Deciding whether to install cabinets or flooring first is a common dilemma when renovating a kitchen. Both options have pros and cons to consider when determining the ideal workflow for your project. Here is a detailed overview of the factors to weigh when choosing which to tackle first – cabinets or flooring.
Pros of Installing Cabinets First
Installing cabinets before installing the flooring simplifies the installation process in a few key ways:
Easier Cabinet Installation
With the old flooring still in place, cabinets have a flat, even surface to install against. This makes it easier to level and secure the cabinet base units.
Better Fit with Countertops
Once the cabinets are installed, countertops can be precisely measured and cut to fit seamlessly against the cabinet perimeter. Getting an accurate measurement is much simpler when cabinets are already in place.
Allows Flooring Under Cabinets
New flooring can be installed underneath cabinet bases, creating a seamless look. This hides the flooring edge against the wall and prevents dust and debris from collecting in uneven areas between the cabinet and floor.
No Cabinet Damage Risk
Installing flooring requires hammering and manipulating heavy boards. Doing this after cabinets are in place risks damaging or shifting the cabinet installation. Instead, new flooring installation can happen freely without worrying about dinging up new cabinets.
Cons of Installing Cabinets First
While tackling cabinets first has its perks, there are also a few downsides:
Uneven Installation Base
The existing floor may not be perfectly level, which can complicate efforts to get cabinets aligned and plumb. Shimming cabinets to adjust for an uneven subfloor takes extra time and care.
Flooring Installed Under Toekicks
To get flooring under cabinets, the last boards will need to be slid under toekicks and cabinet overhangs. This makes proper installation and seamless transitions trickier.
Toekicks May Not Fit Properly
If new flooring adds height, existing cabinet toekicks may no longer fit snugly against the floor. This leaves an unattractive gap that must be addressed with added trim pieces.
Can’t See Full Floor Flow
Final floor layouts and patterns can’t be visualized and evaluated until cabinets are already secured in place. It’s tougher to tweak layout or change course on floor plans.
Pros of Installing Flooring First
Tackling the flooring installation first also comes with several advantages:
Cabinets Install on Solid Base
New flooring creates an even, consistent surface that makes it easier to accurately level and install cabinets squarely. The solid underfooting helps secure cabinets sturdily in position.
Toekicks Fit Snugly Against Flooring
With the flooring already in place, cabinet toekicks can be cut to fit flush against the floor. Even if the flooring adds height, toekicks can be adapted for that perfect finished transition.
Flooring Flow Can Be Optimized
Seeing the new floor fully installed makes it easier to plan cabinet and island placement. The flooring layout and style can inform ideal fixture positioning.
Cabinets Hidden from Flooring Installation
Flooring installation involves heavy manipulation that can damage cabinets. With cabinets not yet installed, new flooring can be put in place without this risk of construction damage.
Cons of Installing Flooring First
As with tackling cabinets first, doing flooring first also has a few drawbacks:
Uneven Cabinet Installation
While new flooring offers more consistency for cabinet installation than an old subfloor, slight dips and rises in flooring can complicate level cabinet placement. Custom shimming may be required.
Countertop Fitting Challenging
With cabinets going in after flooring, getting precise countertop measurements becomes tricky. Fillers may be required to account for slight gaps against unsquare cabinet edges.
Can’t Hide Flooring Under Cabinets
Since flooring is already in place, cabinets will need to be installed directly on top. The flooring edge will be visible and prone to catching debris.
Cabinets Can Damage Flooring
Moving heavy cabinets into place over newly finished flooring creates a risk of scuffs, dings, and scratches. Floor protection must be used to prevent issues.
Key Factors To Consider
When deciding between installing new flooring or cabinets first during kitchen renovations, keep these key factors in mind:
- Condition of existing flooring – If the old flooring surface is uneven, damaged, or needs replacement, new flooring should go first.
- Cabinet installation access – If old kitchen layout made cabinet areas impossible to reach, flooring first allows fuller access for cabinet installation later.
- Appliance positioning – Flooring first allows appliances to be positioned optimally based on the new floor plan.
- Flooring flow and pattern – Seeing the full floor installed helps guide ideal cabinet and kitchen layout.
- Cabinet style and fit – Flooring first ensures toekicks fit right against flooring, preventing gaps.
- Skill level of contractors – Professional cabinet installers are adept at shimming and scribe fitting for uneven floors.
- Budget for project – Flooring first adds prep time and work for installers vs doing cabinets first.
FAQ About Installing Cabinets or Flooring First
Should you install laminate flooring before or after cabinets?
It’s generally best to install laminate flooring before putting in new cabinets. Laminate expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leaving gaps for this expansion is easier with cabinets not yet in place.
Can you install cabinets over existing flooring?
In some cases it may be possible to install cabinets over existing flooring rather than tearing up and replacing the floor first. This works best if the existing floor is in good, clean, flat condition without need for subfloor prep.
Should you install tile before or after cabinets?
Tile is most often installed before cabinets go in. This allows the tile layout and grout lines to guide ideal cabinet placement. It also eliminates the risk of damaging newly tiled floors during cabinet installation.
Should you install hardwood floors or baseboards first?
Hardwood flooring should be installed first, followed by trim pieces like baseboards. Leaving hardwood unfinished until baseboards are in risks damaging the surface during installation.
What order should you renovate a kitchen?
The typical order is:
- Tear out and replace old flooring
- Install any new electrical or plumbing
- Paint walls, trim, and ceilings
- Install cabinetry
- Install countertops
- Install new sink/faucet fixtures
- Install backsplashes
- Install new lighting fixtures
- Add final touches and accessorize
Conclusion
Determining whether to install new floors or cabinets first during a kitchen remodel depends on several factors. Evaluating the state of current floors, installer access, appliance plans, flooring patterns, cabinet styles, and overall project budget can guide the decision. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Many homeowners tackle new flooring first since this provides the most control over floor flows and cabinet placement. An experienced contractor can also provide recommendations based on your specific kitchen layout and renovation plan. With attention to detail during the installation process, you can achieve a seamless, integrated look whether opting for floors or cabinets to come first.