How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Written by Connor Tomlinson, director of Temporary Pod Solutions. Updated 12 October 2026.

It's the first thing everyone asks: how long will I be without a kitchen? The honest answer is that it depends on the size of the job. Here's a rough guide to help you plan. Always check timings with your own fitter.

The short answer

• Like-for-like refit1 to 2 weeksNew units and worktops in the same layout, with little plumbing or electrical work.
• Full new kitchen3 to 4 weeksNew layout, new plumbing and electrics, plastering, flooring and tiling.
• Knock-through or extension2 to 3 months+Structural work, building control and lots more trades.

Stage by stage

A typical full kitchen refit, once work starts on site:

• 1. Strip-out1 to 2 daysThe old kitchen, tiles and sometimes flooring come out.
• 2. First fix2 to 4 daysNew pipes, cables and sockets go in before the walls are finished.
• 3. Plastering3 to 7 daysWalls and ceilings are plastered and left to dry.
• 4. Flooring1 to 2 daysSome floors go down before the units, some after.
• 5. Fitting units3 to 5 daysCabinets, doors and appliances go in.
• 6. Worktops1 day to 2 weeksLaminate and wood go in quickly. Stone and quartz are measured once the units are in, then made to order.
• 7. Second fix and finishing2 to 4 daysSink, taps, hob and sockets are connected, then tiling and decorating.

What causes delays

• Waiting for parts. Units, appliances or worktops arriving late, or arriving damaged.
• Stone worktops. These can't be measured until the units are fitted, then take time to make.
• Drying time. Fresh plaster and screed need time to dry, especially in winter.
• Surprises. Damp, rotten joists or old wiring often only show up once the old kitchen is out.

Planning tip: take your fitter's estimate and add a week. It's much less stressful than running out of time. If you're hiring a temporary kitchen, you can always extend.

Questions