Want a New Kitchen Before Christmas? Why You Need to Start Planning Now
Dreaming of a brand-new kitchen in time for Christmas? Don’t leave it until December to start planning.
Christmas might still feel a long way away, but when it comes to ordering a new kitchen, the weeks can disappear surprisingly quickly.
At Panelven Kitchens, our typical kitchen lead time is around 10–12 weeks, although bespoke items, appliances, worktops and other elements can sometimes require additional time. With the run-up to Christmas being one of the busiest times of year for kitchen companies, planning ahead is the best way to make sure your new kitchen is ready when you need it.
How long does a new kitchen take?
A new kitchen involves much more than simply choosing your doors and cabinets.
Before installation can begin, there is usually a process of:
- Initial consultation
- Measuring your space
- Kitchen design
- Choosing doors, colours and finishes
- Selecting appliances
- Choosing worktops
- Finalising the design
- Confirming your order
- Manufacturing your kitchen
- Delivery
- Installation
- Worktop templating and fitting, where applicable
- Final finishing and snagging
This means that the installation date isn’t the starting point — the process needs to begin several weeks beforehand.
Why Christmas kitchens need extra planning
September, October and November can be particularly busy months for kitchen companies, as homeowners who want their new kitchen ready for Christmas all start working towards the same deadline.
There can also be additional complications as Christmas approaches.
Suppliers may have holiday closures, delivery schedules become tighter and installers can become fully booked. Even a small delay with an appliance, bespoke component or worktop can potentially affect the overall programme.
That’s why we always recommend starting earlier rather than leaving everything until the last minute.
When should you order a kitchen for Christmas?
If you’re hoping to be enjoying your new kitchen before Christmas, we’d recommend getting your project underway as early as possible.
For a typical Panelven kitchen, allowing around 10–12 weeks from order to delivery gives us the time needed to manufacture your kitchen and organise the various elements of your project.
However, every kitchen is different.
If your design includes bespoke sizes, special finishes, made-to-order items, specialist worktops or appliances with longer lead times, we may need additional time.
A simple Christmas kitchen timeline
September – Get started
This is a great time to arrange your design consultation, discuss your ideas and start planning your new kitchen.
Late September / October – Finalise your design
Choose your kitchen style, colours, handles, appliances, worktops and finishing details.
October – Place your order
Once everything has been approved and your paperwork is complete, your kitchen can be put into production.
November – Manufacturing and preparation
Your kitchen is manufactured and the installation schedule is organised.
December – Installation and finishing touches
Your new kitchen is delivered and installed, leaving you ready to enjoy Christmas in your new space.
Of course, exact timings depend on the individual project and our available installation dates.
Don’t forget the worktops and appliances
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is thinking about the kitchen cabinets in isolation.
Your worktops, appliances, sinks, taps, handles, lighting and other components all need to be considered as part of the overall project.
Worktops in particular can require their own process. Stone and quartz worktops are generally templated once the cabinets have been installed before the finished worktop is manufactured and fitted. This can add additional time to the overall project
That’s why getting all your choices made early can make such a difference.
What if I’ve left it until October or November?
Don’t panic!
It may still be possible to have your kitchen ready before Christmas, depending on the design, specification and available installation dates.
The important thing is to talk to us as soon as possible.
We can look at your requirements, discuss the options available and give you a realistic idea of what can be achieved.
We’d always rather have an honest conversation about timescales than promise a date that puts unnecessary pressure on you or the installation team.
Why choose Panelven Kitchens?
At Panelven, we don’t believe a kitchen should simply be selected from a catalogue.
We design kitchens around your home, your lifestyle and the way you want to use the space.
From the initial design through to manufacture and delivery, we work with you throughout the process to create a kitchen that works for you.
And because your kitchen is made to order, planning ahead is particularly important during the busy run-up to Christmas.
Ready for Christmas?
If a new kitchen is on your Christmas wish list, now is the time to start planning.
Don’t wait until December to think about your kitchen. Give yourself time to get the design right, make your choices without rushing and allow for the manufacturing and installation process.
Want your new kitchen ready for Christmas?
Contact Panelven Kitchens today to start your kitchen design.
📞 01962 277070
✉️ kitchens@panelven.co.uk
Panelven Kitchens
Greenforde Farm
Stoner Hill Road
Petersfield
GU32 1DY
Designed around you. Supplied by us.