Introduction
When renovating a kitchen, the order in which you install cabinets and flooring can make a big difference. There are good arguments on both sides of this question, so it’s important to understand the trade-offs involved. Many experts recommend installing cabinets first, before putting in the new flooring. However, others suggest installing flooring first may lead to a smoother overall installation process.
Ultimately, the “right” order depends on your specific kitchen layout, cabinet/flooring choices, and installation approach. Taking the time to consider all the factors will help you decide the best sequence for your kitchen remodeling project.
Benefits of Installing Cabinets Before Flooring
There are several good reasons why many homeowners and contractors prefer to install the new kitchen cabinets before laying the flooring:
Easier Cabinet Installation
Installing cabinets on the existing subfloor or old flooring generally provides a smooth, even surface for assembling and securing the cabinet boxes. If the flooring is installed first, especially tile or stone floors, the uneven surface and grout lines can make cabinet installation more challenging.
Better Fit with Cabinets
Hardwood, tile, or stone flooring materials often have slight variations in height and levelness across the floor. By installing cabinets first, you can achieve a consistent base that accounts for any imperfections in the floor below. This helps ensure a flush fit between the finished floor and cabinet bases.
Allows Customizing Flooring Around Cabinets
Putting cabinets in first means you can customize the flooring for a perfect fit. Flooring can be cut and laid up to the cabinet toe-kick or appliance bases. Transition strips or threshold molding can also be added after flooring for a seamless look.
Avoid Damage to Finished Flooring
With cabinets installed first, the flooring won’t risk getting damaged during the cabinet installation process or later when making adjustments to cabinets and adding fittings and fixtures. This prevents scratches, dents, and other floor damage.
Easier Height and Leveling Adjustments
Shimming and leveling new kitchen cabinets is much easier before the flooring is in place. With cabinets installed first, their height and levelness can be adjusted as needed to ensure proper alignment and operation.
Benefits of Installing Flooring Before Cabinets
Installing wood, tile, or vinyl flooring prior to cabinet installation also offers some advantages:
Better Alignment with Existing Floors
If you are only renovating your kitchen, installing new flooring first allows you to match heights with adjoining floors in other rooms for a smooth transition between spaces.
Avoid Gaps from Floor Irregularities
By laying flooring first, you can account for any unevenness in the subfloor across the whole kitchen area. This avoids gaps between cabinet bases and the finished floor due to low spots.
Allows Continuous Floor Patterns
New flooring installed before cabinets means wood planks or tile patterns can run continuously under the cabinets for a seamless look. Transition strips are avoided.
No Need to Cut Flooring Around Cabinets
With flooring in place, cabinets can be installed directly on top without any custom cutting or fitting around them. This may provide a quicker installation process.
Protects New Floors During Remodeling
The flooring will be protected by cabinet bases during the rest of the kitchen renovation, avoiding damage from workers or materials moving through the space.
May Save on Flooring Material Costs
Since you don’t have to allow extra flooring to fit around cabinets, doing floors first may reduce material costs slightly. Less cutting waste may also be generated.
Key Considerations for Order of Installation
When deciding whether to install new kitchen cabinets or flooring first during your remodel, keep these key tips in mind:
- Consider the condition of your existing floor and subfloor – imperfections or levelness issues may dictate one order over the other.
- Factor in your cabinet and flooring material choices – natural materials like solid wood are especially vulnerable to damage if installed in the wrong order.
- Decide how important seamless flooring runs or transitions between rooms are for the overall look you want.
- Account for appliance spaces like islands or slide-in ranges that require flooring to be fitted in around them.
- Talk to your contractor about the order they recommend for ease of installation and proper sequencing with other trades.
- Look at your overall timeline – some flooring types like hardwood need time to acclimate to the environment before installation.
- Be prepared to protect installed flooring if it will be exposed for long periods before cabinet installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you install tile or vinyl flooring before or after cabinets?
Tile and vinyl flooring is often easier to install before cabinets, allowing uninterrupted floor patterns and avoiding damage from cabinet installation. Cutting and fitting these floors around cabinets can also increase costs.
What if I’m just replacing old kitchen cabinets?
For cabinet replacement in an existing kitchen, installing new flooring first is often recommended. This allows the flooring to integrate better with surrounding rooms. New cabinets can then be fitted to the new floor.
Should I remove old flooring before installing new cabinets?
In most cases, old flooring should be removed prior to new cabinet installations, providing a clean subfloor for attaching and securing the cabinets properly.
Can I install just part of the flooring before new cabinets?
Installing flooring in high-traffic cabinet areas first may work, but an uneven floor surface can make installing and leveling the cabinets more challenging.
Is new flooring needed if I’m keeping my existing cabinets?
Not necessarily – you can install new flooring around existing cabinetry in many cases. Quarter-round trim pieces may be needed for clean transitions.
Conclusion
The decision about whether to install kitchen cabinets or flooring first during a kitchen remodel involves careful consideration of the pros and cons for your specific situation. While many contractors recommend putting in cabinets before floors, there are benefits to installing flooring first depending on your goals. Evaluating all the factors – your current kitchen layout, cabinet and flooring materials selected, the condition of your subfloor, appliance spaces, and desired transitions – will help determine the best order to complete the two installations. With proper planning upfront, your kitchen renovation can move smoothly whether opting for “cabinets first” or “floors first”.