Kitchen Installation: Step by Step
From removing the old kitchen to fitting units, worktops, and appliances — our step-by-step guide walks you through a complete kitchen installation.
1Planning & Preparation
A successful kitchen installation starts long before any units are delivered. Measure the room accurately, accounting for the position of windows, doors, soil stacks, and existing pipework. Draw a scaled plan and confirm appliance positions with your client before ordering. Allow adequate lead time — most kitchen ranges take 3–6 weeks to manufacture.
2Step 1: Strip Out the Old Kitchen
Isolate electricity and water at the consumer unit and stopcock before starting. Remove appliances, disconnect the gas (certified Gas Safe engineer only), and strip units in reverse order of how they were installed — worktops first, then wall units, then base units. Check for asbestos in textured coatings or floor tiles before disturbing any materials.
3Step 2: First-Fix Services
With the room stripped, the first fix of electrical and plumbing work takes place. Relocate socket positions, add circuits for an oven, hob, and dishwasher, and rough-in new water supply and waste positions. All electrical work must comply with Part P and be certified by a competent person. Gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
4Step 3: Preparing Walls & Floors
Ensure all walls are plumb, level, and sound before fitting. Fill cracks and skim if needed — it is far easier to do this with an empty room. Level the floor with self-levelling compound if needed; base units must be set level even if the floor is not, using plinths and adjustable legs.
5Step 4: Install Wall Units First
Always fit wall units before base units so you can work without the base units in the way. Use a laser level to mark a continuous datum line around the room at wall-unit base height. Fix a temporary batten at this height to support units while they are secured. Drill into studs or use appropriate cavity fixings — wall units fully loaded with crockery are extremely heavy.
6Step 5: Fit Base Units
Set the first base unit in a corner and check it is level in all directions. Adjust the leg levellers, clamp adjacent units together with proprietary cabinet clamps, and screw through the pre-drilled holes. Work along the run, shimming as necessary. Leave gaps for freestanding appliances — measure twice before cutting end panels.
7Step 6: Worktops & Upstands
Mark worktop positions carefully using a template or scribing technique where walls are not perfectly straight. Cut worktops using a circular saw or jigsaw (cut from the underside to protect laminate surfaces). Use the correct worktop jig for joining sections, apply joint sealant, and tighten bolts progressively. Seal all cut edges, particularly around the sink cut-out, with the manufacturer-supplied sealant.
8Step 7: Doors, Handles & Appliances
Hang cabinet doors and adjust hinges for consistent gaps. Fit handles using a jig for accuracy across all doors and drawers. Connect the sink, waste, dishwasher, and appliances at second-fix stage. Commission the gas hob, test all circuits, and check every appliance is functioning before handover.
9Step 8: Tiling & Splashbacks
Floor tiling is generally done after units are fitted but before plinths are attached. Wall tiling and splashbacks follow, neatly cutting around sockets and switches. Grout, seal, and fit appliance surrounds. Finally clip on plinths, fit cornice and pelmet mouldings, and hand over with all warranty and compliance documentation.
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