How long does a full kitchen strip-out take?

A typical medium kitchen (10-14m²) with 12-15 units takes 1-2 days for a 2-person team. This includes removing all units, worktops, tiling, disconnecting electrics and plumbing, and clearing waste to a skip. Larger kitchens or those with extensive tiling/flooring may take 2-3 days.

Do I need a plumber and electrician for kitchen strip-out?

Yes, you should have a qualified plumber cap off water and gas supplies, and a qualified electrician isolate and make safe any electrical connections before strip-out begins. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, electrical work in kitchens is notifiable. Gas disconnection must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How much waste does a kitchen strip-out produce?

A medium kitchen typically generates 2-4 m³ of waste (less than one 6-yard skip). Kitchen units are bulky but relatively light. The heaviest elements are stone/granite worktops and ceramic tiles. A single 6-yard or 8-yard skip is usually sufficient for a complete kitchen strip-out.

Can I recycle old kitchen units?

Yes, if in reasonable condition, kitchen units can be donated to reuse charities, sold, or given away. MDF/chipboard units that are damaged or swollen are not recyclable and go to general waste. Worktops (particularly wood or stone) and appliances can often be reused or recycled.

Should I remove kitchen flooring during strip-out?

It depends on the new kitchen design. If the new floor buildup will be different, remove the old flooring. Vinyl and laminate are quick to remove. Ceramic tiles on screed take longer and produce heavier waste. If the existing floor is level and sound, some fitters overlay directly on it.

TradeCalculator

Kitchen Strip-Out Calculator

Calculate waste volumes, labour hours, and skip requirements for a complete kitchen strip-out including units, worktops, tiling, electrical, and plumbing.

Kitchen Units

Total base + wall units to remove

Worktop Length

Total run of worktop to remove

Tiling Area

Splashback and wall tiling area

Electrical Disconnections

Cooker, hob, extractor, sockets etc.

Plumbing Caps

Hot, cold, waste, gas connections to cap

Appliances

Oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge etc.

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates waste volumes and labour requirements for a complete kitchen strip-out. It breaks down the work into individual elements for accurate planning.

Waste estimation

Units: Each kitchen unit (base or wall) produces approximately 0.12 m³ of waste when dismantled. Modern MDF/chipboard units are relatively light.

Worktops: Volume calculated as length × 600mm depth × 40mm thickness. Stone worktops are significantly heavier than laminate.

Tiling: Area × 12mm average tile and adhesive depth gives volume. Ceramic tiles have a density of approximately 2.0 t/m³.

Labour rates

Based on RICS industry rates: 0.4 hrs per unit, 0.3 hrs per metre of worktop, 0.15 hrs/m² for tiling removal, 0.5 hrs per electrical disconnection, and 0.75 hrs per plumbing cap-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.