Kitchen Cabinet Installation Timeline: What to Expect During Your Los Angeles Remodel

Key Takeaways:

1. A full kitchen cabinet installation can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on cabinet type and project size.
2. Custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ... take longer to build, but fit your kitchen better and last longer.
3. Most installations include design, ordering, prep work, cabinet installation, countertopsDefinition: Horizontal surfaces in kitchens used for food preparation, commonly made of granite, qua..., and finishing touches.
4. Choosing a reputable contractor and making decisions early helps keep your remodel timeline on track.
5. Bradco Kitchens & Baths offers expert help for Los Angeles homeowners through every step of the remodel process.

If you're starting a kitchen remodeling project in Los Angeles, you may be wondering, “How long is this going to take?” Kitchen renovations vary, but one of the most important parts of the process is kitchen cabinet installation.

Cabinets do more than hold your dishes—they define your layout, support your kitchen design, and help shape the feel of the entire home. Whether you’re installing custom kitchen cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or stock cabinets, your timeline will follow a general structure with a few variations depending on your home, goals, and kitchen size.

This guide breaks down what to expect week by week during your kitchen remodel in Los Angeles, from planning to that final satisfying door swing.

Phase 1: Design and Planning (2–4 Weeks)

Before any sawdust flies, your remodel starts with planning. This is where you’ll meet with a designer to talk through:

• Kitchen layout and floor plan
• Cabinet style and finish
• Whether you want custom cabinetry or semi-stock
• Features like cabinet lightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li..., glass-front cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets with glass doors, allowing for display of dishes and decorative items. Why You ..., or flat surfaces
• Budget, square footage, and material choices

The design phase also includes site measurements, 3D visuals, and material samples. At Bradco Kitchens & Baths, this is where we help bring your vision and function together—from modern kitchen cabinet styles to timeless layouts.

Tip: Plan ahead! The design phase may take longer if your kitchen has unique angles or older wiring, or if you need to apply for permits through the building department.

Phase 2: Cabinet Ordering (4–10 Weeks)

This part depends heavily on what type of cabinets you choose:

• Stock cabinets: Typically ship within 1–3 weeks
• Semi-custom cabinets: May take 4–6 weeks
• Custom cabinets: Built to order, taking 8–10 weeks or more

In Los Angeles, where many homes need custom cabinets to match older layouts or unique kitchen spaces, this step often requires patience. The tradeoff? Cabinets are built to fit perfectly and crafted using high-quality materials.

Phase 3: Pre-Installation Prep (1–2 Weeks)

Before cabinets go in, your kitchen must be ready. That includes:

• Demolition of old cabinets
• Electrical and plumbing adjustments
• Framing or drywall repair
• Final measurements

This is the start of the construction phase, so expect some disruption to your daily life. Dust, noise, and movement are part of the deal. If your remodel involves other trades like flooring or appliance changes, this step may extend a little.

Phase 4: Cabinet Installation (3–5 Days)

At last, kitchen cabinet installation begins. Depending on the size and scope, this phase usually takes:

• Small to medium kitchens: 2–3 days
• Larger kitchens or complex projects: Up to 5 days

Installers start with base cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets that sit on the floor and provide storage space below the countertop level. Why..., then move to upper cabinets. If you have cabinet lighting, custom cutouts, or corner pieces, those will be handled with care to ensure proper fit.

Expect a pause if your cabinets were delivered in parts and need on-site assembly—common with custom cabinetry in older LA homes.

Phase 5: Countertop Templating and Install (1–2 Weeks)

Once your base cabinets are installed, your countertop team will come in to measure the exact dimensions needed. This step must wait until the cabinets are fixed in place.

• Templating: 1 day
• Countertop fabrication: 5–10 business days
• Installation: 1 day

During this time, your kitchen will still be out of full use, but progress is clearly visible. Many clients take this time to choose final lighting fixtures, backsplashes, or cabinet hardware to match the completed look.

Phase 6: Finish Carpentry and Hardware (2–3 Days)

The finishing touches give your kitchen its personality and polish. This includes:

• Installing cabinet doors, knobs, or pulls
• Adjusting door alignment for smooth operation
• Adding trim, crown molding, toe kicks, and light rails
• Mounting glass-front cabinets, if used
• Installing cabinet lighting and any final wiring

At this point, your kitchen will start to feel real and close to ready.

Phase 7: Final Inspections and Walkthrough (1 Day)

With everything installed, your contractor or project manager will inspect the work. You’ll go through the kitchen with them to check:

• Cabinet alignment and function
• Clean installation and secure anchoring
• Full access to drawers, doors, and appliances
• Fit and finish of edges and trim

This is also the time to note any touch-ups or repairs needed before project closeout.

Optional Add-ons That Affect the Timeline

While most kitchen remodels follow a similar track, these features can add time:

• Built-in appliance panels
• Custom corner cabinets
• Pull-out shelves and organizers
• Lighting integration
• Permit delays with the building department
• Special orders using natural materials like reclaimed woodDefinition: Wood that has been salvaged from old structures and repurposed for new uses, often in ca... or marble

Always ask your contractor if your chosen features or materials will shift the timeline. Clear communication helps avoid surprises later.

Average Kitchen Cabinet Installation Timelines at a Glance

Tips to Keep Your Timeline on Track

1. Choose a reputable contractor. Look for teams with experience in kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, especially for older homes.
2. Stick to your decisions. Changing cabinet styles or finishes late in the game can restart the order process.
3. Plan around delivery times. Holidays, weather, and supply issues can affect schedules.
4. Know your square footage. Bigger kitchens naturally take longer.
5. Create a temporary kitchen. If your kitchen space is out of service, a small setup elsewhere can make daily life easier.

What Makes LA Remodels Unique?

Los Angeles homes offer both charm and challenge. From Spanish-style homes with uneven walls to mid-century houses with older plumbing, your timeline may shift based on your home’s quirks.

But LA also offers expert teams like Bradco Kitchens & Baths, who know how to handle unique floor plans and help blend modern kitchen cabinet styles with timeless craftsmanship.

We specialize in:

• Custom kitchen cabinets
• Contemporary designs
• Layout planning for tricky spaces
• Local sourcing and fabrication
• Seamless installation from start to finish

Your Dream Kitchen Is Worth the Wait

Remodeling your kitchen takes time, but it also transforms how you live. From smoother cooking flow to added storage space, better lighting, and more style, the right cabinets can change everything.

With a clear remodel timeline, the process becomes easier to manage. Knowing what’s next helps you plan, avoid delays, and get the results you’re dreaming of.

If you're ready to start your kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, Bradco Kitchens & Baths is here to help. We design, build, and install everything from stock cabinets to full custom cabinetry, built for LA homes and lifestyles. We guide you through every step—from planning to the final installation.

Visit Bradco Kitchens & Baths to schedule your consultation and get a custom timeline for your kitchen remodel.