Key takeaways
- Plan layout, cabinets and countertop together before anything is ordered.
- Cabinets go in first; countertops are templated afterwards and installed before the final plumbing and appliance connections.
- Decisions about sink, cooktop and edges must be made before templating.
- Leave room in the schedule. The order matters more than the speed.
1. Plan the whole kitchen first
Decide layout, storage, appliances and the look you want before you order anything. A good plan considers how you cook and who uses the room, and follows recognised guidelines for aisles and work areas (see kitchen layout basics).
This is also the moment to choose cabinet style and countertop colour together. Try Design Match to narrow options.
2. Demolition and rough-in
Old cabinets and countertops come out, and any changes to plumbing, electrical and ventilation are made while walls and floors are open. Changing the layout later is far more expensive than deciding it now.
3. Cabinet installation
Cabinets are set level and secured, including the island. They need to be finished and stable before the countertop is measured.
4. Countertop templating, fabrication and installation
Templating happens once the cabinets are in. The stone is then cut to the template and installed. Sink, cooktop and faucet choices must be final by then, and the templating checklist covers it.
5. Plumbing, appliances and finishing
Sinks, faucets and cooktops are connected after the countertop is installed. Then the backsplash, hardware, painting touch-ups and final cleaning.
Order matters: cabinets → template → countertop → plumbing and appliances → backsplash. Rushing a step usually costs time later.
Questions to ask any provider
- What is included: measuring, fabrication, delivery, installation, removal of old tops?
- How are seams, edges and cut-outs handled?
- What is the expected schedule from template to installation?
- Who do I contact if something needs adjusting afterwards?
Sources & further reading
- NKBA: Kitchen Planning Guidelines with Access Standards
- Houzz, Contractor tips: countertop installation from start to finish
General guidance only. Always follow your product manufacturer’s instructions and confirm details for your own project with your fabricator or installer.
