Order Long-Lead Items
Custom cabinets, appliances, and stone countertops can take 2-3 months to arrive. Order now to keep your project on schedule and avoid costly construction delays.
Quick Summary
8-12 weeks
$15K-$50K+
2-3 months before demo
50% typical
Why Lead Times Matter So Much
The #1 cause of kitchen remodel delays
Waiting for cabinets or appliances is the most common reason kitchen remodels run over schedule. If demolition happens and cabinets aren't ready, you'll be without a kitchen for weeks longer than planned. Contractors may need to move to other jobs, extending your timeline further. Order early and confirm delivery dates in writing.
Long-lead items are anything that takes more than 2 weeks to arrive. In kitchen remodels, the big three are custom cabinets, certain appliances, and natural stone countertops. These items often require deposits of 50% or more, so budget accordingly.
Lead Time Reference Chart
| Item | Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom cabinets | 8-12 weeks | Add 2-4 weeks in peak season |
| Semi-custom cabinets | 4-8 weeks | Limited modifications available |
| Stock cabinets | 1-2 weeks | Fixed sizes, check availability |
| High-end appliances | 4-12 weeks | Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, etc. |
| Standard appliances | 1-4 weeks | Varies by brand and model |
| Granite/quartz slabs | 2-4 weeks after template | Template after cabinets installed |
| Custom range hood | 4-8 weeks | Coordinate with cabinet delivery |
| Special order sinks | 2-6 weeks | Farmhouse sinks often longer |
Ordering Custom Cabinets
Finalize Every Detail Before Ordering
Changes after the order is placed are expensive or impossible. Review your cabinet layout carefully, confirming door styles, finish colors, interior accessories (pull-outs, lazy Susans), and hardware locations. Get samples of the actual finish, not just catalog photos.
Cabinet Order Checklist
- Box construction (plywood vs. particleboard)
- Door style and wood species
- Finish/stain color (get physical sample)
- Interior finish (natural vs. matched)
- Hinge type (soft-close included?)
- Drawer slides (full extension, soft-close)
- Interior accessories (pull-outs, organizers)
- Crown molding and decorative elements
Understand the Deposit and Payment Terms
Most custom cabinet orders require 50% deposit at order, with the balance due before delivery. Some manufacturers require full payment before shipping. Clarify cancellation and change policies before signing. Custom orders are typically non-refundable once in production.
Get a Written Delivery Date
Ask for the specific delivery week in writing. "8-12 weeks" isn't good enough for scheduling your contractor. Follow up 2 weeks before the expected date to confirm production is on track.
Pro tip: Order 1-2 extra doors and drawer fronts in matching finish. If anything arrives damaged, you'll have backups. They're also useful years later if a door gets damaged.
Ordering Appliances
Appliance ordering has a critical dependency: you need final cabinet dimensions to ensure appliances fit, but cabinets are designed around appliance dimensions. Work with your designer to finalize appliance choices before cabinet design is complete.
Order Early (4-12 week lead time)
- Built-in refrigerators (Sub-Zero, etc.)
- Professional ranges (Wolf, Viking, etc.)
- Panel-ready dishwashers
- Specialty cooktops (induction, wok burners)
- Custom ventilation hoods
Usually In Stock (1-2 weeks)
- Standard refrigerators
- Slide-in ranges (popular sizes)
- Standard dishwashers
- Over-the-range microwaves
- Garbage disposals
Delay delivery, not the order
Order appliances early but schedule delivery for after cabinets and countertops are installed. Large appliances need protection from construction dust and damage. Most retailers offer free storage for 30-60 days after purchase.
Stone Slab Selection and Ordering
Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite) and engineered quartz are typically selected from slabs at a stone yard. Each slab is unique, so you'll want to see the exact pieces that will be in your kitchen.
Visit Stone Yards Early
Go during the design phase to understand options and pricing. Popular slabs sell quickly, especially unique pieces. If you find something you love, ask about reserving it with a deposit. Bring your cabinet door sample to match finishes.
Calculate How Much You Need
Standard slabs are approximately 55" x 120". Your fabricator will help determine how many slabs you need based on your layout. Seam placement matters for appearance, so discuss this during slab selection.
Typical Slab Requirements
- Small kitchen (under 30 sq ft counters): 1-2 slabs
- Medium kitchen (30-50 sq ft): 2-3 slabs
- Large kitchen with island (50+ sq ft): 3-4 slabs
Schedule Templating After Cabinet Install
Templating (precise laser measuring) happens after cabinets are fully installed and leveled. The template appointment typically takes 1-2 hours. After templating, fabrication and installation usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Have these ready for template day: Your sink and faucet (for cut-out dimensions), cooktop dimensions, and any special requirements (outlets, seam preferences).
Storage and Delivery Coordination
Large orders may arrive before you're ready to install. Plan ahead for where materials will be stored to protect them from damage.
Cabinet Storage Needs
- Climate-controlled space (garage in moderate climates)
- Flat, dry floor to prevent warping
- Keep boxes sealed until installation
- Inspect for damage upon delivery
- Allow 200-400 sq ft for typical kitchen
Appliance Storage Options
- Retailer storage (often free 30-60 days)
- Contractor's warehouse
- Your garage (if secure and clean)
- Keep in boxes until install day
- Don't remove protective film early
Optimal Delivery Sequence
- Week of demo: All materials should be ordered, storage arranged
- End of rough-in: Cabinets delivered, stored near kitchen
- After cabinet install: Countertop template appointment
- After countertop install: Appliance delivery
- Final week: Faucet, sink, final fixtures installed
Common Ordering Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until demo to order
If you wait until demolition starts to order cabinets, you'll add 8-12 weeks to your project timeline. Order 2-3 months before you want to start construction.
Not confirming appliance dimensions
A 36" range from one brand may have different depth than another. Get spec sheets and share exact dimensions with your cabinet designer before finalizing the order.
Signing for damaged deliveries
Inspect every box before signing. Once you sign, getting replacements becomes much harder. Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt, take photos, and report immediately.
Assuming "in stock" means immediate
"In stock" at a warehouse doesn't mean available today. Delivery scheduling, especially for large items, can add 1-2 weeks. Always ask for specific delivery dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do custom kitchen cabinets take to arrive?
Custom cabinets typically take 8-12 weeks from order to delivery. Semi-custom cabinets take 4-8 weeks, while stock cabinets may be available in 1-2 weeks. During peak remodeling seasons (spring and fall), add 2-4 extra weeks to these estimates. Always get a written delivery date and factor in potential delays.
Should I order appliances before or after cabinets?
Order appliances after finalizing your cabinet layout but before cabinets arrive. You need exact appliance dimensions to ensure proper cabinet openings. Most appliances have 4-8 week lead times. Order early enough that appliances are ready when cabinets and countertops are installed, but schedule delivery for after installation to avoid storing large items.
When should I select my countertop stone slabs?
Visit stone yards early in your planning process to see what's available and reserve slabs you love. However, templating (precise measuring) can't happen until cabinets are fully installed and level. Schedule templating for the day after cabinet installation, and expect 2-3 weeks for fabrication and installation after that.
What if my cabinets arrive damaged or incorrect?
Inspect all cabinets upon delivery before signing. Document any damage with photos and notes on the delivery receipt. Report issues immediately to your supplier. Replacement parts typically take 2-4 weeks. To minimize delays, order 1-2 extra doors and drawer fronts in your initial order as backups.