Installation Timeline Guide
How Long Does Countertop Installation Take?
The complete countertop installation process - from your first consultation to the moment your new countertops are ready to use - typically takes 2-4 weeks. The actual installation day itself is usually 3-6 hours. Understanding each step and its timeline helps you plan your kitchen renovation schedule and set realistic expectations with your contractor and family.
TL;DR
- Total timeline: 2-4 weeks from consultation to completed installation
- Installation day itself: 3-6 hours for a standard kitchen
- Five main phases: consultation, material selection, templating, fabrication, installation
- Templating requires finished cabinets - your cabinets must be installed and level before the template visit
- Fabrication takes 5-10 business days after templating for most shops
- You will be without a kitchen sink for 1-3 days during the transition - plan accordingly
- Weather, material availability, and shop capacity can affect timelines
The Complete Timeline: Phase by Phase
Phase 1: Consultation and Quoting (Days 1-5)
What happens: You visit a showroom or request a quote online. The fabricator discusses your project, shows you material options, and prepares an estimate.
| Task | Timeline | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Initial contact | Day 1 | Call, email, or submit an online form |
| Showroom visit | Days 1-5 | Visit to see and touch materials |
| Quote received | 1-3 days after visit | Review the estimate |
| Questions and revisions | 1-3 days | Clarify scope, adjust options |
What affects timing: Shops using automated quoting tools like SlabWise's Quick Quote can turn estimates around in minutes rather than days. Traditional shops may take 3-7 days depending on workload.
Phase 2: Material Selection and Contract (Days 5-10)
What happens: You finalize your material choice, edge profile, and any other details. You sign the contract and pay the deposit.
| Task | Timeline | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Choose specific material and color | 1-3 days | Visit slab yard (natural stone) or confirm color (quartz) |
| Review and sign contract | 1-2 days | Read everything, ask questions |
| Pay deposit | Same day as signing | Typically 50% of total |
| Schedule template visit | Same day as signing | Coordinate date and time |
For natural stone: You may visit the slab warehouse to select your exact slab. Each granite, marble, or quartzite slab is unique, so this step matters.
For quartz: Your color selection happens from samples. Specific slab selection is less critical since manufactured materials are more consistent.
Phase 3: Templating (Days 10-14)
What happens: A technician visits your home to create precise measurements of your countertop layout. This is the most technically important step in the entire process.
| Task | Timeline | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Template visit | 1-2 hours on-site | Be present, confirm sink location and details |
| Template processing | 1-2 days | None (fabricator processes the template) |
Critical requirement: Your cabinets must be fully installed, level, and secure before the template visit. The template captures exact dimensions of the cabinet layout. If cabinets change after templating, the countertops will not fit.
What to expect during the template visit:
- The technician places laser or physical templates on all cabinet surfaces
- They mark sink, cooktop, and faucet locations
- They discuss seam placement with you
- They note any wall irregularities or corner angles
- They confirm edge profiles and overhang dimensions
Digital vs. physical templating:
- Digital/laser templating: More precise, captures measurements in 3D, reduces errors
- Physical templating (strips/sticks): Traditional method, still widely used and effective
Phase 4: Fabrication (Days 14-24)
What happens: Your selected slab is cut, shaped, edged, and polished according to the template measurements.
| Task | Timeline | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Slab preparation | Day 1-2 | None |
| CNC/bridge saw cutting | Day 2-4 | None |
| Edge profiling | Day 3-5 | None |
| Sink and cooktop cutouts | Day 4-6 | None |
| Polishing and quality check | Day 5-8 | None |
| Scheduling installation | Day 6-10 | Confirm date and preparation |
Standard fabrication time: 5-10 business days from the template visit. Complex projects with bookmatching, multiple seams, or special features may take longer.
What affects fabrication time:
- Shop workload and queue (busy seasons take longer)
- Material complexity (exotic stone requires more care)
- Project size and complexity
- Special features (waterfall edges, mitered edges)
- Equipment issues or repairs
Phase 5: Installation (Day 24-28)
What happens: Your finished countertops are delivered and installed in your kitchen.
| Task | Timeline | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Old countertop removal | 1-2 hours | Clear countertops and cabinets; have plumber disconnect sink |
| New countertop placement | 2-4 hours | Be present for the process |
| Leveling and securing | 30-60 min | Fabricator handles |
| Sink cutout refinement and installation | 30-60 min | Fabricator handles |
| Seam bonding | 15-30 min per seam | Fabricator handles |
| Caulking and sealing | 30-60 min | Fabricator handles |
| Final inspection | 15-30 min | Walk through with the installer |
| Plumbing reconnection | 1-2 hours | Your plumber reconnects (sometimes fabricator) |
Total installation day: 3-6 hours for a standard kitchen. Larger projects or those with multiple rooms may take a full day.
What You Need to Prepare Before Each Phase
Before Templating
- Cabinets fully installed and level
- Sink model chosen (fabricator needs exact specs for cutout sizing)
- Cooktop or range model confirmed (if cutting for a drop-in cooktop)
- Faucet chosen (determines hole count and spacing)
- Backsplash decisions finalized (affects countertop height and edge treatment)
Before Installation
- Everything removed from countertops and upper/lower cabinets near the work area
- Plumbing disconnected (sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water filtration)
- Gas disconnected if you have a cooktop that needs to be moved
- Clear path from front door to kitchen (36" wide minimum for carrying slabs)
- Protect floors with drop cloths (the crew will typically bring their own)
- Pets and small children secured in another room
- Temporary kitchen setup ready (you will not have a working sink for 1-3 days)
Common Timeline Delays and How to Avoid Them
| Delay Cause | Time Added | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets not ready for template | 1-3 weeks | Confirm cabinet completion before scheduling template |
| Material backordered or unavailable | 1-4 weeks | Choose material early; confirm availability at contract signing |
| Job site not prepared for install | 1-7 days | Follow the pre-install checklist above |
| Weather (affects transport) | 1-3 days | Minimal control - plan buffer time |
| Template errors requiring re-template | 1-2 weeks | Use a fabricator with digital templating and quality checks |
| Fabrication errors requiring remake | 1-2 weeks | Choose a fabricator with strong quality control processes |
| Shop busy season (spring/summer) | 1-2 weeks added to standard timeline | Book early or schedule during off-peak months |
After Installation: What to Expect
Day 1 (Installation Day)
- Countertops are installed and secured
- Seams are bonded and cured
- Caulking is applied around edges and backsplash
- First coat of sealer applied (natural stone)
- Plumber reconnects sink, dishwasher, and disposal (schedule in advance)
Days 1-3
- Allow caulk to cure fully (24-48 hours before heavy water exposure)
- Allow sealer to cure (follow fabricator's specific instructions)
- Avoid placing heavy objects near overhangs for 24 hours (adhesive needs to set)
- Inspect for any issues in natural light - report concerns immediately
Week 1
- Use countertops normally
- Clean with soap and water or recommended stone cleaner
- Check that all seams, cutouts, and edges meet your expectations
- Contact your fabricator if you notice any issues
FAQ
How long does the actual installation take?
For a standard kitchen (30-50 square feet), installation takes 3-6 hours including removal of old countertops, placement, leveling, seam bonding, and caulking. Plumbing reconnection adds 1-2 hours.
Can I speed up the process?
The biggest time-saver is having everything ready: cabinets installed and level, sink and faucet chosen, and the job site clear. Some fabricators offer expedited fabrication (5-7 days vs. 10) for an additional fee.
What is the fastest possible timeline from start to finish?
In the best case, 10-14 days: quick consultation and contract (day 1-2), template (day 3-5), fabrication (day 6-12), installation (day 13-14). This requires everything to be ready and the fabricator's schedule to have immediate availability.
Do I need to be home during installation?
Yes. Someone needs to be present throughout the installation to answer questions about placement, approve seam locations, and sign off on the completed work. Plan to be unavailable for other commitments during the 3-6 hour window.
How long will I be without a functional kitchen sink?
Typically 1-3 days. Your sink is disconnected before old countertop removal and reconnected after new countertop installation. If installation happens early in the day and your plumber comes the same afternoon, you may have your sink back by evening.
What if there is a problem with the installation?
Address issues on installation day while the crew is on-site. Most minor adjustments (a tight spot, a caulking touch-up) can be fixed immediately. For more significant issues, the fabricator should schedule a return visit within a few days.
Does weather affect the installation timeline?
Extreme cold can affect adhesive and sealer curing times. Rain or snow can make transporting heavy slabs to your home more difficult or dangerous. Minor delays of 1-3 days are possible during severe weather.
Can I use my countertops immediately after installation?
You can place light items immediately. Wait 24-48 hours before exposing seams and caulked areas to standing water. Follow your fabricator's specific instructions for sealer curing time (typically 24 hours for natural stone).
What is the difference between "lead time" and "installation time"?
Lead time is the total time from contract to installation (2-4 weeks). Installation time is the actual time spent putting countertops in your kitchen (3-6 hours). These are very different numbers, and both matter for planning.
How far in advance should I schedule my countertop project?
During peak season (March-September), book 3-6 weeks in advance. During off-peak months (October-February), 2-3 weeks is often sufficient. For complex projects or exotic materials, allow extra time.
Plan Your Installation with Confidence
Knowing the timeline and what to expect at each stage removes the stress from your countertop project. Choose a fabricator who communicates clearly and keeps you updated throughout the process.
Start your 14-day free trial of SlabWise - the platform that keeps fabricators organized and homeowners informed. The Customer Portal gives real-time project updates, so you always know exactly where things stand.
Sources
- National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) - installation process standards
- Marble Institute of America - fabrication and installation best practices
- HomeAdvisor - countertop installation timeline survey data
- Consumer Reports - kitchen renovation timeline planning guide
- Countertop Fabricator Association - industry standard fabrication timelines
- Remodeling Magazine - project scheduling and homeowner preparation guides