Do You Install Flooring Under Cabinets?

Installing new flooring can dramatically update the look and feel of a room. However, one decision you’ll need to make is whether or not to install flooring under existing cabinets. There are pros and cons to leaving the area under cabinets uncovered or installing flooring underneath. Here is a detailed look at the factors to consider when deciding do you install flooring under cabinets.

Should You Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?

The kitchen is one area where the question of installing flooring under cabinets often comes up. There are a few things to think about when deciding:

Cons of Skipping Flooring Under Cabinets

Leaving subfloor exposed under cabinets can allow dirt, crumbs, and spills to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. New flooring creates a continuous, cleanable surface.
Exposed subfloor looks unfinished and sloppy. Fully covering the floor makes the whole room look complete.
Not installing flooring under cabinets can make the kitchen floors appear disjointed, with new flooring surrounding patches of different old flooring under appliances.
If you ever remove or rearrange cabinets in the future, uneven floors would be revealed. Installing flooring creates consistency.

Pros of Skipping Flooring Under Cabinets

It saves money on flooring materials to leave the area under cabinets uncovered. Cabinets can cover over 40 square feet.
Installing flooring under fixed cabinets is challenging. Leaving the subfloor saves labor too.
The area under cabinets is out of sight and not subject to much wear and tear. The new flooring’s durability is less important here.
Changing floor height could create issues with appliances or cabinets fitting correctly on top of the new flooring.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets

If you opt to install flooring under cabinets, consider these tips:

Use removable base trim molding rather than permanently installing flooring under cabinet facing. This allows you to replace damaged pieces easily later on.
Install dishwasher, refrigerator, and slide-in range before installing flooring around them for the most seamless fit.
Use thin, flexible vinyl plank flooring that can adapt to the confined under-cabinet space. Clicks together easily without glue.
Cut planks with a utility knife to fit around pipes or other obstacles. Make relief cuts to bend pieces.
Use foam underlayment appropriate for kitchens that resists moisture and adds cushioning.
Start flooring rows from the center of the room working outward so seams under cabinets are less visible.
Be prepared to rip up the first row or two as you adjust to working under cabinets. Measure carefully.
Use trim, quarter-round, or caulk to fill any slight gaps at edges or seams under cabinets.

Should You Install Flooring Under Bathroom Vanities?

The area under bathroom vanities prompts a similar debate. Here are some benefits and drawbacks:

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Bathroom Vanity

Creates a uniform, seamless flooring surface throughout the room.
Avoids a sloppy unfinished look and dirt catching on subfloor.
Allows you to easily change or move vanity placement in the future.

Reasons to Skip Installing Flooring Under Bathroom Vanity

Leaving subfloor exposed saves money on unused flooring materials.
Prevents issues with new floor height conflicting with existing plumbing or vanity height.
Confining space under vanity makes installation challenging.
Area won’t be seen, so aesthetics and durability are less relevant.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Bathroom Vanities

For a smooth install under bathroom vanities:

Use a moisture-resistant vinyl plank flooring able to adapt to small spaces.
Plan planks direction to run lengthwise with the vanity, not under doors.
Create a template to follow for tricky areas like around pipes or toilet flanges.
Remove the vanity doors and drawers to make accessing the area easier during install.
Use a heat gun to soften planks to fit them around tight corners or curves.
Fill any gaps with silicone caulk that matches the floor color.

Should You Install Flooring Under Closet Shelving?

Closet shelving is another area where new flooring installation gets tricky. Assess these pros and cons when deciding:

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Closet Shelving

Provides a uniform, consistent flooring surface throughout the room.
Looks more finished than exposed subfloor.
Allows you flexibility to reconfigure closet layouts.

Reasons to Skip Installing Flooring Under Closet Shelving

Can be extremely difficult working in the confined closet space.
Shelves often mount directly to subfloor, leaving little space for flooring underneath.
Does not improve aesthetics or durability since it will be mostly covered.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Closet Shelving

If you want flooring under closet shelves, consider:

Use self-adhesive vinyl tile or plank flooring for the easiest install.
Remove existing shelving to make subfloor access easier, then reinstall.
Cut flooring into small manageable pieces to insert under shelves.
Use an oscillating tool to cut away existing flooring as needed.
Plan shelf and rod placement to allow flooring to run underneath, not at odds.
Use caulk to fill any cracks between flooring pieces or along trim.

Should You Install Flooring Under Doors?

Deciding whether to run flooring under doorways is another common install dilemma.

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Doors

Provides a seamless look from room to room.
Avoids a sloppy incomplete appearance if subfloor shows.
Allows you to rearrange room usages or access in the future.

Reasons to Skip Installing Flooring Under Doors

Can cause issues with new floor height and door clearance.
Door jambs often seal down directly to subfloor rather than on top of flooring.
If different flooring used in adjoining rooms, transition looks better at doorways usually.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Doors

To run flooring under door jambs smoothly:

Use a thin, flexible vinyl plank or tile product under doors.
Check door can still open and close properly with slight added height.
Use an oscillating multi-tool to carefully undercut door jambs if needed for clearance.
After installing new flooring, seal any gaps at door edges with matching caulk.
Consider using transition molding pieces on either side of doorways between rooms with different flooring.

Should You Install Flooring Under Toilets or Pedestals?

Flooring installation around toilets and pedestal sinks also takes some finesse.

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Toilets/Pedestals

Creates a finished look on all visible floor space.
Allows moving fixtures to different locations later if desired.

Reasons to Skip Flooring Under Toilets/Pedestals

Requires working in an extremely confined awkward space.
Removes flexibility to adjust toilet flange height if needed.
Damages are likely trying to cut flooring pieces to fit odd plumbing shapes.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Toilets/Pedestals

If attempting to add flooring under toilets or pedestal sinks:

Carefully trace the outline of the fixture on new flooring first for reference.
Use an oscillating multi-tool to remove old flooring around fixture bases.
Cut small pieces to work around plumbing one at a time, using caulk between seams.
Consider hiring a plumber to remove and reinstall fixtures if uncomfortable doing this yourself.
Test toilet flange height and function before resealing base to new floor.
A flexible filler putty that hardens can patch irregular floor gaps around plumbing.

Should You Install Flooring Under Bottom Kitchen Cabinets?

The bottom kitchen cabinet bases covering your toe kick space present another flooring dilemma. Consider if it’s worth it based on these factors:

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Bottom Kitchen Cabinets

Provides a seamless flooring look under the entire cabinet run.
Allows moving cabinet layout in the future without uneven floors.
Creates a more finished look than exposed subfloor.

Reasons to Skip Flooring Under Bottom Kitchen Cabinets

Leaving subfloor exposed is cheaper and easier.
The sunk-in toe kick area is not visible, so appearance doesn’t matter.
Can cause issues securing cabinets properly through new flooring.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Bottom Kitchen Cabinets

If you want flooring under your bottom cabinets:

Use thin vinyl plank click flooring to leave some toe kick height.
Cut planks into smaller pieces to insert under cabinets section-by-section.
Remove cabinet doors and drawers to access the space and reuse screws.
Pre-drill new holes up through flooring to reattach cabinets if needed.
Use trim molding at seam between cabinet edge and flooring for clean results.

Do You Install Flooring Under Stairs?

Deciding whether to install flooring on stairs themselves is one thing, but determining if it should also extend under the staircase can be another challenge entirely.

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Stairs

Provides a consistent look and feel throughout the space.
Avoids exposed subfloor and gaps that allow dirt to collect.
Allows reconfiguring staircase placement if desired.

Reasons to Skip Installing Flooring Under Stairs

Leaves more flexibility for laying carpeting on stairs themselves.
Tight confined space under stairs makes installing flooring very difficult.
Area won’t be seen, so aesthetics of continuous flooring are irrelevant.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under Stairs

If you opt to install flooring under stairs, keep these tips in mind:

Remove existing stair treads if possible to access the subfloor underneath.
Use adhesive vinyl tiles or planks to install easily under stairs.
Cut pieces small to insert into tight spaces little by little.
Use an oscillating saw or jigsaw to cut flooring neatly around posts and supports.
Foam backer rod stuffed into gaps can help seal uneven seams.
Match prefinished stair riser trim to new flooring for a streamlined look.

Do You Install Flooring Under Walls and Baseboards?

Even something as simple as whether to run flooring under walls before or after they are built comes into play.

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Walls

Provides flooring continuity under entire interior footprint.
Allows flexibility if interior layout changes down the road.

Reasons to Install Flooring Around Walls

Easier access to get full flooring sheets under walls before framed.
Baseboards can sit directly on flooring for seamless installation.

Tips for Installing Flooring Under or Around Walls

To decide the best method:

If using wide sheet flooring, install this first before framing interior walls.
For modular tiles or planks, it is easier to frame walls first.
Use an oscillating saw to cut away old flooring as needed under existing walls.
For flooring installed after walls, use quarter round trim along baseboards to fill gaps.

Do You Need Underlayment Under Pergo Flooring?

In addition to determining where your new laminate or vinyl flooring will be installed, you also need to decide what (if anything) to place beneath it. Here are some things to know about underlayment for Pergo floors:

Purpose of Underlayment

Underlayment beneath Pergo and other floating click vinyl plank floors serves several important functions:

Moisture Protection – Quality underlayments include a moisture barrier to prevent water seepage underneath flooring and damage to subfloor. This is critical in basements, bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms.
Noise Reduction – Underlayment minimizes hollow sounds and floor noise as you walk across laminate or vinyl floors above. This is especially important for upstairs floors and condos.
Comfort & Warmth – Underlayment adds a slight cushion and insulation value underneath the hard flooring. This makes the floor more comfortable to walk and stand on.
Subfloor Protection – A proper underlayment creates a barrier between the flooring and subfloor, shielding it from dents and scratches.
Easier Installation – Many laminate floor underlayments include adhesive strips or films to secure the flooring planks in place without messy glue.

Recommended Underlayment for Pergo

Pergo offers its own brand of underlayment designed specifically for use beneath their vinyl plank and laminate floors. Benefits of Pergo underlayment include:

Pre-attached adhesive strips for keeping planks locked in place
Anti-microbial treatment prevents mold and bacteria growth
Moisture barrier with DuPontTM Surlyn® waterproof material
PERGO Gold options add antimicrobial protection

While you can use other underlayment brands, Pergo’s is engineered to work optimally with their flooring systems and lock together for ease of installation. Their Lifetime Limited Warranty only applies when using Pergo underlayments too.

Installing Underlayment Under Pergo Flooring

When installing Pergo flooring, follow these best practices for working with underlayment:

Roll out underlayment in same direction flooring will run for easiest alignment.
Trim underlayment as needed around corners and doorways.
Butt edges together tightly without overlapping to prevent lumps.
Tape seams with adhesive vinyl seam tape to seal moisture barrier.
Pull underlayment up walls 1-2 inches to prevent planks slipping.
For bathrooms, use 100% waterproof acrylic based underlayment.
Use 1/4″ or thinner underlayment to avoid interference with floor locking system.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for proper underlayment installation and use will help ensure your Pergo flooring looks beautiful while lasting a lifetime. Consult Pergo’s guidelines for the recommended specific underlayment for your particular flooring product.

Do You Need an Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring provides a versatile, affordable, and attractive floor covering option. But an important decision is whether to use an underlayment beneath it or not. What are the pros and cons?

Benefits of Using Underlayment Under Vinyl Planks

There are several advantages to using underlayment beneath vinyl plank flooring:

Moisture Protection – Quality underlayments act as vapor barriers, an essential safeguard for moisture-prone areas. This can prevent warping.
Noise Reduction – Underlayment minimizes hollow sounds of footsteps and floor noise. This also provides sound damping between levels.
Comfort – Underlayment adds a slight cushioning layer under the rigid planks for a more comfortable floor.
Floor Protection – Underlayment forms a buffer between the flooring and subfloor to prevent dents, damage, and imperfections transferring through.
Easy Installation – Many vinyl plank underlayments feature a pre-attached sticky adhesive film to hold planks firmly in place without using glue.

Reasons to Skip Underlayment Under Vinyl Planks

Here are some potential reasons to forego underlayment beneath vinyl planks:

Cost Savings – Not using underlayment is cheaper, saving on both materials and labor.
Thinner Profile – Skipping underlayment results in a lower overall floor height. This can resolve transition height issues.
Easier for DIY – Installing vinyl planks directly over subfloor eliminates one step, making the project simpler.
Pre-Attached Padding – Some vinyl plank products come with a pre-attached foam padding for noise reduction.

Ultimately, the benefits of moisture protection and sound absorption make underlayment worth it underneath vinyl plank flooring in most situations. Be sure to follow the vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommendations regarding approved underlayments for warranties to apply.

Do You Install Carpet Under Baseboards?

Installing wall-to-wall carpeting is a great way to add softness underfoot while updating your home’s look. But how you handle the carpet’s edge where it meets baseboard trim requires proper technique.

Pros of Installing Carpet Under Baseboards

Tucking carpet underneath baseboard trim provides some advantages:

Creates a neat, seamless transition between flooring layers.
Allows leaving existing baseboards in place rather than removing.
Baseboards can compress carpet’s cushion for more firm edge.

Cons of Installing Carpet Under Baseboards

However, there are also a few drawbacks to running carpet under base trim:

Makes stretching and securing carpet tightly more difficult.
Baseboards can get scratched or damaged during carpet kicker use.
Prevents easily replacing carpet later on without removing base.

Tips for Installing Carpet Under Baseboards

If you wish to install wall-to-wall carpeting underneath baseboards, consider these tips:

Remove quarter-round trim at bottom of baseboards if present.
Use a seam iron to soften carpet backing so it tucks under easily.
Use a flat pry bar to raise base trim slightly before stretching carpet beneath.
Forcibly kick edges with a carpet kicker to get carpet fully seated under molding.
Replace any damaged baseboard trim pieces if carpet kicker splits wood.
Use wood filler to patch nail holes before repainting