How long does a kitchen installation really take in Glasgow?

If you are planning a new kitchen, one of the first questions you will ask is how long your home will be “upside down” while the work is done. The good news is that with an experienced team like Fully Fitted Kitchens, a typical kitchen installation in Glasgow or East Kilbride is normally measured in days rather than months, and you will have a clear idea of timings before any work starts.

This guide walks through each stage, from the first design visit to the final clean, so you know what to expect and how to plan around it.

From first design visit to fitting day

The overall timeline for a new fully fitted kitchen has two big parts: planning and installation. Planning is where you sit down with a designer, choose your layout, cabinets, worktops, and appliances, and agree a price and schedule. Installation is when the old kitchen comes out and the new one goes in.

For most homeowners in Glasgow, the process with Fully Fitted Kitchens starts with a free in home kitchen design visit. A designer will come out to your home, measure the space accurately, chat through how you use the room, and sketch options that suit your budget. This visit usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

After that, you will receive a clear, itemised quote. Depending on how quickly you make decisions and confirm the design, this planning stage can be as short as a few days, or take a couple of weeks if you want time to think about finishes and colours. The key thing is that you are not rushed, and you know exactly what your fitted kitchen in Glasgow will cost before you commit.

How long does a typical kitchen installation take?

Once everything is agreed and your cabinets, worktops, and appliances are ordered, a start date is booked. For most standard fitted kitchens Glasgow homeowners can expect:

  • 2 to 5 working days on site for a straightforward replacement kitchen

  • 5 to 10 working days for larger projects or where layout, flooring, or electrics are being changed

A “straightforward” kitchen installation in Glasgow might involve replacing like for like in the same layout, with new cabinets, worktops, and tiling. A more involved project could include knocking through walls, repositioning appliances, or updating the ceiling lighting and flooring.

Because Fully Fitted Kitchens handles the full supply and fit service, including all trades, you have one team managing the schedule, so the work flows sensibly from one stage to the next.

Day by day: what actually happens during installation?

While every home is different, most kitchen fitters in Glasgow follow a similar sequence when installing a fully fitted kitchen. Here is a typical outline of what happens on site.

Day 1 – Protecting your home and removing the old kitchen
On the first day, the team will protect your floors and any areas they need to walk through. The old cabinets, worktops, and appliances are removed, and services such as water, electrics, and gas are safely isolated as needed. Rubbish and old units are cleared from the property as the work progresses, so you are not left with a skip outside for weeks.

Day 2 – First fix plumbing and electrics
If your new layout includes extra sockets, new lighting, or moving the sink or appliances, this is usually when the electrician and plumber carry out their “first fix” work. In older Glasgow and East Kilbride homes this can also be a good time to bring wiring or pipework up to modern standards. Because Fully Fitted Kitchens manages all trades, you do not need to organise separate contractors.

Day 3 to 4 – Fitting cabinets and units
Once the room is cleared and services are in the right place, the new cabinets start to go in. This is where your fitted kitchen really starts to take shape. Base units and wall units are levelled and secured, tall housings for ovens and integrated fridge freezers are installed, and any feature units for breakfast bars or peninsulas are fixed in position.

For an average sized kitchen in Glasgow, most of the cabinet work is completed in 1 to 2 days. Larger or more complex layouts can take a little longer, especially if there are awkward corners or sloping ceilings.

Day 4 to 6 – Worktops, tiling, and finishing touches

Laminate worktops can often be cut and fitted on the same day that cabinets are finished. Solid surfaces such as quartz or granite sometimes involve a separate templating visit and then a return visit to fit, which can add a few days to the overall timetable. Your designer will explain this clearly at the design visit stage so you know what to expect.

Wall tiling, splashbacks, and finishing trims are usually completed after the worktops go in. At the same time, the electrician will return to complete the “second fix” of sockets, switches, and lighting, and the plumber will reconnect sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines.

By this point, your new kitchen installation Glasgow project is nearly complete. Appliances are tested, doors and drawers are adjusted so they line up neatly, and any minor snags are dealt with before the team leaves.

What about flooring, plastering, and decorating?

If you are having new flooring, plasterwork, or decorating as part of your kitchen renovation in East Kilbride or the wider Glasgow area, that can add a few extra days. Some homeowners choose to have flooring laid before the new kitchen goes in. Others prefer to fit it afterwards. The right order depends on the material and your room layout.

An experienced team like Fully Fitted Kitchens will talk this through during your free kitchen design visit so that flooring, plastering, and decoration are built into the schedule, rather than becoming an afterthought that delays you getting your room back.

Factors that can make a kitchen project longer or shorter

Not every project will match the example above. A compact flat in Glasgow city centre might take fewer days, while a large open plan kitchen diner in Newton Mearns could take longer. Some of the most common factors that affect timescales are:

  • Size and shape of the room

  • Whether walls are being moved or opened up

  • Age and condition of existing electrics and plumbing

  • Choice of worktop material

  • Whether you are also updating a nearby bathroom or utility room at the same time

If you are also planning to refurbish a bathroom, it can often be efficient to have the same team handle both rooms in one project. Fully Fitted Kitchens also supplies and fits bathrooms across Scotland, which means one company can coordinate both spaces, and you only have to plan for disruption once.

Will you be without a kitchen the whole time?

A big worry for many homeowners is how they will cope while the kitchen is out of action. No one wants to live on takeaway food for two weeks. Good kitchen fitters in Glasgow understand this and will try to keep disruption as manageable as possible.

In many cases, a temporary sink and a small area of worktop can be kept available for part of the project. Some people choose to move a kettle, microwave, and toaster into another room for a few days. The key point is that you will know in advance which days are most disruptive, so you can plan around them.

Because Fully Fitted Kitchens provides full project management and all trades, there are fewer gaps where nothing is happening. That helps reduce the total time your kitchen is out of use, compared to trying to coordinate separate trades yourself.

How far in advance should you book your kitchen installation?

Lead times can vary through the year. Busy periods for kitchen fitters in Glasgow are often spring and late summer, when many people plan home improvements. As a guide, it is sensible to allow:

  • A few weeks from design visit to fitting date

  • Longer if you are planning around holidays, building work, or other projects in the house

During your initial kitchen design visit, Fully Fitted Kitchens will discuss your preferred timings and give realistic guidance based on their current schedule and the complexity of your project. With over 40 years fitting fully supplied kitchens and bathrooms across Scotland and over 100 five star reviews, the team understands how important clear communication is when you are making changes to the heart of your home.

How to get a clear timeline for your own home

Every home in Glasgow and East Kilbride is different, so the best way to find out how long your kitchen installation will take is to arrange a free in home design visit and quote. The designer will:

  • Measure your space accurately

  • Listen to how you use your kitchen day to day

  • Talk through options that match your style and budget

  • Explain the likely timescale for your specific room

  • Provide a clear written quote with everything included

If you are ready to explore fitted kitchens Glasgow wide, you can contact Fully Fitted Kitchens to arrange a convenient time. Knowing the likely start date and how many days the team will be on site makes it much easier to plan around work, school, and family life, and means your new kitchen should be an exciting upgrade rather than a stressful disruption.

How long does a kitchen installation really take in Glasgow?

If you are planning a new fitted kitchen in Glasgow, East Kilbride or anywhere across central Scotland, one of the first big choices is style. Do you go for a sleek, modern look, or a more classic, traditional kitchen that feels timeless? Both can work beautifully in Scottish homes, but the right fit depends on your space, lifestyle and budget.

This guide walks you through the key differences between modern and traditional kitchens, with practical tips to help you decide what will work best in your home. It also shows how Fully Fitted Kitchens can help you explore both options with a free in-home design visit.

What makes a kitchen “modern” or “traditional”?

When people talk about modern kitchens, they usually mean clean lines, simple shapes and a focus on function. Think flat cabinet doors, integrated handles, smooth worktops and built-in appliances. Colours are often neutral, such as white, grey, black or soft wood tones, sometimes with a bold accent colour.

Traditional kitchens lean toward warmth and detail. Shaker or panelled doors, visible handles, cornices and chunky worktops are common. You will often see warm woods, cream tones, classic tiles and features like Belfast sinks or range cookers.

Both can feel high quality and practical. The main difference is the overall mood. Modern kitchens feel streamlined and minimal. Traditional kitchens feel homely and characterful.

Modern kitchens – when are they the best choice?

Modern fitted kitchens work especially well in:

  • New build homes and modern flats

  • Open-plan living spaces

  • Smaller kitchens where every inch counts

  • Homes where you prefer a clutter-free, simple look

If you live in a Glasgow flat or a compact East Kilbride semi, a modern layout can make your space feel bigger and brighter. Flat doors and handleless designs reduce visual “noise”, and integrated appliances keep things tidy.

Modern kitchens also suit busy households that want easy cleaning. Smooth doors, simple handles and solid worktops such as laminate, quartz or solid surface are quick to wipe down. If you have children, this can be a real benefit.

A team of local kitchen fitters such as Fully Fitted Kitchens can design a modern kitchen around your exact room size, using clever storage, corner units and tall larders to make the most of every centimetre.

Traditional kitchens – when do they work best?

Traditional kitchens come into their own in:

  • Older properties, tenement flats and period homes

  • Rural or cottage-style houses

  • Homes where the kitchen is the social hub

  • Spaces where warmth and character matter more than minimalism

If you live in an older Glasgow property with high ceilings, deep window sills or original features, a traditional fitted kitchen can feel more in tune with the building. Shaker doors, timber accents and classic handles can sit comfortably alongside original floors or fireplaces.

Traditional designs can also work well in family homes. Open shelving, plate racks, display cabinets and range cookers all add to a warm, lived-in feeling. With the right layout and appliances, you still get a highly functional space for day-to-day cooking and entertaining.

With over 40 years of experience fitting kitchens and bathrooms across Scotland, Fully Fitted Kitchens often helps homeowners choose door styles, handles and finishes that respect the age and style of the property, while still delivering modern convenience.

Which suits your home – modern or traditional?

There is no one right answer. The best starting point is to look at your home and ask a few questions:

  • What is the age and style of the property? A modern town flat will often suit a streamlined look. A sandstone tenement or older house might lean more naturally toward a classic style.

  • How do you use the kitchen? If you entertain a lot, an inviting, traditional look might appeal. If you prefer everything tucked away, a modern style could be better.

  • How long do you plan to stay? If you are planning to sell within a few years, think about what local buyers in areas like Glasgow and East Kilbride expect. Neutral modern or transitional styles tend to appeal to most people.

A free kitchen design visit from Fully Fitted Kitchens can help you visualise both options in your own room. The designer will visit your home, measure up and show you door samples, worktops and layouts so you can see what suits your space.

Practical considerations – cost, layout and storage

Whether you choose modern or traditional, some practical points are the same.

Cost:

The cost of a new kitchen in Glasgow is influenced less by “modern versus traditional” and more by the quality of the units, worktops and appliances you choose. Flat-panel modern doors can sometimes be more cost-effective, but detailed Shaker doors are available at a wide range of price points too. During a quote, Fully Fitted Kitchens will break down options so you can compare modern and traditional looks at different budgets.

Layout:

In many Scottish homes, the layout is dictated by walls, doors and windows. The same working layout can be dressed as modern or traditional just by changing doors, handles, tiles and colours. That is why a proper design visit is so important. The team can plan your working triangle, storage and appliance positions first, then talk style.

Storage:

Modern kitchens often make heavier use of internal storage solutions, such as pull-out larders and deep pan drawers. Traditional kitchens can use the same internal fittings, even if the door style looks classic. A good kitchen fitter will plan enough storage so that whichever style you choose, you are not left with cluttered worktops.

Can you mix modern and traditional?

Yes. Many Glasgow and East Kilbride kitchens work best as a blend of both. This is sometimes called a “transitional” look.

Examples include:

  • Shaker doors in a modern colour such as deep blue or graphite

  • Traditional handles on simple, modern door fronts

  • Classic Belfast sinks with sleek quartz worktops

  • A traditional range cooker set within a clean, modern run of units

Blending elements lets you respect the character of an older home while still enjoying the benefits of modern design. During a home visit, Fully Fitted Kitchens can show how to combine textures, colours and fixtures so the finished room feels cohesive rather than mismatched.

Do not forget lighting, flooring and appliances

Style is not just about cabinet doors. Lighting, flooring and appliance choice all influence whether your kitchen feels modern or traditional.

  • Lighting: spotlights, under-cabinet strips and flush ceiling fittings feel more modern. Pendants, wall lights and warm bulbs can feel more classic.

  • Flooring: large format tiles and straight plank flooring feel clean and contemporary. Patterned tiles, parquet and rustic boards lean traditional.

  • Appliances: integrated appliances tend to suit modern designs particularly well. Range cookers, chimney hoods and visible fridge freezers can feel more traditional, though they can be paired with both styles.

A full supply-and-fit service from Fully Fitted Kitchens means all of this is planned together. The same team handles electrics, plumbing, joinery and finishing, so the final result looks joined up, whatever style you choose.

What if you also need a new bathroom?

If you are planning a full home update, it can be helpful to think about how your kitchen and bathroom relate. The same company that fits your kitchen also supplies and fits bathrooms across Scotland. Choosing Fully Fitted Kitchens as your kitchen and bathroom installers means your finishes, colours and overall look can feel consistent throughout your home, and you only deal with one team from start to finish.

Next steps – see what suits your space best

The simplest way to decide between modern and traditional is to see real options in your own home.

A free in-home design visit from Fully Fitted Kitchens gives you:

  • A full measure of your existing kitchen

  • Layout options based on how you cook and live

  • Door, worktop and handle samples in modern and traditional styles

  • A clear, itemised quote with no obligation

Whether you lean toward a clean, contemporary look or a classic, timeless kitchen, a local team of experienced kitchen fitters in Glasgow and East Kilbride can help you bring it to life. With over 40 years fitting fully supplied kitchens and bathrooms across Scotland, Fully Fitted Kitchens is well placed to help you choose the style that truly suits your space best.