What order do you remodel a kitchen in?
Design first, then demolition, then any plumbing, electrical and drywall work, then cabinets, then countertops, then the backsplash, paint and final fixtures. Flooring goes in before or after the cabinets depending on the material. Choosing the cabinets and the countertop before demolition keeps the kitchen out of use for the shortest time.
Everything is chosen before anything comes out
The design settles the layout, the cabinet color, the countertop material and the appliances. Appliance sizes matter because the cabinet order is built around them. Settling all of it first means demolition only starts once the cabinets are ready to follow.
Demolition, then the work inside the walls
Once the old cabinets and counters are out, plumbing, gas and electrical changes happen while the walls are open, and the drywall is patched afterwards. A leak or old wiring found behind the cabinets gets dealt with at this stage.
Cabinets go in, then there is a wait for stone
The cabinets are set, leveled and fastened. Stone countertops are templated from the installed cabinets and then fabricated, which commonly takes one to two weeks. The sink and cooktop are connected when the stone is in.
Backsplash, paint and fixtures finish the room
The tile backsplash goes on after the counters. Then the walls get their final coat, the faucet and appliances are connected, and the cabinet hardware goes on.
Flooring depends on the material
Floating floors such as luxury vinyl plank usually go in after the cabinets. Tile and nail-down hardwood can go in first and run under them. Either way, check the height at the dishwasher: a new floor laid around it can trap the machine in its opening.
Related questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Replacing cabinets and countertops without moving plumbing commonly takes three to six weeks from demolition to finish, and the countertop fabrication wait is a large share of it. Layout changes and permits add time.
Can I live at home during a kitchen remodel?
Most people do. Set up a microwave and a small refrigerator in another room, and expect dust near the kitchen.
