a new kitchen. Understanding these upfront helps you plan more effectively. 

Here are a few you need to be aware of: 

1. Your Design Decisions

Step one is to chat with our expert. It helps speed the process along if you have some ideas of what you do and don't want. You may have mood boards created using Pinterest, design ideas from House & Garden, cuttings from brochures and magazines, or simply some thoughts you'd like to discuss with designers. 

Some customers pin down their design in a single day, while others take longer. There's no rush. We want you to be completely happy before we place a single order.

2. The Style of Kitchen You Choose

The type of kitchen you select has a direct impact on how long your new kitchen takes to arrive. A German range, for instance, can take just four weeks for delivery. Handmade, made-to-measure furniture, on the other hand, can take up to 10 weeks or sometimes longer.

With a wide choice of styles available, from traditional and Shaker through to modern, handleless, and made-to-order designs, you can ask about different lead times and what that means for your project.

3. The Time of Year

Seasonal demand also plays a role. Some overseas factories close for two weeks during the summer. Christmas and January orders may also mean a slight extension in lead times. If you're working to a deadline, it's worth factoring this in from the start.

4. The Scope of Your Project

The simpler the project, the quicker the result. A straightforward supply-only kitchen could see you enjoying your brand-new space in as little as four weeks. A full building works project involving structural changes, new plumbing, and complete decoration will naturally take longer, but you'll have a fully finished room at the end of it with no loose ends.

Your Complete Kitchen Timeline: Step by Step

Let's return to the original question: how long does it take to install a kitchen from start to finish? As mentioned, this timeline will change depending on your scope, type of kitchen, and a few other factors. 

Here's a detailed overview of every stage in the process.

1 Day to 1 Week: Initial Consultation 

The first step is to visit our showroom in Thame, Oxfordshire, or Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire. You'll get to explore a full range of kitchens, appliances, furniture, and worktops in person. 

From there, you'll sit down with one of the designers to discuss what you want from your new kitchen, how you use your space, and what matters most to you, whether that's storage, entertaining, family dining, or all of the above. This is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation. It's your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and start shaping the kitchen you've been picturing.

Weeks 1–2: Measuring Up

After the first discussion, a designer will visit your home on a day and time that works for you. They'll take detailed measurements of your space and assess the existing plumbing, electrics, and any specific requirements. This survey provides everything needed to create an accurate, workable plan that fits your home perfectly.

Weeks 2–3: Designing Your Kitchen

Within a week or two, you'll receive initial design drawings. Using CAD software, we will create a detailed layout so you can view and walk through your new kitchen before a single thing is ordered. 

You'll discuss any changes, preferences, and budget together, then finalise your kitchen plan. If something isn't quite right, the design will be refined. Nothing moves forward until you are happy.

Weeks 3–15: Ordering and Final Checks

Once you've approved the design and paid your deposit, your kitchen furniture will be ordered. Delivery lead times range from 3 to 10 weeks, and sometimes longer for made-to-order pieces. During this period, a project manager will also visit for final checks and a pre-installation survey to make sure everything is ready for the fitting day.

Weeks 3–14: Kitchen Installation

The fitting will be organised to begin as soon as your kitchen arrives. It can take up to 14 weeks from the order date, depending on the complexity of the project. This stage covers any building work requirements, including removing walls, plumbing, plastering, tile removal, and stripping out the old kitchen.

If you've chosen the full building works service, this is where the Ridgeway Interiors team really comes through. Our team manages every trade, task, and detail for you so you don't have to lift a finger.

Weeks 1–3: Worktop Installation

Solid surface, granite, marble, or Corian worktops need to be templated before fitting. This process can take up to two weeks after kitchen installation to complete. The worktop supplier will visit once the units are in place to take precise measurements, then fabricate and fit your piece to an exact specification.

Days 1–3 (Post-Worktop): Final Touches

Plumbing connections, sink fittings, hob installation, and glass splashback fittings will all be arranged where applicable. Final checks are carried out, protective wrapping is removed from doors, and your new kitchen is made perfect and ready to enjoy.

Days 1–2: Project Completion

Finally, any remaining tasks are completed, and you'll have the opportunity to flag anything at all before the team leaves you to relax and enjoy your brand-new kitchen for many years to come. 

And the support doesn't stop there. If any questions or issues come up over the coming months and years, you're always welcome to pick up the phone. Ridgeway Interiors is here for the long run.

How To Speed Up Your Kitchen Installation Timeline

There are a few simple things you can do to help your project move as smoothly and swiftly as possible. While every kitchen is unique, being prepared from the start makes a huge difference to how long it takes to fit your new kitchen.More importantly, planning leads to a stress-free experience.

Here's what you can do: 

• Come to your first consultation with ideas ready, including mood boards, magazine cuttings, or a Pinterest board. They all help your designer move faster.

• Know your must-haves and deal-breakers upfront, so decisions don't stall the design stage. 

• Be responsive when your designer shares drawings because quick feedback keeps the process moving.

• Consider a German kitchen range if timing is a priority, as these can be delivered in as little as four weeks.

• Book your initial consultation early if you're working to a seasonal deadline, as summer and Christmas periods can extend lead times.

• Keep access to your home straightforward for the survey visit, so measurements and checks can be completed the first time. 

• Ask your designer about your full timeline at the start, so you can plan around key milestones with confidence.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, KEEP READING

Find Out How Long Your New Kitchen Will Take?

The best way to get an accurate answer to "how long does it take to install a new kitchen" is to come and talk to us. Every project is different, and once we understand your vision, space, and preferred style, we can map out a clear timeline from day one.

Whether you're looking for a quick refresh with a supply-only service or a complete kitchen overhaul with our full building works package, we'll guide you through every step. You'll know what's happening, when it's happening, and who's taking care of it.

Visit our Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire showroom today. Bring your ideas, Pinterest boards, magazine cuttings, or simply your questions. Book your appointment online or call 01844 279 900 today.