When remodeling a kitchen or installing new cabinets, one of the key decisions is whether to install the cabinets on top of the existing flooring or before installing new flooring. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so it is important to understand the implications before making a final decision. Here is an in-depth look at whether or not to install cabinets on top of flooring.
Overview of the Decision
The main options are:
- Install cabinets first, then install flooring around them
- Install flooring first, then install cabinets on top
Key Factors to Consider:
- Type of flooring – hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, etc.
- Condition of existing floor
- Cabinet style – face-frame vs. frameless
- Ease of installation
- Ability to replace flooring in the future
- Overall look and finish
There are good arguments on both sides, so it is a matter of weighing the pros and cons for your specific kitchen situation. Ultimately, there is no universally “right” way to install cabinets and flooring.
The Case for Installing Cabinets First
Benefits of installing cabinets before new flooring:
Easier Installation Process
It is generally easier to install the cabinetry with an exposed subfloor. This allows the cabinets to be securely fastened to the floor framing without having to work around the finished flooring.
Better Fit with Cabinets
Installing cabinets on the subfloor means you can ensure a flush fit and uniform height across the entire kitchen. With flooring already in place, there may be slight imperfections or height differences that become noticeable.
Avoid Floor Damage During Install
Placing heavy cabinets on top of finished flooring increases the risk of scuffs, dents, and other damage during the installation process. An exposed subfloor is more durable and forgiving.
Flooring Can Flow Under Cabinets
New flooring can be installed under and around the cabinets for a seamless look. This allows for continuous runs of flooring rather than having to cut around each cabinet.
Potential Cost Savings
In some cases, installing the flooring after cabinets can result in material cost savings since you only need to floor the visible areas. This depends on the flooring type.
Easier Future Floor Replacement
If the flooring ever needs to be replaced, it is much simpler with the cabinets already in place. The cabinets don’t need to be removed and reinstalled.
The Case for Flooring First, Cabinets Second
Benefits of installing new flooring before cabinetry:
Avoid Height Differences Between Flooring Types
Installing flooring first means the entire floor is level and seamless before cabinet installation. If cabinets go in first, the flooring under them may settle or shift over time, creating visible height differences between flooring under cabinets vs. exposed flooring.
Get Proper Cabinet Placement the First Time
New flooring allows you to mark exact cabinet locations on the subfloor so the cabinets can be precisely placed in the proper spots. Without finished flooring as a guide, cabinet placement may be a bit more trial-and-error.
Highlight Flooring Pattern and Design
Having the flooring in place ahead of time allows you to align the cabinetry so that it showcases the features and visuals of the new flooring. Things like directional patterns or grout lines can be aesthetically aligned.
Ensure Proper Flooring Expansion Space
Flooring products like hardwood or tile need slight gaps at edges and seams to allow for normal expansion and contraction. With flooring installed first, the cabinets can be positioned to account for these spaces.
Ability to Match Floor Stains and Finishes
Applying floor stains and finishes before cabinet installation allows you to match the colors and sheens. It can be tricky to achieve uniformity if staining and finishing flooring under the cabinets after they are installed.
Potentially Quieter Cabinets
Some flooring types like hardwood may allow for a bit of noise insulation between the cabinets and subfloor. With cabinets directly on the subfloor, there is no buffer to reduce vibrations.
Key Factors to Consider
Type of Flooring
The flooring type is one of the biggest factors in the decision. Materials like hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile often make the most sense to install first before cabinets. However, with resilient flooring sheets, the seams may be less noticeable if installing after cabinets.
Condition of Existing Floor
If the current floor is in good shape, it may be feasible to install cabinets on top. But any imperfections, unevenness, or damage makes a stronger case for new flooring throughout.
Cabinet Installation Method
Face-frame cabinets are typically installed directly on the flooring surface. But frameless cabinets often use a system of rails that can make installation on top of flooring easier.
Access to Plumbing and Electrical
If basement or crawl space access allows for plumbing and wiring modifications without removing flooring, it can simplify installing flooring first. Limited access below may require cabinets first.
Ease of Future Flooring Replacement
Assess whether flooring could easily be replaced down the road by removing base cabinets temporarily vs. having to uninstall all cabinetry. This may dictate which install order is preferable.
Professional Recommendations
Most kitchen designers and contractors recommend installing new flooring before installing cabinets if possible. This allows the flooring to flow under the cabinets for a seamless look. It also avoids height variation issues that can occur when flooring only partially covers the kitchen.
However, there are certainly scenarios where installing cabinets first makes sense, such as:
- The existing floor is in excellent condition
- The flooring choice is a resilient sheet product
- Access below is very limited
- Floors may need to be reconfigured, which is easier without cabinets
Reputable professionals are able to install cabinets properly on top of finished flooring when appropriate using shims and other adjustment techniques. But in most cases, they advise flooring first whenever feasible.
Installing Cabinets on Existing Flooring
If you do opt to install cabinets on top of existing flooring, here are some tips:
- Make sure the floor is level, cleaned thoroughly, and free of wax or coatings
- Choose cabinet bases that will conceal the flooring edge
- Use shims to level and secure the cabinetry
- Leave appropriate expansion space for flooring beneath cabinets
- Anchor cabinets securely to the wall studs
- Be very careful moving cabinets across finished flooring
Installing New Flooring Under and Around Cabinetry
To achieve a seamless look with new flooring under cabinets, here are some recommendations:
- Leave adequate expansion gaps at flooring edges and seams
- Use spacers to allow for expansion when installing base cabinets
- Undercut door casings and jambs so flooring can slip underneath
- For tile, use matching bullnose tiles at open edges
- Make clean cuts around plumbing elements
- Use matching transition strips between flooring types if needed
FAQs
Should you install laminate flooring before or after kitchen cabinets?
Most experts recommend installing laminate flooring before installing kitchen cabinets. This allows the flooring to run under the cabinets for a seamless appearance. It also avoids any height differences that can occur when only partially covering laminate flooring.
What order should you install flooring, cabinets, and countertops?
The typical order is flooring first, then cabinets, followed by countertops. The flooring provides a level surface to install cabinets on. Cabinets should be in place before countertops so the counter can be sized and cut to fit properly.
Can you install cabinets on vinyl flooring?
Yes, vinyl flooring provides a smooth, durable surface for cabinet installation. Use shims to level the cabinets and leave small expansion gaps where cabinets meet walls or other cabinets. Vinyl is less prone to indentations than softer flooring.
Should you install tile before or after kitchen cabinets?
Tile is typically installed before installing kitchen cabinets. This allows the cabinet bases to sit directly on the tile for support. It also enables a flush fit along the top of the tile so no height differences are visible at cabinet edges.
Is it OK to install hardwood flooring under kitchen cabinets only?
It is better to install hardwood flooring throughout the whole kitchen if possible, not just under the cabinets. Partial hardwood installation can lead to uneven expansion and contraction, gaps, and height variance between covered and uncovered areas.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to install kitchen cabinets on top of flooring or before new flooring often comes down to personal preference along with some project-specific factors. There are good reasons to support either approach. Speaking with flooring and cabinetry experts for their recommendations can help weigh the pros and cons for your particular kitchen remodel. With proper planning and installation techniques, both methods can produce beautiful, functional results. Just be sure to consider all the impacts to make the best choice for your needs.
Do You Install Cabinets on Top of Flooring?
Installing new kitchen cabinets involves several key steps, one of which is determining the relationship between the cabinetry and the flooring. Specifically, homeowners and remodelers must decide whether to install the flooring first and then place the cabinets on top, or to install the cabinets directly onto the subfloor before installing finished flooring around them. There are pros and cons associated with both approaches. Factors such as flooring type, cabinet style, access to plumbing, ease of installation, and anticipated future flooring changes can all influence the decision.
Overview of the Options
When replacing kitchen flooring in conjunction with new cabinetry, the main options are:
- Install Flooring First – This involves fully installing the new flooring material (hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate, etc.) throughout the whole kitchen before placing and securing the new cabinets on top of the flooring.
- Install Cabinets First – This method requires installing the cabinets directly onto the plywood or concrete subfloor before installing the finished flooring up to the base of the cabinets.
There are good arguments to support either approach depending on the homeowner’s specific kitchen situation. Ultimately, there is no universally correct way to coordinate flooring and cabinetry installations.
Factors Favoring Installing Cabinets Before Flooring
There are several benefits that can make installing cabinets atop the subfloor prior to finished flooring a wise choice:
Easier Cabinet Installation
It is often much simpler to install kitchen cabinets when working atop a smooth, exposed subfloor as opposed to working around installed flooring. There are fewer obstructions, and the cabinets can be easily screwed into the floor framing.
Avoid Damage to Finished Flooring
Installing heavy cabinets risks scuffing, scratching, denting or otherwise damaging finished flooring. A plywood or concrete subfloor is far more durable and forgiving when installing cabinetry.
Ability to Run Flooring Under Cabinets
With cabinets already in place on the subfloor, new flooring can run under and around them for a seamless, continuous look. Installing flooring first often requires cutting pieces to fit between cabinets.
Potential Cost Savings
Depending on flooring material, there can be significant cost savings when only installing it in visible areas as opposed to under the entire kitchen. However, this does not apply to all flooring types.
Easier Future Flooring Replacement
Replacing worn or damaged flooring in the future is much simpler with cabinets already permanently installed. The cabinets do not have to be removed and reinstalled to accommodate new flooring.
Benefits of Installing Flooring Before Cabinets
There are also several compelling reasons why installing new flooring prior to cabinets may be the better approach:
Achieve Level Cabinet Height
With flooring throughout, cabinets can be installed atop a flush, consistent base. If flooring only extends partially under cabinets, height differences may appear over time as floors settle.
Accurately Mark Cabinet Locations
New flooring enables exact cabinet locations to be marked so they are positioned precisely. No flooring means more trial and error to find proper placement.
Showcase Flooring Features
Flooring installed first allows aligning cabinets to display decorative patterns, grains, or tiles in an intentional, eye-catching manner.
Allow for Proper Expansion Space
Flooring needs properly sized gaps between pieces and at edges to expand and contract naturally. Pre-installed flooring enables factoring this into cabinet placement.
Match Flooring Colors
Applying stains and finishes to flooring before cabinet installation allows the hues to be coordinated and blended across the entire kitchen.
Reduce Cabinet Vibration
Some flooring types can dampen vibrations from appliances, etc. Pre-installed flooring provides continuous insulation under cabinet bases.
Key Considerations When Making a Decision
Type of Flooring
Certain flooring types like hardwood and natural stone make the most sense to install before cabinets, while resilient sheet flooring often fits better underneath pre-installed cabinets.
Condition of Existing Floor
A subfloor in good shape provides a suitable foundation for installing cabinets first. Any damage or flaws support new flooring installation prior to cabinets.
Face-Frame vs. Frameless Cabinets
Face-frame cabinets sit directly on flooring. Frameless cabinets utilize a base rail system that is easier to install atop finished flooring if need be.
Access to Plumbing and Wiring
Limited basement ceiling or crawl space access means new flooring is best installed prior to cabinetry to avoid removal complications. Better access provides more leeway.
Noise Reduction
Flooring choices like hardwood may dampen noises when installed under cabinets. No flooring means cabinets sit directly on the subfloor with no sound insulation.
Installing Cabinets Onto Existing Flooring
While installing flooring first is often recommended, it is possible to successfully install cabinets atop an existing floor by following best practices:
- Verify floor is level, cleaned thoroughly, and free of waxes, sealants, or other coatings
- Use cabinet bases that will conceal flooring edges for a flush cabinet-to-floor transition
- Shim cabinets to proper height and levelness
- Anchor securely to wall studs
- Allow small expansion gap where flooring meets cabinets
- Take care when moving cabinets across finished floor to avoid damage
Installing New Flooring Under and Around Cabinets
To achieve a seamless look when opting to install flooring after cabinetry:
- Allow for small expansion gaps at all flooring seams and edges
- Use spacers when installing cabinet bases to accommodate flooring
- Undercut door casings and jambs so flooring can slide under smoothly
- Select matching transition strips if combining flooring types
- Make clean cuts around plumbing elements emerging from floor
- Use bullnose tiles along countertop edges on tile flooring
Conclusion
There are good arguments both for and against installing kitchen cabinets on top of flooring versus before flooring. Factors like flooring type, cabinet style, access below, and ease of future replacement help determine the better option. Pre-installing flooring provides a more seamless look and consistent cabinet heights. But installing cabinets first can be easier and involve less risk of floor damage. Consult with flooring and cabinet experts to decide what works best for your specific kitchen.
Do You Install Cabinets on Top of Flooring?
When undertaking a kitchen remodeling project that involves both new cabinets and new flooring, an important decision must be made – should the new floor go in before or after the new cabinets are installed? There are pros and cons to both approaches that must be weighed when making this choice. Here is an in-depth look at the options, considerations, and best practices for coordinating flooring and cabinetry installations.
The Options
There are two main options when installing floors and cabinets:
1. Install Flooring First
With this approach, the new flooring (hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate, etc.) is fully installed throughout the entire kitchen area before the new cabinet bases are put in place and secured atop the flooring.
2. Install Cabinets First
This method involves installing the new cabinets directly onto the subfloor (plywood or concrete) before installing the finished flooring up to the cabinet bases around the perimeter.
Factors to Consider
There are a number of factors that impact the decision of which installation sequence makes the most sense:
Flooring Type – Materials like wood or tile often make the most sense going in first, while resilient vinyl sheets are sometimes better installed after cabinetry.
Condition of Existing Floor – If the current floor surface is suitable, cabinets may be installed atop, but any flaws support new flooring installation before cabinets.
Cabinet Mounting System – Face-frame cabinets sit directly on floors, while frameless cabinets utilize a base rail system for floor mounting.
Access to Plumbing and Wiring – Existing access below may dictate installing flooring first if systems must be modified without removing floors.
Future Flooring Changes – Assess if flooring can be easily replaced by temporarily removing base cabinets vs. uninstalling all cabinets.
The Case for New Flooring Before Cabinets
There are several benefits to fully installing new floors before adding cabinets:
Consistent Heights – Flooring throughout prevents height variations between areas under vs. not under cabinets when floors settle over time.
Proper Cabinet Placement – Finished floors enable exact cabinet locations to be precisely marked prior to installation.
Showcase Flooring – Cabinets can be aligned to display decorative flooring patterns, grains, or tiles.
Allow for Expansion – Flooring needs proper gaps at seams and edges to expand/contract based on temperature and humidity.
Match Finishes – Staining and finishing flooring materials allows colors and sheens to be coordinated across the whole kitchen.
Reduce Noise – Some flooring types can dampen noises when installed under cabinets as a sound barrier.
The Case for Cabinets Before Flooring
Reasons why installing cabinets on the subfloor first may be better:
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