Installing tile before cabinets is generally recommended by tile installation experts. Laying tile prior to cabinet installation provides a more seamless look and allows you to carry the backsplash tile up the wall behind the cabinets. While tiling after cabinet installation is possible, it creates visible seams that interrupt the flow of the backsplash design. Preparing the subfloor properly and planning the layout are key steps when tiling before cabinets. With careful planning and expert installation, you can achieve a clean, integrated look by tiling before cabinetry.
Why Tile Before Cabinets is Recommended
Installing tile before cabinets has several advantages that lead professionals to recommend it:
Achieve a Seamless Look
Tiling before cabinet installation allows you to carry the backsplash tile up the wall behind where the cabinets will sit. This creates a seamless, continuous look that allows the backsplash tile design to flow uninterrupted across the whole back wall. The tile wraps cohesively around the perimeter of the cabinets for a more integrated appearance.
Avoid Visible Seams and Misalignments
When tiling after cabinet installation, the edge of the countertop often doesn’t align perfectly with the tiled backsplash. This results in visible seams, gaps, or misalignments between the countertop/cabinets and the backsplash tile. Tiling before cabinets provides a flush transition between the countertop and backsplash for a cleaner look.
Get Better Adhesion on Walls
Adhering tile directly to the drywall or other wall surface before cabinets are installed results in much better bonding. Trying to bond tiles to the wall behind cabinets after they’re installed makes it harder to press the tile flush for good adhesion.
Full Access for Layout and Tile Work
With the wall fully accessible before cabinets are installed, laying out the tile design and pattern is much easier. You can mark reference points on the wall to align tiles properly. Accessing the wall area behind cabinets once they’re installed makes tile layout and installation much more awkward and limited.
Cabinets Can Conceal Imperfections
Minor imperfections in tile cuts or grout lines where the backsplash meets the cabinets are hidden once cabinets are installed. The cabinet boxes cover bottom edges of the backsplash for a cleaner look.
Preparing the Subfloor Before Tiling
Proper subfloor prep before laying tile is critical for good adhesion and preventing cracks. Here are key steps:
Clean Surface Thoroughly
Remove any existing flooring, then thoroughly clean the concrete or plywood subfloor to remove dirt, grease, wax and any other contaminants. Vacuum up dust.
Check for Level Surface
Use a 4′ level in several areas to ensure the subfloor is flat and even. Any low spots over 1/8” must be filled with floor leveler compound before tiling.
Apply Sealer or Primer
Sealing or priming the subfloor provides an enhanced bonding surface for the mortar to adhere tiles. Use a compatible tile primer for plywood or concrete sealer for concrete subfloors.
Layout Control Joints Properly
Cracks can occur if the subfloor moves after tiling due to improper control joints. Lay out joints following manufacturer specs, usually every 8-12 feet.
With the subfloor fully prepped, you can begin laying the tile properly before cabinet installation.
How to Tile Before Cabinets
Tiling before cabinet installation takes careful planning and expert technique:
Plan Tile Layout
Determine the tile pattern and lay out center lines, to ensure your pattern is aligned properly. Measure the space to calculate cuts if needed.
Start Tiling at Back Wall
Begin tiling at the back wall where cabinets will be installed. Use laser level lines to keep tiles flat and level.
Dry Fit Border Tiles
Dry fit tiles along borders and edges to test fit. Make any needed adjustment cuts before final installation with thinset mortar.
Mix Thinset Mortar
Mix polymer-modified thinset mortar to a toothpaste-like consistency. Apply to small sections of the wall at a time before sticking tiles.
Back Butter Tiles
For strongest bond on walls, apply a coat of thinset to the backs of each tile before sticking it to the wall—called “back-buttering.”
Use Tile Spacers
Use plastic spacers between tiles to maintain even grout joint widths. Remove spacers before grouting once tiles are firmly set.
Finish Edges Along Cabinets
Cut edge tiles flush with wall edges where cabinets will sit. Finish off edges with bullnose, trim, or edge pieces.
Once tiles are firmly bonded, wait 24-48 hours before grouting. Take careful measurements of cabinet locations before installation to achieve a seamless look.
Tiling After Cabinet Installation
While tiling before cabinets is ideal, it is possible to install tile backsplashes after cabinets are in place. Extra care must be taken for a good finished look:
- Prepare the wall surface well behind cabinets for tile adhesion.
- Use caulk to fill any gaps at the countertop-wall junction before tiling.
- Cut tiles precisely to fit limited space behind cabinets with no room for adjustment.
- Bullnose or trim pieces are critical for covering exposed tile edges along cabinets.
- Match existing grout lines as closely as possible for a cohesive look.
- Expect some visible seams or mismatches with countertop edges.
Hiring a Professional Tile Installer
Tiling before cabinets is one project where hiring a professional tile installer pays off. Key benefits of hiring a pro include:
- Expertise in proper subfloor prep and tile layout – Improper subfloor prep leads to cracked tile. A pro tile setter knows how to properly prep and lay out the tile design.
- Precision cutting skills – Precisely cutting edge tiles, hole cuts for plumbing fixtures, and thin border pieces between cabinets requires specialized tile cutting tools and experience.
- Correct product selection and installation methods – From mortar to grout, using the right products is key. A professional knows which products work best together.
- Avoid cracked tiles or adhesion failures – Proper installation technique like back-buttering tiles prevents cracked or debonded tiles from improper adhesion or subfloor movement.
- Faster overall time – Experienced tile setters can complete the work faster with fewer mistakes or redos than a DIY installer.
For exceptional results tiling before cabinets, the added cost of hiring a qualified professional tile contractor is money well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiling Before Cabinets
Should I tile the floor before installing cabinets?
Yes, it’s recommended you tile floors prior to installing kitchen cabinets. Tiling the floor first avoids having to cut tiles tightly around cabinet bases. It also prevents damaging the floor tiles once cabinets are in place.
How do I create a seamless tile transition from countertops to backsplash?
Use a coordinated design and color palette for the countertop, backsplash tile, and grout. Tiling before cabinet installation allows you to align the backsplash tightly with the countertop edge for the most seamless transition.
What type of tile works best for kitchen backsplashes?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are most common, but glass, stone, or metal tile can also make an attractive and functional backsplash. Use tiles with uniform thickness and avoid very porous types prone to staining.
How are tiles cut and fit behind cabinets and around plumbing fixtures?
Professionals use specialized tile cutting tools like wetsaws and angle grinders to accurately cut border tiles and make hole cuts around pipes or electrical boxes. These power tools take skill to operate safely.
Should I use spacers when installing my backsplash tile?
Yes, tile spacers are important for keeping grout lines uniform in width. Plastic 1/16” to 1/8” spacers are commonly used. Ensure they are snug so tiles align evenly on the wall. Remove spacers before grouting.
Conclusion
Installing tile backsplashes and floors before kitchen cabinetry is installed is the best approach recommended by tile professionals. It achieves a seamless integrated look, avoids misalignments with countertops, allows full access for optimal tile layout, and results in better tile adhesion. With proper planning and layout, tiling before cabinet installation can give you a designer backsplash look. Or hire an experienced tile contractor to ensure your new tile backsplashes and floors integrate beautifully with your new kitchen cabinets for a cohesive finish.