How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets? (2024)

How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets? Let’s find out! The kitchen is not only an important room in a house, but it is also one of the most frequently visited. That is why you require a set of cabinets that reflect your style and personality.

Kitchen cabinet installation is usually a fraction of the whole kitchen renovation and several factors can influence their installation. This is why it is critical to determine how long it will take to install your cabinets so that you can plan accordingly.

Key points of installing kitchen cabinets

1. Kitchen cabinet installation is a fraction of a whole kitchen renovation and the average time it takes to install them is about one week.
2. Installing cabinets in a small kitchen takes about 3 to 5 days while in larger kitchens it can take well over a week.
3. Custom-made kitchen cabinets are an ideal solution but they might require more time to set up from scratch.
4. Kitchen cabinet installation or replacement costs vary depending on the cabinet chosen, stock and semi-custom cabinets cost between $160 to $300 per linear foot.
5. The time it takes to install kitchen cabinets can be influenced by factors such as size of the kitchen, special features, and the method of installation (DIY or contractor-based).

How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?

After considering all factors, the average time it will likely take to install your kitchen cabinets is about one week. The timetable includes planning, measuring, cutting, and installing all fasteners required to mount each drawer or cabinet door.

Kitchen cabinet installation by size

Installing cabinets in a small kitchen takes about 3 to 5 days. As mentioned above, the cabinet installation will require a replacement of the old cabinets, new electrical wiring for the electrical outlets and light fixtures, plumbing for the sink, and the final design. In a larger kitchen, cabinets can take well over one week and might need on-site work by a construction crew.

What’s different with custom cabinets?

Suppose you want to increase the storage space in your kitchen or install custom-made doors and gorgeous new backsplash. In that case, a custom kitchen cabinet is an ideal solution. From the materials used to the design, each style of custom kitchen cabinet has distinct qualities and advantages—a linear foot of custom cabinets costs between $500 and $1,500. A downside is that they might require more time to set up from scratch.

Cabinet installation or replacement costs

Kitchen cabinet installation or replacement costs can vary depending on the cabinet you choose. Stock and semi-custom cabinets cost between $160 to $300 per linear foot and around $5000 as the total cost.

What is a complete kitchen cabinet renovation timeline?

First, let’s talk about the process of installing kitchen cabinets. These are the few steps I followed in a personal kitchen cabinet installation project.

It was a DIY project combined with a lot of expert advice, and the first step was to measure the wood boards. This procedure took about an hour.

The second step was to drill holes for each piece of hardware, which took roughly 30 minutes. You can expect it to take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the hardware. You’ll also want to ensure your cabinets are centered on their tracks so that everything lines up correctly when you’re done.

Then the assembly followed. This step can take between 3 and 12 hours, depending on whether you use pre-assembled cabinets or all-in-one kits. You’ll also need to install kit-specific hardware (such as handles), which takes about 30 minutes per handle.

We then marked the electrical outlets and sink plumbing. If you are doing it yourself, it may be more difficult if you do not have prior electrical or plumbing experience. It should only take an hour or two with extra help. Following that, you install the countertop and decorate the cabinets to your liking.

Altogether, it took four days to round up the entire project. You can set aside one week for your kitchen cabinets to be installed successfully. Read on to see all the necessary steps in the project, from the old cabinetry removal to the new installation, and get a realistic time frame for both DIY and contractor-based installation.

Factors determining how long it takes to install kitchen cabinets

Some factors may influence the time it takes to install new kitchen cabinets. Here are a few things to think about before starting the job;

Special Features

Kitchen cabinet materials also influence the duration of the cabinet renovation project. You might want to order customized countertops and exclusive tiles. The time it takes for these items to be delivered influences the project’s timeframe.

Size of the kitchen

Smaller kitchens have less space and, therefore, probably require smaller cabinets. This speeds up the project significantly compared to installing larger kitchen cabinets.

Requests for changes

Consider that there may be a delay if you want to redo or improve anything before the project is completed, so give yourself an extra day to sort out change requests.

Things That Influence The Amount Of Time

While the project is only a few days long, some steps take longer than others. Here are the most time-consuming steps in installing kitchen cabinets:

1. Cutting out holes for hardware and marking electrical outlets takes more than 3 hours with an experienced laborer.
2. Assembly: Assembling the cabinets is the project’s final step. It is a significant step that can take an entire day to complete.

Price to install cabinet hardware.

Everything from drawer slides and handles to cabinet knobs and hinges is considered cabinet hardware. The hardware completes the look of the kitchen. In general, installing cabinet hardware costs between $50 and $100.

Average labor cost to hang kitchen cabinets.

Labor costs an average of $350 for a cabinet install project. The cost varies according to the amount of time the construction crew works. The workers only need a day or two to install the kitchen cabinets completely.

In what step to install cabinets?

The first step in installing new kitchen cabinets is to remove the old ones and clean up the surrounding area. This includes removing old hardware like hinges and handles and cleaning your cabinets. You should remove any hinge covers from the cabinet doors if you intend to replace them.

The next step is to measure and mark the exact dimensions of the space where you want to install your new cabinets. It will assist you in deciding on cabinet doors, drawers, and countertops.

The last step is to install the new cabinets. This includes drilling holes in your wall or ceiling for screws, attaching brackets to secure the doors, installing drawers, and ensuring everything fit together nicely.

Kitchen Cabinet Costs by Material & Design

Before beginning the dining room renovation, the cost of each material is calculated. It will help if you choose cabinets that are within your budget. The prices for each cabinetry design are listed below;

Semi-custom cabinetry

Semi-custom cabinetry is the most common design most homeowners go for because it’s right up their alley with the cost and design. Semi-custom cabinetry will suit your needs perfectly without being too pricey. General market prices are $200 to $550 per linear foot.

Custom cabinets

Experienced cabinet makers make custom cabinets to provide a high-quality product unique to your home. They’re not mass-produced, so you can buy what you need for your space. A custom cabinet can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets are the least expensive option available, but this does not mean they are not up to par regarding quality. They are well-designed and can be used in your kitchen renovation if you are on a budget. The stock cabinetry costs $100 to $280 per square foot.

Planning & designing your kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinet design is a project that involves the following:

• Planning: Decide on the size of your kitchen, the type of cabinets you want, and other features such as countertops, sinks, and windows.
• Design: Work with a professional designer to create a design that reflects your tastes and preferences.
• Install: Have your cabinets installed by professionals with experience installing them in homes like yours.

Refacing vs. Replacing vs. Refinishing

For cabinet installation, it’s essential to understand the difference between refacing, replacing, and refinishing.

Refacing: Refacing is when you replace an old cabinet with a new one. You may need to add some modifications for strength or function. Still, you won’t be doing anything significant to the wood itself.

Replacing: Replacing means completely rebuilding the entire cabinet system. This includes installing new hardware and locking mechanisms and any other necessary changes.

Refinishing: Refinishing involves sanding down the surface of your cabinets to remove any imperfections in the finish and prepare them for a new finish.

Cost of removing cabinets

The removal period for old cabinets depends on the size of the cabinet. Cabinet removal is not a straightforward process. The countertop and wall outlets should be removed and the space appropriately cleaned in preparation for the new cabinet. The removal should cost between $600 to $1000 and takes only a few hours.

DIY vs. Hiring a Cabinet Installation Professional

When it comes to kitchen cabinet installation, there are two paths you can take. You can do it yourself or hire a professional. If you don’t have the funds to hire a professional installer, DIY is an option. DIY projects take well over a week to complete, while an experienced professional will take just a few days. If you are on a tight deadline, hiring an experienced professional may be the best option.

Are kitchen cabinets difficult to install?

If you want to install cabinetry, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult. You don’t need any formal training or a lot of high-tech equipment or supplies. The trick, as with most carpentry jobs, is to work slowly and deliberately, making sure that everything is nice and square as you go.

Takeaways

In conclusion, many factors influence the timeline for your kitchen cabinet installation process, and you should take them all into account. However, the project is still very time efficient and will be completed in about a week.