Installing new flooring and cabinets can transform the look and feel of your home. However, deciding which to install first – the flooring or the cabinets – is an important consideration that impacts the workflow and final results. This definitive guide examines the pros and cons of installing flooring before or after new cabinets.
Introduction
When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, the order in which you install the flooring and cabinets will significantly impact the installation process, costs, and final aesthetic. Careful planning is required to choose the best order for your specific space and needs.
There are good arguments on both sides of the debate. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and other factors like budget, flooring material, cabinet style, and more. Read on as we dive into the details and help you decide what’s best for your next remodeling project.
Installing Flooring Before Cabinets
Installing flooring prior to cabinets has some distinct advantages:
Easier Installation
Putting flooring down first is generally easier, especially if installing tile or stone floors. Without cabinets in the way, you have full access which allows for simpler layouts and seamless transitions from room to room. This can result in a cleaner looking finished floor.
Better Fit with Cabinets
When flooring goes in first, cabinets can be installed directly on top for a flush fit. If cabinets go first, the floor has to fit up to the toe kick which can leave unsightly gaps or require extra trim pieces.
Able to Use Heavier Flooring Materials
With the subfloor fully open, it’s easier to reinforce it to support heavier floors like natural stone, slate, or marble. Trying to add support under existing cabinets is much more difficult.
Cost Savings
Installing the flooring first means you can usually complete the job faster and more efficiently, saving on labor costs. The flooring materials may also be slightly cheaper since you can purchase them all at once versus piecemealing cuts around cabinets.
Protects Floors During Other Tasks
The flooring will be protected by cabinets during countertop installation and other finishing work, reducing the chance of damage.
Installing Cabinets Before Flooring
While tackling cabinets first may take more planning, it offers some of its own benefits:
Easier to Level Cabinets
Installing cabinets on the untreated subfloor makes it easier to ensure they are completely level. The flooring can be fitted to the cabinets later for the best end result.
Avoid Damage to Finished Floors
Cabinet installation often requires moving heavy boxes, tools, and appliances around the kitchen or bath. Installing cabinets prior helps prevent incidental damage to finished flooring materials.
Establishes Heights and Clearances
With cabinets in place first, it is easier to set appliances like dishwashers to the right height above the planned floor. Custom countertops can also factor in cabinet heights for proper clearances.
Allows Flexibility in Flooring Choices
You can hold off picking flooring finishes until the cabinets are installed. Being able to view cabinets in the space helps inform flooring color, style, and layout options.
Potential Cost Savings on Flooring
Less material may be needed if flooring is trimmed closely around existing cabinets versus covering the entire open floor. This depends on the flooring type.
No Need to Remove Baseboards
The flooring can be installed without removing existing base molding if the cabinets are already in place. This saves time and avoids damage.
Key Considerations for Order of Installation
When deciding between installing flooring or cabinets first, keep these key factors in mind:
- Type of flooring – Tile, natural stone, and resilient flooring are best installed before cabinets. Wood or laminate does well going down after.
- Cabinet style – Floors first works best with shaker style cabinets that sit flush on the floor. Install cabinets first for inset or ornate styles.
- Change in floor height – Adding floors prior is ideal if you need to build up low areas to make the floor level to prevent issues with cabinet installation.
- Plumbing and electrical – If you need new plumbing or electrical, it’s usually best to install flooring afterwards for easier access.
- Overall budget – Weigh labor and material costs between the two approaches to see which offers the most potential savings.
- Hiring contractors – Coordinate schedules if using separate flooring and cabinet contractors to complete the jobs sequentially.
There are good points on both sides of this discussion. Assess the pros and cons for your specific kitchen or bath layout, budget, and style preferences before deciding on the installation order. This helps avoid missteps that can cost you time, money and headaches down the road.
Installation Steps When Flooring Comes First
If you’ve weighed the options and decided installing flooring before cabinets makes the most sense for your home, here is an overview of the typical installation sequence:
- Select cabinet design and order cabinets ahead of time so they are ready when needed.
- Remove existing flooring and subfloor down to the room’s floor joists if necessary.
- Make any repairs to the joists and add bracing if needed for sturdy support.
- Install moisture barriers and insulation as required.
- Build up subfloor to desired height if needed and ensure it is completely level.
- Lay new flooring according to manufacturer’s instructions, including any acclimation period.
- Thoroughly clean the floors and remove construction debris from the room.
- Install cabinet bases tightly anchored to wall studs, shimming as needed for stability.
- Attach lower cabinet doors and drawers along with adjusting hardware.
- Set countertops and anchor tightly to cabinets for seamless fit.
- Install upper cabinets leaving desired space for countertops below.
- Finish countertop and backslash installation.
- Seal any gaps between flooring and cabinet toe kicks for smooth transition.
- Enjoy your gorgeous new floors and cabinets!
Installation Sequence When Cabinets Go First
If your calculations show better results from installing cabinets before tackling the new flooring installation, here’s a general process to follow:
- Choose flooring type and order materials in preparation for later installation.
- Remove old cabinets carefully to avoid damage to surrounding walls and subfloor.
- Make any needed structural repairs and ensure the subfloor is clean.
- Lay out cabinet plans and mark stud locations on the walls and floor.
- Install new cabinet bases first, shimming for stability and ensuring they are level.
- Attach lower cabinet doors, shelves and hardware.
- Install wall cabinets leaving proper space below for countertops.
- Attach countertops, backsplash and other details to cabinets.
- Prep the subfloor as needed for the new flooring type per manufacturer instructions.
- Acclimate flooring in the room before laying if required.
- Install flooring around cabinet bases, under toe kicks, and into surrounding rooms.
- Install matching or complementary baseboard molding and trim pieces.
- Make sure appliances fit properly within the new floor and cabinet spaces.
- Seal any visible gaps between flooring and cabinets for a flawless look.
- Enjoy your transformed space!
Careful attention to a well-planned installation sequence will help ensure your flooring and cabinetry project goes as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners have additional questions when deciding between installing flooring or cabinets first during kitchen and bath remodels. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
Should I install kitchen island cabinets before or after the flooring?
It is usually best to install your kitchen island first before laying flooring around it. Securing the island cabinet to the subfloor helps keep it steady when attaching the countertop.
What if I’m replacing existing flooring that I want to keep under my cabinets?
In this case, it often makes sense to install cabinets first without removing the flooring in areas that will be covered. Cut out and replace flooring sections as the last step.
Can I install concrete floors before cabinets?
Yes, concrete makes an attractive and durable kitchen flooring option. The cabinets will anchor well into the cured concrete provided the proper systems are used.
Should flooring run under bathroom vanities?
Running flooring under bathroom vanities creates a seamless, built-in look. Use thinset when applying tile under vanities for the best adhesion.
How are floors measured and ordered if cabinets are already installed?
Carefully measure the open floor spaces. Order flooring allowing for 10% extra to account for pattern matching and cutting waste around cabinets.
What about removing existing baseboards – is this always necessary?
With cabinets installed first, often the flooring can fit under them eliminating the need to remove and replace baseboards in a kitchen remodel.
Conclusion
The decision between installing hardwood floors, tile, or cabinets first during a kitchen or bathroom remodel involves many factors. Evaluate the pros and cons, installation steps, and frequently asked questions presented above when planning your upcoming project.
Careful attention to the sequence of installing flooring or cabinets can ensure your project stays on schedule and within budget. Working with experienced installers and contractors also reduces the chances of costly errors.
While there is no universally right or wrong order, assessing your own space, lifestyle, and preferences helps determine the best sequence. With good planning from the start, you can achieve a cohesive, on-trend kitchen or bath design that functions flawlessly for years to come.