Introduction

Installing new floors and cabinets can be an exciting part of remodeling or building a home. However, it also involves some key planning to make sure the flooring and cabinetry work together seamlessly. One of the most common questions that comes up is whether to install the flooring or the cabinets first.

The decision of whether to install the floor or cabinets first depends on a few factors. Aspects like the flooring type, cabinet style, layout of the kitchen or bathroom, and efficiency of the installation process all play a role. Understanding the pros and cons of both install orders is helpful for deciding the best sequence for your unique space.

Below is an in-depth look at whether it’s better to install the flooring or cabinets first, as well as tips for how to make both orders work. With proper planning and preparation, you can achieve a high-quality finished result regardless of which you choose to start with.

Should You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

Installing flooring before cabinets is often the preferred order for many homeowners and remodelers. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you may want to install the flooring first:

Custom Cabinet Measurements

When you install the flooring prior to the cabinets, you can take accurate measurements and create a floor plan for customized cabinets. The cabinet company will have the exact floor dimensions to work from, allowing them to design and cut the cabinetry to fit the space precisely.

This avoids potential issues with cabinet bases not lining up well with the floor after it’s installed. Precise cabinet measurements are especially helpful for complex kitchen layouts.

Floor Protection During Installation

Putting in the flooring first prevents the brand new floors from getting damaged during the cabinet installation process. Heavy cabinet bases being installed on top of pristine new flooring can cause scratches, gouges, and other damage.

With the flooring in place ahead of time, the cabinets can be installed directly onto the subfloor or old flooring, keeping the new floors safe. The new floors are then revealed after the cabinet installation is completed.

Easier Cabinets First Modifications

If any modifications need to be made to the cabinets once they’re installed, it’s much easier with the flooring not in place yet. With the subfloor or old floor still exposed, cabinets can be removed or shifted without harming the new flooring if needed.

After the flooring is installed, any major cabinet modifications would likely damage the floors. Having the unfinished subfloor or old flooring while installing cabinets gives more flexibility.

Consistent Heights and Transitions

Installing the flooring first allows you to ensure consistent heights between rooms. The same flooring can span continuously under the cabinets from one room to the next.

This makes for smooth, seamless flooring transitions between rooms. If cabinets go in first, each room may end up with slightly different floor heights around the cabinetry.

Moisture Protection for Wood Floors

If you’re installing solid hardwood flooring that is vulnerable to moisture, putting it in before the cabinets can help protect it. The cabinet bases act as a barrier against moisture from below, helping to prevent moisture damage and warped boards.

With the floor installed after the cabinets, any moisture from the subfloor has more exposure to the wood flooring, increasing the risk of problems.

Reasons to Install Cabinets Before Flooring

While there are several benefits to installing floors first, putting cabinets in ahead of the floor also has some advantages in the right situation:

Floors Installed Underneath Cabinets

When cabinets go in first, the flooring can be installed underneath and right up to the toe kick of the cabinets. This allows for full flooring coverage throughout the room, rather than stopping at the cabinet bases.

Having flooring under the cabinets makes use of remnant pieces easier and provides more finished floor area.

Avoid Resize or Refitting Issues

If existing cabinets are being reused in a remodel, installing them first before taking up the old floor ensures proper fit. Taking up the flooring first may change room dimensions just enough to require resizing or refitting reused cabinets.

Putting reused cabinets in place ahead of new flooring avoids potential resize issues. Custom cabinets would also need to be refitted if floor dimensions changed slightly after installation.

Easier Access to Work Under Cabinets

With cabinets in place first, installers have simpler access to work underneath them. Trying to install flooring underneath already fixed cabinets can be challenging in tight spaces.

Open access underneath makes fastening floorboards easier and allows better use of tools like nail guns. Simple access reduces the labor time and headaches involved.

Cost Savings from Less Flooring

Since flooring does not need to be installed under fixed cabinets, buying less material can lead to savings. For expensive flooring types like hardwood or stone, this can add up to notable savings from buying less flooring.

The trade-off is a lack of continuous flooring throughout the space. But for some budgets, the lower spending is worth the saved costs.

Reduced Need for Toe Kick Modifications

Installing flooring after cabinets means the toe kick height doesn’t need adjustments to match the floor thickness. The flooring installers can work right up to the existing toe kick height.

When floor goes down first, toe kicks often need to be cut higher to match the height of the new floors. Putting cabinets first avoids tweaks to toe kicks down the line.

Tips for Installing Floors Before Cabinets

If you decide that installing the flooring before cabinets makes the most sense for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, here are some tips for success:

Leave proper expansion space – Be sure to leave the required gap around the perimeter of the flooring, don’t install it flush to walls. This gives the floor expansion room when cabinets are installed.
Include flooring layout in cabinet plans – Give the cabinet designer a floor layout showing any special patterns so cabinets can be planned accordingly.
Consider flooring finished heights – Think about cabinet toe kick height needed to match the finish floor height, like with thicker wood or tile.
Protect floors during install – Keep installed floors covered with rosin paper or a taped-down drop cloth during cabinet installation.
Check for level – Confirm the subfloor is level before flooring installation, fixing any humps or dips that could affect cabinets.
Allow proper acclimation – Let wood flooring acclimate to the environment per manufacturer recommendations before installation.
Fill subfloor seams – Be sure to fill any cracks or gaps in the subfloor and sand smooth prior to flooring install.
Clean subfloor – Remove construction debris, dust and dirt from the subfloor before beginning flooring installation.

Proper planning and preparation will help ensure a smooth floor installation that works seamlessly with the later cabinetry.

Installing Cabinets Before Floors

If your project works best by putting cabinets in first before the flooring goes down, follow these guidelines:

Check heights – Ensure toe kicks will match the height of the planned flooring with its underlayment.
Secure cabinets well – Anchor wall and base cabinets firmly in place on the subfloor to prevent movement later on.
Seal around cabinets – Caulk along bottom edges and around pipes and wires to reduce moisture penetration.
Allow for expansion – Leave adequate expansion space between flooring edge and walls/cabinets.
Undercut door jambs – Cut bottom of door jambs and casings to allow flooring to slip under for continuous coverage.
Protect cabinets – Keep cabinet doors and finished fronts covered and clean during flooring installation.
Check for interference – Confirm no AC ductwork, electrical or plumbing interferes with installing flooring.
Match floor heights – Use shims or underlayment to make new flooring tie-in evenly with other rooms.

Planning ahead and preparing properly will allow the flooring work to tie-in neatly with the existing cabinetry.

Common Flooring Choices

The type of flooring being installed is an important factor when deciding order. Here are some things to consider about popular kitchen and bathroom flooring options:

Hardwood

Can go down before or after cabinets, but moisture protection is a key concern.
Acclimate to space first to prevent later warping or gapping. Leave expansion gaps.
Nail or glue boards down rather than floating floor for best stability.

Engineered Wood

Less prone to moisture issues so can go down before or after cabinets.
Glue down installation works well and provides sound reduction.
Expansion gaps still needed between flooring and cabinets/walls.

Laminate

Best installed after cabinetry due to potential moisture issues.
Floating floor style makes install easier around existing cabinets.
cabinets can help reduce echo from hollow-sounding laminate flooring.

Vinyl Plank

Can install before or after cabinets as moisture and expansion are not concerns.
Click-locking floating floors are easiest to install after cabinetry.
Install cabinets first for installing vinyl underlayment right to walls.

Tile

Best installed after cabinetry is in place.
Irregularities in subfloor can lead to cracked grout and tile if cabinets installed on top.
Tile layout may need adjusting if cabinets are moved after tile installation.

Stone

Install after cabinets like tile, especially for fragile stone like marble or slate.
Can cut precisely around cabinets and plumbing fixtures with cabinets already in place.
Prevent cracking grout lines with cabinets sitting on stone flooring.

FAQs

Should you install hardwood or tile first?

It’s generally best to install hardwood flooring before putting in cabinets. This allows the cabinets to protect the wood from subfloor moisture. Tile is better installed after cabinets, as the heavy bases can crack or shift tiles if installed on top.

What goes first – kitchen island or floor?

The flooring should be installed before adding in the kitchen island. This allows the island to sit directly on the subfloor, avoiding damage to the finished flooring during installation. The new flooring can then go right up to the island base.

Can you install cabinets on concrete?

Yes, cabinets can be installed directly onto bare concrete subfloors. Be sure to seal the concrete first, then drill and epoxy cabinet bases in place. Wall cabinets can be attached to furring strips fastened to the concrete.

Should you install upper or lower cabinets first?

It’s generally recommended to install the base cabinets first, followed by the wall cabinets. The base units provide support for the uppers, and allows the wall cabinet height to be adjusted to the final base cabinet height.

What order should you remodel a kitchen?

The typical sequence is:

Demolition
Rough electrical and plumbing
New flooring
Base cabinets and island
Wall cabinets
Countertops and backsplash
Final electrical, plumbing and HVAC
Appliances and fixtures
Final trim and finishes

Can you install flooring under existing cabinets?

In some cases it is possible to install new flooring under existing cabinets without removing them. This works best for floating floors like vinyl planks or laminate boards. Cut pieces to shape and click together or use glue for a seamless fit. Removing toe kicks can make accessing the space easier.

Conclusion

Determining whether to install new floors or cabinets first is an important decision when renovating your kitchen, bathroom or other living spaces. There are good reasons to start with either one. Assessing your specific situation and project details helps determine the best order.

Many homeowners prefer to “floor first”, allowing for hidden protection of the flooring during cabinet installation. Others favor installing cabinetry first for smoother flooring installation underneath.

With proper planning up front to accommodate either install order, you can achieve an integrated, quality outcome for your floors and cabinets. Focus on the details like cabinet design, moisture protection, and transition points, and you can make either approach work successfully.

Essential Tips for Wooden Kitchen Cabinet Installations

Kitchen cabinet installation involves precise measurements, complex cuts, and attention to detail to get perfectly aligned results. Here are the top tips for properly installing wooden kitchen cabinets:

1. Read the Manual

While each cabinet installation has its own nuances, the manufacturer’s manual provides baseline instructions for assembly and installation that should be followed. Don’t skip steps or make assumptions, as the manual contains key information.

2. Gather Materials and Tools

Having all required fasteners, fixtures, fillers and tools organized ahead of time prevents delays or mistakes. Stock up on shims, nails, screws, glue, and sealants. Ensure you have the drill bits, drivers, saws, and safety gear needed.

3. Plan Cabinet Locations

Use the kitchen’s floorplan to map out exact cabinet locations, accounting for appliances, windows, plumbing and openings. Avoid blocking access points or placing cabinets too close to heat sources.

4. Level and Square the Area

Check that the kitchen walls, floor and ceiling framing are plumb and square. Shim underlying structures as needed to create an even surface for mounting cabinets.

5. Layout with Lasers

Use laser levels to mark accurate installation heights and lines on the walls for the upper and base cabinets. This allows pre-drilling and installing fasteners in the right spots.

6. Start with Corner Cabinets

Positioning corner cabinet(s) first gives you a fixed point to work outward from. Make sure they are level, shim as needed, then attach to both walls.

7. Install Base Cabinets

Working outward from corners, fasten all base cabinets in place. Check for level and square across fronts. Use fillers or scribes to fill irregular gaps.

8. Add Reinforcements

Use corner gussets, braces or L-brackets to firmly anchor adjoining cabinet sections together and prevent movement.

9. Attach Wall Cabinets

With all base cabinets installed, mount wall cabinets using the pre-marked lines. Use shims and screws through upper brackets into wall studs for sturdy support.

10. Adjust and Test Doors

Carefully align doors and drawers across base and wall cabinets and make any hinge adjustments needed. Open and close to confirm proper alignment and clearance.

Following these key steps will help ensure your wooden kitchen cabinets are installed straight, secure and ready for years of service. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Keeping your kitchen cabinets and drawers organized can seem like an endless task. Here are some great tips for arranging your cabinet interior spaces to maximize function and convenience:

Store by Category

Group similar items together in cabinets – pots and pans, mixing bowls, baking sheets, utensils, etc. This makes finding what you need quick and easy.

Use Lazy Susans

Install lazy Susan turntables in corner cabinets to access items. Great for spice bottles, canned goods and other round containers.

Try Pull-Out Shelves

Swap deep cabinet shelves with pull-out trays on shelves or tracks. Lets you see everything pushed to the back.

Use Cabinet Door Storage

Install storage systems on the inside of cabinet doors to safely keep spices, oils, cutting boards and more.

Designate Drawers

Dedicate drawers to certain items, like utensils, dish towels, plastic containers, foil/cling wrap, cleaning products.

Get Vertical Dividers

Use vertical dividers in drawers to neatly organize contents and see smaller items. Great for utensils.

Separate With Trays

Use cutlery trays, spice rack inserts, divided containers to organize items in cabinets or drawers.

Label Clearly

Attach labels to identify cabinet and drawer contents. Especially helpful for guests unfamiliar with your kitchen.

Store by Frequency of Use

Keep commonly used items on lower shelves or upper cabinets for quick access. Put lesser used items up high or in deep base cabinets.

Control Clutter

Limit what is kept in prime kitchen cabinets to essential, everyday items. Store specialty or occasional use items elsewhere.

Follow these tips and you’ll have an organized kitchen that makes cooking and meal prep intuitive and stress-free. Let me know if you need any other cabinet organizing advice!

Choosing Cabinet Hardware for Your Kitchen

Selecting appealing hardware for your new kitchen cabinets can put the finishing design touch on your space. Here are pointers for choosing great cabinet knobs and pulls:

Match the Style

Pick knobs and pulls that fit the same style as your cabinets – traditional, modern, rustic, etc. Mismatched hardware looks out of place.

Mix Finishes for Interest

Using two complementary finishes (like matte black and brushed nickel) allows mixing knobs and pulls on different cabinets.

Test Samples In Person

Order free samples from companies to get a feel for size, shape, and finish before purchasing. Images alone can be misleading.

Consider Durability

Opt for durable metal finishes and avoid acrylic or plastic hardware if your cabinets will get heavy usage. Stick with sturdy stainless steel, bronze or nickel.

Focus on Finger Ergonomics

Choosing pulls over knobs makes opening cabinets easier. But if you prefer knobs, be sure they have adequate finger clearance.

Mind the Scale

Make sure hardware size/dimensions are proportional to your cabinet style and door size. Oversized hardware looks clunky.

Get a Consistent Look

Sticking to one style and finish for all knobs and pulls creates a unified look. Mixing unmatched hardware appears haphazard.

Location Influences Size

Larger pulls look better on wider drawers like on a pantry or island. Go smaller on standard narrow cabinet doors.

Allow for Hand Clearance

Be sure there is enough clearance behind pulls when installing on drawers and cabinet doors to grasp comfortably.

Budget for the Extras

Remember to account for all the hinges, hooks and other extras beyond just the knobs and pulls when estimating costs

Do You Install Floor Before Cabinets?