Your kitchen units are in, everything’s level, and the worktop team has just been out to take their final measurements — exciting stuff.

So what happens now?

After templating, your chosen fabricator begins manufacturing your solid surface worktops. Depending on the material and supplier, this can take anywhere from 7–14 working days, or longer if you’ve chosen a special-order or imported material.

Once they’re ready, they’ll be delivered and installed — and that’s when your kitchen really starts to feel complete.

But there are a few important things to understand between now and installation day so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is Templating — And Why Is It So Important?

Templating is the process of taking precise measurements of your installed kitchen to ensure the worktops are manufactured to fit perfectly.

Most UK homes aren’t perfectly square or level — especially older properties or extensions. Even the smallest discrepancy can cause issues with high-value materials like quartz, granite or Corian.

That’s why fabricators never manufacture from drawings alone.

A professional template allows them to:

• Record the exact shape and dimensions of each section
• Confirm overhangs, upstands, cut-outs and edge profiles
• Check units are fully installed and secure
• Avoid costly mistakes on installation day

Once templating is signed off, the tops go into production — and the countdown begins.

How Long Does It Take After Templating?

Lead times depend on two main things:

• The material you’ve chosen
• The fabricator’s schedule

Standard UK stock materials: Typically installed within 7–14 working days.

Special order materials: Can take up to 5 weeks if imported or in limited supply.

Busy times of year (summer and pre-Christmas especially) may extend this slightly.

What Happens During This “Quiet” Phase?

This is the part where it can feel like nothing is happening.

In reality, everything is happening — just off-site.

Your worktops are:

• Cut using precision machinery
• Polished and edge-profiled
• Prepared with sink and hob cut-outs
• Finished and quality-checked

You won’t see physical progress at home during this stage, and that’s completely normal.

This can be a good time for decorating or minor prep work — but units should not be disturbed.

What to Expect on Installation Day

When installation day arrives, your worktops will arrive fully fabricated and ready to go.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Someone needs to be present to allow access and approve positioning.
• It may be noisy if minor on-site adjustments are required.
• There may be light dust, although most finishing is done off-site.
• Natural stone sealing (if applicable) will be done on-site and needs ventilation.

Once fitted, worktops usually need 24 hours to fully cure before other trades or heavy use.

What Happens Next?

Once the tops are in and cured, the final stage of your kitchen installation can be completed.

This typically includes fitting sinks, taps, hobs, and any final finishing details.

At this point, your kitchen really comes together.

Wrapping Up

There’s often a lull between templating and installation — and that’s perfectly normal.

Solid surface worktops are one of the final pieces of the puzzle. Once they’re installed, the transformation is obvious.

If you’re mid-project and unsure about timelines, communication with your fabricator and installer is key. A little clarity now prevents surprises later.

The finish line is close — and it’s always worth the wait.