Replacing your flooring can be a major renovation project, especially if you have existing cabinets installed. So one of the key questions homeowners face is: do you have to remove cabinets to replace the floor? The short answer is – it depends. There are a few factors to consider when deciding if your cabinets need to come out for new floors.
When Cabinet Removal is Necessary
Here are some situations where removing cabinets is required to replace the flooring:
Installing Different Floor Heights
If you are switching from a thinner floor (like carpet or vinyl) to a thicker floor (like hardwood or tile), then the cabinets will need to be removed. The new floor has to slide underneath the cabinet toe kicks, so they can’t stay in place. Removing the cabinets allows the new floor to be installed at the proper height relative to the rest of the room.
Replacing Floor to the Wall Edge
In order to lay the new flooring all the way to the wall edge, cabinets along the walls will need to come out. With the cabinet gone, the flooring can run seamlessly from wall to wall without any transition strips or gaps. This gives a smooth, finished look.
Changing Floor Direction
If the new flooring will run perpendicular to the current direction, the cabinets likely can’t stay. Floorboards or tiles need to be laid in the same direction throughout the space. With cabinets still installed, it wouldn’t be possible to change the flooring direction.
Flooring Under Appliances
Flooring needs to be replaced under appliances like stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers. This requires first disconnecting and moving the appliances before taking out the old floor. It also means removing any cabinetry around them to access the floor area.
Accessing Hidden Areas
Sometimes there are hidden areas under cabinets and toe kicks that need new flooring as well. Removing the cabinets provides the only way to rip out old flooring and put new in these covered spots.
Extensive Subfloor Work
If the subfloor requires significant repairs, leveling, or replacement, cabinet removal is usually required. Without taking cabinets out, it would be very difficult to access the necessary subfloor areas for the prep work.
When Cabinet Removal May Not Be Necessary
Here are some instances where cabinet removal may be optional for floor replacement:
Matching Floor Heights
If the new flooring is the same thickness as the existing floor, cabinets may be able to stay in place. This is most common when replacing old carpet with new carpet or swapping out one type of vinyl for another. As long as floor heights match up, the new floor can often slide under toe kicks without issue.
Only Replacing Exposed Floor Areas
For minor flooring jobs where you only aim to replace exposed flooring, cabinetry may not need removal. For example, just swapping out damaged areas in entryways or high traffic zones often doesn’t require taking cabinets out. The key is only replacing flooring that is readily accessible.
Floating Floors
Some floating floor systems, like laminates or engineered wood, can be installed under existing cabinets. The planks or tiles interconnect and aren’t adhered to the subfloor, allowing them to float into place while working around the cabinets. Proper expansion gaps are key to account for any floor movement.
Only Low Cabinets Installed
If all cabinetry sits directly on the floor with no toe kicks, the flooring may be able to slide under by lifting the cabinets slightly off the subfloor. Carefully sliding new floors under in sections can work, though there are risks of scratching or damaging both the floors and cabinets.
Very Small Jobs
For minor floor repairs or selective replacements in small sections, removal may not make sense. Working carefully around existing cabinetry for small jobs is often feasible. Just ensure there will still be proper expansion space for the flooring.
Steps for Removing Cabinets
When cabinet removal is required before new floors, the process takes careful planning and patience. Here are the basic steps:
Empty Cabinets Contents
Take everything out of the cabinets before attempting removal. Load up contents carefully labeled boxes to protect your items and make replacement easier.
Disconnect Appliances
Unplug, disconnect, and move out any appliances surrounded by cabinets first. If necessary, shut off water lines to appliances beforehand as well.
Detach Countertops
Countertops may need to be disconnected from cabinets with sealant cut and fasteners removed. This prevents damage when lifting cabinetry off. Protect surfaces after detachment.
Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Taking off cabinet doors, drawers, and handles limits damage and provides easier access to interior cabinet parts during the removal process. Label pieces for proper reinstallation later.
Take Out Shelving and Pull Outs
Remove all interior shelves, racks, dividers, and hardware inside cabinets prior to taking them out. This prevents interior damage or loss of small parts.
Inspect for Problem Areas
Check for plumbing, wiring, ventilation, or any specialty connections that may require disconnection before removing adjacent cabinets. Address these beforehand to prevent issues.
Detach and Remove Cabinets
Using pry bars and hammers, carefully start detaching cabinets from walls, floors, and ceiling. Slowly pry loose while protecting surfaces. Depending on connections, sawing or unscrewing may also be required.
Salvage Components as Needed
If cabinets will be discarded, try to salvage any parts that could be reused, like doors or shelving. Also, pull off any trim pieces for matching upon replacement.
Remove Debris
Clear out all cabinetry debris from the kitchen or bathroom before starting any subfloor repairs. A clean and clear workspace makes the next steps much easier.
Store Cabinets Properly
If reinstalling existing cabinets, transport them carefully to protected storage. Avoid damage by wrapping doors and sides and supporting bases. Stack upright and keep parts together.
Reinstalling Cabinets After New Floors
Once beautiful new floors are in place, finishing the job involves putting cabinets back. Here are tips for proper reinstallation:
Make Any Needed Repairs
Inspect cabinet boxes, doors, drawers, and hardware prior to putting back. Make repairs to damaged areas and test functions. Replace any pieces that can’t be fixed.
Prime and Paint as Needed
Freshen up cabinet boxes and parts with new primer and paint prior to installation for a like-new look. Match existing colors.
Install Plumb and Level
Use shims, braces, and leveling screws to ensure each cabinet goes in straight and true. Recheck accuracy frequently during the install process.
Anchor Securely
Use heavy-duty anchoring appropriate for the cabinet materials into studs or blocking. This provides stability and prevents tipping when loaded.
Reinstall Doors and Drawers
With all cabinet boxes secured in place, rehang all doors and put back drawers. Confirm smooth operation of moving parts.
Replace Countertops
Using manufacturer’s instructions, reconnect countertops to cabinets with sealant and fasteners. Make sure surfaces are protected during the process.
Seal Edges
Caulk along edges and seams where cabinets meet walls, ceilings, and new floors for a tight seal. Match caulk colors closely for a seamless look.
Install Toe Kicks
Nail or adhere new toe kicks cut to the proper height of new floors to hide resulting gaps under cabinet bases.
Level Out Appliances
If appliances sit atop cabinets, use shims and panels to level and support them at the right height relative to the new flooring.
Test Operation
After completing cabinet reinstallation, fully test doors, drawers, and any functional parts. Also check appliances and plumbing. Address any issues immediately.
Clean Surfaces
Finish the job by cleaning all cabinets, doors, countertops, and appliances thoroughly inside and out. Use appropriate cleaners for each material.
FAQs About Replacing Floors Under Cabinets
Here are some common questions homeowners have about removing and installing cabinets to facilitate floor replacement:
Do I Have to Remove Kitchen Cabinets to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
In most cases, yes. Vinyl plank flooring runs under toe kicks, so cabinets need to come out prior to installation. The planks interconnect and float over the subfloor rather than getting adhered down.
Can I Install Laminate Flooring Without Removing Cabinets?
Like vinyl plank, laminate flooring usually requires cabinet removal since the planks float into place while locking together. The exception is if existing floor and new laminate match heights, allowing under toe kick installation.
Do You Have to Remove Bathroom Vanity to Replace Floor?
Bathroom vanities need to be detached and removed to allow new flooring installation underneath. The process is similar to kitchen cabinets – disconnect, empty contents, detach countertop, remove cabinet boxes.
Should I Remove Base Cabinets Before Installing Hardwood?
Yes, hardwood flooring needs full subfloor access for proper installation. Base cabinets must be taken out prior to nailing down hardwood boards. Nailers can’t access areas under toe kicks with cabinets still in place.
How Do You Install Tile Under Kitchen Cabinets?
For tile installation under cabinets, the cabinets need to be removed. The tile has to set on the floor and under adjacent cabinetry. With cabinets gone, full mortar bed and tile coverage is possible to edges and corners.
Can I Replace Flooring Without Taking Out Lower Cabinets?
In limited cases it may be possible, but it’s generally not recommended. Flooring really should run under toe kicks for proper installation. Lifting cabinets slightly or sliding floating floors under can work but has risks.
Key Takeaways
- Removing cabinets is necessary when floor height changes, to access edges and hidden areas, or if extensive subfloor repairs are required.
- Cabinet removal may not be required for matching floor heights, minor jobs, floating floors, or low toe kick cabinets.
- Take time to properly detach and remove cabinets without damage before floor installation.
- Carefully reinstall and secure cabinets after new floors, adding trim and sealing edges for a finished look.
- Most flooring needs full access under toe kicks, so cabinet removal is required in kitchens, bathrooms and elsewhere.
Conclusion
Making the decision whether cabinets need to be removed for flooring replacement depends on assessing factors like flooring types, installation methods, cabinet configurations and necessary subfloor prep work. In many cases, taking cabinets out ensures proper installation and high quality results. But for some projects, working carefully around existing cabinetry may suffice. Following proper processes both for the careful cabinet removal and precise reinstallation ensures a successful flooring renewal outcome. With attention to detail throughout the project, you can achieve beautiful new floors that will renew your home for many years to come.