How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Brisbane?
Updated 2026 — by C & R Cabinets, Brisbane
The short answer: from deposit to a fully finished kitchen — cabinets, benchtops, handles — most C & R Cabinets projects take 7–9 weeks. Add the initial consultation and quote phase and you're looking at 8–11 weeks from first contact to completion.
The longest phase by far is cabinetry manufacture — 4–5 weeks at our Coorparoo workshop. Installation itself is typically just one day. Stone benchtops take a further 10 days to template and install. Here's how it all breaks down.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
Initial enquiry & measure-up
Week 1Contact us by phone or email. We'll arrange a visit to your home to take measurements, discuss your requirements and style preferences, and answer any questions — at no charge.
Quote preparation
Days 3–7We prepare a detailed written quote covering cabinetry, installation, and stone coordination. Quotes are typically returned within a few business days of the measure-up.
Design approval & deposit
Week 1–2Once you accept the quote, we refine the design to your final specifications and confirm all finishes, hardware, and internal fittings. Your deposit (20%) locks in your place in our manufacturing schedule.
Cabinetry manufacture
Weeks 2–7All cabinetry is manufactured at our Coorparoo workshop. This phase takes 4–5 weeks and is the main lead time in any kitchen renovation. All design decisions should be finalised before manufacturing begins.
Demolition & preparation
Day before installationExisting cabinetry is removed the day before or morning of installation day. We can coordinate this, or your builder can handle it. Plumbing or electrical changes are completed by your tradespeople at this point.
Cabinet installation
1 dayOur installation team fits all base and overhead cabinets, panels, and doors. For an average kitchen, this takes one full day. Larger or more complex kitchens may require two.
Stone benchtop templating
Within 2 days of installationThe stonemason visits to template the benchtop once cabinets are in place. This is a quick visit — typically 30–60 minutes — and ensures the stone is cut to the precise dimensions of the installed cabinetry.
Stone benchtop installation
~7 days after templatingThe fabricated benchtop is delivered and installed. Splashback work by a tiler or glazier can be scheduled shortly after.
What Can Cause Delays?
Late design decisions
The most common cause of delay is changing specifications after manufacture has started. Once cutting begins, changes to sizes, finishes, or configurations require re-making components. Finalise every detail before signing off.
Appliance delivery delays
Integrated appliances — ovens, dishwashers, integrated fridges — need to be on-site (or at minimum confirmed with exact dimensions) before cabinetry is finalised. Order early and confirm delivery timing with your supplier.
Tradespeople scheduling
If your renovation involves plumbing or electrical changes, those trades need to complete their rough-in work before installation day. Book them early and confirm availability for the week of your scheduled installation.
Hidden issues during demolition
Older Brisbane homes sometimes have unexpected findings behind walls or under floors — water damage, outdated wiring, or asbestos-containing materials. Allow a 10–15% time and cost contingency for these eventualities.
Stone colour availability
Certain engineered stone colours can be on extended lead times from suppliers. Confirm your benchtop choice is in stock at the time of order, not just at the design stage.
Living Without a Kitchen
Most homeowners are without a functional kitchen for 10–14 days — the period between demolition and stone benchtop installation. A bit of preparation makes it manageable.
- Set up a temporary kitchen before demolition day — a microwave, electric kettle, and bar fridge cover the basics
- Keep a supply of easy meals, or use the disruption as a reason to eat out
- Confirm sink access with us: we can sometimes leave the existing sink connected until the final day
- Label and pack all cupboard contents before demo day to avoid chaos
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Brisbane?
Most Brisbane kitchen renovations take 7–9 weeks from deposit to final completion. This includes 4–5 weeks for cabinetry manufacture, 1 day for installation, and approximately 10 days for stone benchtop templating and installation. Adding the initial consultation and quote phase, expect 8–11 weeks from first contact to a finished kitchen.
How long does custom cabinetry take to manufacture in Brisbane?
At C & R Cabinets, cabinetry manufacture takes approximately 4–5 weeks from the time your deposit and final design are confirmed. This is the main lead time in a kitchen renovation — the physical installation itself is typically just 1 day.
How long after cabinet installation do stone benchtops get installed?
Stone benchtops are templated within 2 days of cabinet installation, and then installed approximately 5–7 days after templating. Your kitchen is fully complete roughly 10 days after the cabinets go in.
What causes delays in kitchen renovations?
The most common causes of delay are: late design decisions after cabinetry has been ordered, appliance delivery delays, hidden issues discovered during demolition (water damage, old wiring, asbestos), and stone benchtop colours being out of stock. Finalising all design decisions before signing off on manufacture is the most effective way to avoid delays.
How long will I be without a kitchen during a renovation?
Most homeowners are without a fully functional kitchen for 10–14 days — the period between demolition and stone benchtop installation. Setting up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, kettle, and bar fridge before demolition day makes this period manageable.