From choosing a design to a finished worktop typically takes several stages: sample and design choice, a professional template once your cabinets are fitted, fabrication in the workshop, then delivery and installation. Here’s what happens at each stage, so you know what to expect and when.
Step 1: Choose your design and order a sample
Start by browsing the full range of 47 designs and requesting a sample of your shortlist. See our guide on how to choose a quartz worktop colour, always view samples in your own kitchen lighting before deciding.
Step 2: Get a quote
Once you have a rough kitchen layout (even before cabinets are fitted), you can get an initial quote based on approximate measurements, your chosen design, thickness and edge profile. See our guide to what affects the cost.
Step 3: Fit your base cabinets
Your kitchen fitter installs and levels the base units. This needs to happen before templating, since the worktop is cut to the exact as-built dimensions of your finished cabinet run, not the original plan.
Step 4: Professional templating
Once cabinets are fitted, a fabricator visits to take a precise template: usually with a laser measuring system or a physical template. This captures exact dimensions, any wall irregularities, and the position of your sink and hob. See our full guide to measuring for a quartz worktop.
Step 5: Fabrication
Your worktop is cut, edge-profiled and finished in the workshop according to the template, including any sink and hob cut-outs, edge profile (see our guide to edge profiles) and seam positions for multi-slab layouts.
Step 6: Delivery and installation
The finished worktop is delivered and installed by your fabricator or fitter. Installation is typically completed in a day for a standard kitchen, though larger or more complex layouts (multiple seams, waterfall ends, extensive splashbacks) may take longer.
How long does the whole process take?
From template to installation is typically a few weeks, depending on the fabricator’s schedule and the complexity of your design. Always confirm specific lead times with your supplier or fabricator when you order, as they can vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my kitchen while waiting for the worktop?
Most kitchen renovations involve a temporary period without a worktop between cabinet fitting and templating/installation, discuss timing with your kitchen fitter to plan around this.
Do I need to be present for templating?
It’s useful to be available to confirm sink, hob and any other specific requirements, though the fabricator can usually proceed with clear instructions and your cabinets in place.
What happens if my walls aren’t straight?
This is common and exactly what professional templating accounts for: the template captures the real, as-built dimensions and irregularities, not idealised measurements.
Explore more
See our guides to measuring, seams and joins, and costs. Get a quote to start your project.