Have you been dreaming of a new kitchen? One with more storage space, better space-planning, and updated cabinet doors? Perhaps it’s time to make your dreams a reality! After all, there are numerous benefits to a full or partial kitchen remodel, including:
- Improved functionality
- Increased home resale value
- Updated aesthetics that fit your design style
- A design that works for your family
- Energy and water savings
Whether you’re considering taking the plunge into a full kitchen remodel or just a partial redesign with new cabinets, be sure to consider the overall design, production, and installation timeline. Below, we’ll take a look at the design and installation process so you can create a realistic timeline for your kitchen update!
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How Long Does It Take to Install Kitchen Cabinets? 4 Impactful Factors
Normally, installing new kitchen cabinets takes 5 to 7 days when done by a professional contractor. When paired with new countertops and a full remodel, installation of kitchen cabinetry can take up to 14 days or more. While this is the average timeframe of a cabinet installation, there are a few factors that can shorten or lengthen this timeframe:
1) Kitchen Size
It may seem obvious, but the larger kitchen you have, the longer it will take to install cabinets. Depending on the size of your kitchen, the kitchen installation timeline may vary by a few hours to an additional day or two from the average 5 to 14-day installation timeframe. Smaller kitchens may only take 1–2 days to replace kitchen cabinets, whereas larger spaces can take up to 14 days or more.
2) Number of Cabinets
Along the same line as your kitchen size, the number of cabinets you choose to install will affect the installation time. Usually, when people decide to remodel their kitchen, they want to get more storage space and a better layout with their new design.
It’s likely that your remodeled kitchen will have more cabinets and drawers than your original kitchen plus a functional kitchen island. However, unless the number of cabinets is dramatically different from your current kitchen, your installation time will likely only be affected by a few hours or maybe an extra day.
3) Incorporating Specialty Cabinetry Features
At Puustelli, we love incorporating specialty features into our cabinet designs so that homeowners can experience a kitchen that fits seamlessly into their lives. Specialty features that can be included in your kitchen design include:
- Vertical lift cabinets
- Our signature Power Slide “lazy Susan” corner cabinet
- Cooktops with side knobs integrated into the cabinetry
- Pull-out cutting boards integrated into the cabinetry
- Paneled appliances to seamlessly integrate dishwashers, refrigerators, and beverage coolers into the cabinetry
- Ovens and microwaves built into the wall cabinetry
If you want to incorporate a few specialized features, they may add some time to your installation. However, we think the added time is 100% worth it for the incredible result.
4) Changing the Design
Lastly, custom cabinetry depends on a solidified design. If you have second thoughts about your design before your scheduled installation date, you’ll likely have to deal with a delay. Scrapping an old design for a new one requires ordering new material, creating new blueprints, and undoing any work that’s already been completed.
Installation Schedule for New Custom Kitchen Cabinets
If you want a truly customized kitchen, you’ll want to work with a company (like Puustelli!) that does custom kitchen cabinetry. When you do, there’s a thorough process to go through that ensures you get the kitchen of your dreams. From start to finish, the entire process of getting brand new kitchen cabinets can take 4 to 6 months. The process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Talk to a Designer
Your dream kitchen starts with a simple call or email. Start by getting in touch with a custom cabinet designer and explain that you’re looking to have brand new cabinets installed.
Once you’re in touch with your preferred designer, you’ll schedule a free showroom consultation and get started with the kitchen design process.
Before the consultation, think about what kind of design you’re looking for. Before the meeting, gather inspiration photos, and blueprints or architectural renderings if you have them, so that the designer can get an idea of what you’re looking for.
When it’s time for the consultation, you’ll visit the showroom or meet virtually to discuss your vision. If you visit the showroom, you get the added advantage of seeing and feeling materials and exploring potential cabinet layouts that could inspire your own kitchen.
Step 2: Gather Measurements
When you work with a company like Puustelli, you can schedule a home visit so the designer can gather measurements and document the space to ensure even the smallest details will be executed perfectly. If you already have measurements from an architect or contractor, a designer can also use any 3D renderings or architectural blueprints to plan the space.
Step 3: Collaborate on Kitchen Design
Once measurements are finalized, your designer will create a 3D design for you to approve. In this 3D design, you’ll collaborate with your designer to choose all of the final details of your kitchen—from cabinet face styles and overall kitchen configuration to countertop materials, colors, and cabinet hardware.
Step 4: Order Kitchen Cabinets
When you feel happy with the design, your designer will prepare your designs for ordering and production. Once you sign a contract, your custom kitchen cabinetry and countertop order will be placed and the manufacturing process will begin.
It generally takes 8–12 weeks to build your custom cabinetry. This is when you’ll want to order new appliances if that’s part of your kitchen update. If remodeling hasn’t begun, this timeframe is also when you’ll remove old cabinetry and update any wiring, plumbing, drywall, and flooring. (Though, if you’re working with a contractor and/or architect, they may have already started this process and will have a timeline for everything.)
Step 5: Schedule an Installation Date + Watch the Magic Happen
Once the order for your cabinets is placed, your designer will help you schedule an installation date for when your cabinets are ready to be installed.
When your installation date arrives, a certified Puustelli installer will bring your new kitchen design to life in front of your eyes. Installation using Puustelli cabinetry typically takes no longer than 10 days. If you ordered a countertop along with your cabinets, this will be installed at the same time. By combining these steps, you’ll reduce the typical installation time by 2-4 weeks.
If you’re doing a remodel on an existing kitchen, or if you’re building a new home, your cabinets will be installed by a certified professional contractor when all the plumbing and electric work is completed, and when the floors and walls are finished.
Typically, the total kitchen renovation process follows these steps:
- Removing old cabinetry
- Marking electrical outlets
- Wiring, plumbing, drywall, and flooring
- Installing new cabinets
- Adding appliances & countertops
- Final touchups
Step 6: Complete a Final Inspection
When all the cabinets, hardware, and countertops are installed, your certified installer will perform a detailed inspection. This inspection helps ensure that everything is in line with your approved design, the kitchen is ready for use, and everything is clean and tidy. When all is said and done, you get to enjoy your brand new kitchen cabinets in your fully transformed kitchen!
Why You Should Choose Custom Cabinets Over Stock Cabinets
As we mentioned earlier, custom cabinets typically take 10 to 14 weeks to build and deliver. That may seem like a long time to wait for your dream kitchen and you may be tempted to opt for mass-produced stock cabinets from a big-box retailer.
While it’s true that stock cabinets can be available to you almost immediately (though, current production delays may impact availability), we encourage you to think through some of the pitfalls of stock cabinets:
- Stock cabinets are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) which can release dangerous formaldehyde into your home.
- Stock cabinets are made from cheap, less durable materials
- Stock cabinets are mass-produced meaning many people have the exact same cabinets, and you can’t personalize them for your needs.
- Pre-fabricated designs and cabinet sizes mean you have less flexibility to customize your kitchen design to your specific needs and wants.
When you opt for custom cabinetry, you may have to wait a bit longer, but the result will be worth the wait. With Puustelli eco-luxury cabinets, added cabinetry benefits that are worth the wait include:
- No MDF and chipboard materials used
- No formaldehyde-based glues present
- No endangered wood species
- Biocomposite frames that are 100% recyclable and re-usable
Plus, the nominal wait time is absolutely worth it to get a fully personalized kitchen that matches your lifestyle, design preferences, and needs! Whether you’re building a brand new home or remodeling your current kitchen, custom cabinets are the way to go.
Ready to Get Started with New Kitchen Cabinets?
All in all, the entire process of getting new cabinets takes roughly 4 to 6 months, and the actual installation takes 10 days on average. A kitchen remodel may briefly interrupt your life, but in the end, it will be completely worth it when you have a space that compliments and enhances your life.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your low-functioning, outdated kitchen? Trust Puustelli with your custom cabinet design.
Try out our kitchen simulator to explore your cabinetry options, and contact us today to set up a free consultation!
