Do Kitchen Cabinets Go in Before Flooring? 7 Key Things to Know
Do kitchen cabinets go in before flooring? Ah, the classic kitchen remodel question—and trust me, you’re not the only one wondering.
When we were planning our own kitchen renovation, this came up more times than I can count. One contractor said flooring first.
Another swore by installing the cabinets first. I remember staring at our half-demoed kitchen thinking, “Why is this even so confusing?”
If you’re in the middle of a remodel or just starting to plan, knowing the right order can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
Do Kitchen Cabinets Go in Before Flooring? 7 Key Things to Know Before You Renovate
So, before you start tearing things out (or putting them in), here are 7 key things you need to know about whether the flooring or cabinets should go first—and how to make the best choice for your kitchen.
1. Flooring First vs. Cabinets First: What’s the Debate?
When remodeling a kitchen, the order in which flooring and cabinets are installed can make a significant difference.
Some contractors swear by laying flooring first, while others prefer putting in cabinets before dealing with the floor.
Each method has its own rationale:
- Flooring First ensures a clean, seamless look and makes it easier to reposition cabinets later.
- Cabinets First helps avoid damage to expensive flooring and can reduce material waste.
The right answer often depends on the type of flooring you’re using, your budget, and whether you’re doing a full remodel or just replacing a few components.
2. Type of Flooring Makes a Difference
Not all flooring materials behave the same way under cabinets. The type of floor you choose can heavily influence the correct installation order:
- Hardwood Flooring: Usually installed before cabinets to allow expansion and contraction under cabinetry. This helps prevent buckling.
- Tile Flooring: Generally installed first. Tile provides a strong, flat surface and is hard to cut around cabinets later.
- Laminate and Vinyl (Floating Floors): Often installed after cabinets because floating floors need room to expand. Cabinets can trap the floor and cause issues.
- Engineered Wood: Depends on the installation method. Floating engineered wood should go in after; glued or nailed versions can go in first.
The decision here is highly material-dependent, and using the wrong order can result in floor damage or uneven surfaces.
3. Why Many Professionals Prefer Flooring First
There are several reasons why flooring-first installation has become a popular choice among contractors and kitchen designers:
- Visual Consistency: Flooring under cabinets offers a polished, built-in look that flows throughout the kitchen.
- Ease of Future Changes: If you decide to change cabinets down the line, you won’t have mismatched flooring or gaps.
- Simpler Appliance Installation: Appliances like dishwashers need to sit flush with the countertop. Flooring first ensures proper height alignment.
- Improved Resale Value: A clean, seamless kitchen floor is attractive to potential buyers and suggests quality craftsmanship.
Of course, installing the entire floor before cabinets does require more flooring material, which can impact your budget.
4. When It Makes Sense to Install Cabinets First
While many pros recommend laying the floor first, there are valid reasons to consider installing cabinets first:
- Save on Flooring Costs: You’ll only need to install flooring where it will be visible. This can save money—especially with expensive tiles or hardwood.
- Avoid Damaging the Floor: Heavy cabinets and appliances can scuff or dent newly installed floors during construction.
- Floating Floor Precaution: Cabinets should never be installed directly over a floating floor, as it prevents the floor from moving freely.
If you’re working with floating laminate or vinyl, or if your budget is tight, cabinets-first might be the more practical route.
5. Impact on Appliances and Floor Height
The order of installation can directly affect how appliances like dishwashers and ranges fit into your kitchen:
- Dishwashers: These are designed to slide under the countertop. If you install the cabinets first and then lay flooring, you may end up with a height difference that makes installation difficult—or impossible without cutting the floor.
- Refrigerators and Ranges: Uneven flooring can lead to wobbling or clearance issues. Flooring first ensures level surfaces for heavy appliances.
- Toe Kick Alignment: Installing flooring after cabinets can create an uneven toe kick area unless trimmed properly.
Ensuring uniform floor height and alignment saves you hassle during final appliance installation.
6. Consider Your Subfloor and Floor Plan
Before making a decision, inspect your subfloor. If the subfloor is uneven, it can cause problems regardless of what you install first.
- Level the Subfloor: A level subfloor ensures smooth installation for both flooring and cabinetry.
- Open Floor Plans: In modern kitchens that open into living or dining spaces, it’s usually best to install the flooring first to maintain a seamless transition.
- Cabinet Islands: If you’re adding an island, pre-installed flooring allows for flexibility in positioning.
Prepping your subfloor and understanding your layout will help avoid installation mistakes and misalignments.
7. Final Tip: Always Consult Your Contractor or Designer
Every kitchen is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A seasoned contractor or designer will take into account:
- Your flooring type
- Appliance dimensions
- Budget constraints
- Overall kitchen layout
Consulting an expert ensures that your remodel goes smoothly, stays within budget, and avoids costly rework later.
Conclusion
So, do kitchen cabinets go in before flooring?
The answer depends on your flooring material, design goals, and budget.
Flooring-first provides a cleaner look and easier updates, while cabinets-first can save costs and protect delicate materials like floating floors.
Always weigh the pros and cons and consult a professional to make the best decision for your kitchen.
Remember: planning carefully now will save you headaches later—and give you a kitchen that looks great and functions beautifully.
FAQs
Q: Can I install floating floors under kitchen cabinets?
A: No, it’s not recommended. Floating floors need room to expand and contract. Installing heavy cabinets over them can cause buckling.
Q: Is it okay to cut flooring around cabinets later?
A: It’s possible but not ideal. Cutting around cabinets is labor-intensive and often results in a less polished finish.
Q: Should I lay flooring under appliances?
A: Yes. Installing flooring under appliances ensures proper height and makes them easier to replace in the future.
Q: Can I save money by installing cabinets first?
A: Yes. You’ll need less flooring material, which can be a cost-saving strategy, especially with high-end flooring.
Q: Will flooring first raise my cabinet height too much?
A: It might slightly increase height, but base cabinets can be adjusted or shimmed to accommodate this change.
Q: How long should I wait after installing flooring before adding cabinets?
A: Wait 24–48 hours, especially with glue-down or floating floors, to let the flooring settle properly.
