Kitchen remodeling projects often involve both installing new cabinets and replacing the flooring. This leaves many homeowners wondering—should the new cabinets go in before or after the new floor? There are good arguments on both sides, so the ideal order will depend on your specific kitchen layout and materials. Below we’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach, to help you decide the best sequence for your kitchen remodel.
The Case for Installing Cabinets First
There are a few reasons why it may make sense to install the kitchen cabinets before laying the new flooring:
Easier Cabinets Installation
It’s usually much easier for cabinet installers to get cabinets perfectly level and securely attached to the wall when there is an exposed subfloor. If the finished floor is already in place, adjustments need to be made to account for its thickness. And the flooring material can make it tricky to drill and nail into the walls behind it.
Better Fit with Cabinets
Installing cabinets first means you can lay flooring that fits right up to the toe-kick space under the cabinets for a seamless look. If flooring is already in place, gaps may be left to install the cabinets over top.
Protect New Floors During Installation
By putting cabinets in first, the new floor is protected during the cabinet installation process. Heavy cabinets can scuff flooring materials like wood or tile during installation.
Easier Accommodation of Floor Irregularities
With open subfloor access, it’s easier for installers to make minor adjustments to account for any uneven spots in the floor or walls. New flooring finishes can make these irregularities harder to smooth out.
Sequence Kitchen Installs Traditionally
In typical kitchen construction, cabinets do go in before flooring. So if you’re selling your home soon, sticking with this sequence may appeal to more buyers.
Reasons to Install Flooring First
While it takes more planning, starting with new floors can also be a smart approach:
Floors Will Look Perfect
Installing flooring first means you can achieve perfectly even floors throughout the whole kitchen. With cabinets going in after, inconsistent flooring cuts or filler strips won’t be necessary behind them.
Easier Planning of Toe-Kick Heights
The exact position and height of the cabinets’ toe-kicks can be calculated once the finished floors are in place. With floors going in after cabinets, toe-kick spacing can be tricky to plan.
Added Floor Protection During Other Jobs
New floors won’t get damaged during other jobs if the sequence is flooring first. Countertop, appliance and sink installations after cabinets often require heavy equipment that can damage new floors.
Consistent Heights on Islands/Peninsulas
Flooring the whole kitchen before cabinet installation allows island or peninsula cabinets to match the exact height of the perimeter cabinets.
Avoid Dust and Debris Between Jobs
By doing flooring first, you avoid having to clean up drywall dust and other debris between the cabinet and flooring stages. The flooring won’t get messy during subsequent jobs.
Key Factors to Consider
There are a few key details about your particular kitchen that can help determine the best order for your project:
- Layout complexities: For intricate kitchen layouts with tricky angles, cabinet-first may work better to handle irregularities.
- Flooring choice: Soft or easily damaged surfaces like wood or vinyl plank warrant flooring last for protection. But tile or stone can be installed first without issue.
- Toe-kick preferences: If toe-kick height and spacing are critical, floors-first allows better planning and visibility.
- Cabinet modifications: For major cabinet alterations like changing heights or widths, installing floors first can simplify the process.
- Countertop overhang: With flooring going in first, you can factor in overhang space and avoid gaps between countertops and floors.
- Appliance/sink needs: If heavy equipment is needed for installations after cabinets, protect floors by doing them before cabinetry.
- Overall kitchen size and scope: Bigger kitchens with multiple stages benefit more from floors-first to avoid debris and damage between steps.
Installing Cabinets Before Floors: Step-by-Step
If you do opt to put cabinets in first, here are the basic steps:
- Complete any structural changes, like moving walls or plumbing.
- Install backsplash wall materials, if specified.
- Paint walls and ceilings.
- Install window and door trim.
- Install the kitchen cabinets, ensuring they are properly leveled and secured.
- Complete cabinet adjustments like doors, drawers, shelves, and pulls.
- Protect cabinets and cover toe-kick spaces before floor installation.
- Install the new kitchen flooring up to cabinets for a flush fit.
- Remove cabinet protections and complete final cabinet adjustments.
- Install countertops and sinks/appliances after flooring is complete.
Installing Floors Before Cabinets: Step-by-Step
If opting for flooring first, the process would be:
- Complete structural changes and wall/ceiling surfaces.
- Install any new windows, doors, and trim.
- Install the finished kitchen flooring throughout the whole space.
- Carefully measure for cabinet dimensions and toe-kick height based on the new floors.
- Install and secure all kitchen cabinets based on floor dimensions.
- Complete cabinet fittings like doors, drawers, adjustments, etc.
- Install countertops, sinks, appliances and finish up cabinet details.
- Touch up and install floor transition trim pieces last.
Key Tips for Seamless Results
Whichever way you go, here are some tips for the best results:
- When installing cabinets first, use shims as needed to account for slight floor irregularities.
- Be sure to leave room for flooring thickness when leveling base cabinets off the subfloor.
- Use floor protectors during all post-cabinet work to avoid damaging new surfaces.
- Meticulously plan toe-kick height and position if going floors-first.
- Factor in countertop overhangs so floors align properly with countertops.
- Use filler strips or scribes for unique flooring cuts around cabinets if needed.
- Plan for appliance spaces like islands carefully with either sequence.
Conclusion
While the traditional method is cabinets followed by flooring, starting with new floors can also be a smart approach for many kitchens. Just be sure to consider how your specific kitchen layout, cabinet and flooring choices may impact the ideal order of operations. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a beautifully cohesive look. The key is focusing on seamless alignments, smooth transitions and consistency between all your kitchen components, regardless of which install sequence you select.