Planning guide
Buying kitchen cabinets without installation: a step-by-step plan
Buying cabinets from a showroom and hiring your own installer or contractor is a common way to get more choice and control. It works best with a finished design everyone works from, a clear order list, a delivery plan, and an installer booked before the cabinets arrive.
KC Kitchen Cabinet Design Studio sells cabinets, countertops and flooring; we don't install. Many of our customers work with their own contractor, and we're happy to refer you to installers we know. Here's how to make that go smoothly.
1. Get a finished design
Measure the room (how to measure), then get a design with every cabinet, filler and panel listed. At the showroom we do this in 3D for free. Share the design with your installer before you order. They may spot things like a wall that isn't square or a vent in the way.
2. Find an installer early
- In California, all but very small jobs require a contractor licensed by the CSLB. Ask for the license number and look it up at cslb.ca.gov.
- Ask for photos of kitchens they've installed and a written quote that lists what's included (removal of old cabinets, countertop templating, plumbing and electrical reconnection, trim, haul-away).
- Ask who handles plumbing, electrical and any permits.
- Book them for the week your cabinets arrive.
3. Order with the full list
Confirm door style, finish, every cabinet size, fillers, end panels, toe kicks, crown molding and hardware. Ask what's in stock and how long anything special takes. At KC, in-stock items can be picked up or delivered right away; ordered items usually take 1 to 2 months, and we keep you updated.
4. Plan delivery and storage
- Pickup or delivery? Measure your garage or a spare room for storage until install day.
- Check every box against the order when it arrives, and open them to look for damage before the installer starts.
5. The usual order of work
- Demolition and any wall, plumbing or electrical changes.
- Drywall repair and paint (painting before cabinets is easier).
- Flooring (often after the cabinets for floating floors; see flooring).
- Cabinets installed and leveled.
- Countertops templated, then installed (usually a week or two after templating).
- Sink, faucet, cooktop and appliances connected.
- Backsplash, hardware, trim and touch-ups.
Questions
Can I buy kitchen cabinets and hire my own installer?
Yes. Showrooms like KC sell the cabinets and help with the design; your own licensed contractor or installer does the work from the same plan.
Does KC Kitchen Cabinet Design Studio install cabinets?
No. KC sells cabinets, countertops and flooring with a free 3D design, offers pickup or delivery, and can refer you to installers we know.
How long does it take to get kitchen cabinets?
In-stock items can be picked up or delivered right away. Items we order usually take 1 to 2 months.