Installing new flooring and cabinets can be an exciting part of renovating your home. However, it also raises an important question: should you install the flooring or the cabinets first? The short answer is that generally, it’s best to lay the flooring before installing the cabinets. Here’s a more in-depth look at why laying flooring first is usually recommended and how to approach the project.

Why Lay the Flooring First?

There are a few key reasons why most experts recommend installing flooring before putting in new cabinets:

Allows Cabinets to Be Installed Properly

When cabinets get installed after flooring, their base can simply be built on top of the floor’s surface. However, when flooring needs to be installed underneath already existing cabinets, it creates a more complex process. Extra work needs to be done to undercut the cabinets to allow the flooring to fit beneath them properly.

Installing flooring first avoids the need for that undercutting. The flooring can be put in smoothly and easily, allowing the cabinets to then simply be built on top.

Achieves Better Alignment

Installing cabinets over pre-existing flooring also allows you to align them properly relative to the floor. The bottom of the cabinet bases can be leveled and drawn plumb with the flooring.

Having flooring installed partially under cabinets makes it trickier to get perfect alignment. You may end up with cabinets and floors that don’t line up quite right. Doing the flooring first reduces alignment issues.

Minimizes Transitions and Changes in Height

Depending on the flooring you choose, its thickness could differ from your existing floor. Putting in flooring under already installed cabinets can result in slight height differences between the flooring under the cabinets and in other areas.

Laying the flooring throughout the entire room before installing cabinets allows a smooth, flush flooring surface everywhere. The flooring height will be constant, without transitions, bumps, or uneven spots under cabinets.

Prevents Damage to Flooring

Installing cabinets on top of finished flooring makes the floor vulnerable to scuffs, dents, and other damage during the cabinet installation process. With the flooring done first, it’s protected during cabinet installation. Any incidental damage or dirt that occurs while putting in the cabinets won’t affect the pristine floor beneath them.

Creates a More Seamless Look

Having flooring installed in the open areas first, then underneath cabinets later, risks slight variations in color or pattern alignment between the different areas. Whole-room flooring finished beforehand ensures the entire space has a cohesive look.

Tips for Laying Flooring Before Cabinets

If laying down flooring before cabinet installation makes the most sense for your kitchen or bath remodel, here are some useful tips to do it successfully:

Choose Flooring Wisely

Think about how susceptible your flooring choice is to damage, moisture, and alignment issues. Luxury vinyl plank or tile is a great option for a pre-cabinet floor since it’s durable and water-resistant. Engineered hardwood or laminate flooring are also suitable choices. Carpet or natural stone generally aren’t recommended.

Use Proper Floor Preparation

Make sure the subfloor is properly prepped and level before laying flooring down throughout the entire space. Address any areas that need smoothing or structural enhancement to create a sound base for the new flooring.

Include In-Floor Appliances

If you’ll have appliances like refrigerators or ranges that will sit on top of the new flooring, make cutouts in the flooring to accommodate them before installing the cabinets. It’s much easier than cutting around appliances later.

Allow Appliance and Cabinet Clearances

When laying flooring adjacent to areas where appliances and cabinets will be installed, be sure to leave adequate clearance space. Providing the proper cutouts and margins will prevent any alignment or spacing issues down the road.

Use Long-Lasting Adhesives

Use premium flooring adhesives meant for the long-term when adhering floors before cabinetry. This prevents the flooring from eventually loosening over time after cabinets are installed overtop.

Match Flooring Transition Height

Where new flooring meets existing, use a matching transition piece to prevent height differences between flooring areas. This allows cabinets to sit flush against both flooring types.

Check Flooring After Installation

Do a careful walkthrough of the installed flooring before building cabinets overtop. Verify all pieces are fully adhered, properly aligned, and free of any damage that needs to be addressed.

Installing Cabinets Over Pre-Existing Flooring

While laying flooring beforehand is generally the recommended best practice, situations do arise where installing cabinets over already completed flooring makes sense or is required. Here are some pointers for tackling cabinet installation when flooring is pre-existing:

Choose Flooring That Can Be Undercut

If possible, only have cabinets installed over flooring types like vinyl and engineered hardwood that can be cleanly undercut as needed. More delicate flooring like natural wood risks damage if modified after installation.

Undercut Cabinets Carefully

Use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade to undercut cabinets for flooring clearance. Make numerous shallow passes when cutting to avoid digging into the floor. Leave just enough space for flooring – don’t overcut.

Use Filler Pieces if Needed

If undercutting leaves slight gaps between flooring pieces, use thin filler strips that match the flooring to fill them. This prevents debris catching between the flooring and cabinets.

Use Adhesives Compatible With Flooring

When adhering cabinets to flooring rather than a subfloor, select compatible adhesives. Some can interact with flooring finishes and leave permanent marks over time.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Allow enough space between flooring and bottom cabinet edges for airflow. Trapped moisture under cabinets risks damaging many flooring types over time.

Caulk Edges Carefully

Take extra care when caulking the seam between the base cabinet and flooring. Wiping away excess caulk promptly prevents sticky residue mess on the flooring finish.

Add Trim for Clean Results

For flooring ending at cabinets and walls, add coordinating trim pieces like quarter round. This gives the installation a polished, finished look.

FAQs About Laying Flooring With Cabinets

Should you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Generally yes, it’s best to lay kitchen flooring fully underneath cabinets. It allows for better alignment, prevents height transitions, and gives a more seamless look. Harder flooring types like vinyl planking or engineered hardwood hold up best under cabinets. More delicate materials may be damaged during cabinet installation.

What order do you lay flooring and install cabinets?

The recommended order is to install flooring first throughout the entire space, then put in cabinets after. This allows cabinets to be built on top of flooring easily without any undercutting or clearance challenges. It also prevents flooring damage during cabinet installation.

Can you install cabinets on existing vinyl flooring?

Many types of vinyl flooring can have cabinets installed directly overtop if needed. Rigid core vinyl plank flooring holds up particularly well under cabinets. Soft vinyl flooring is more prone to indentations but can be used if cabinet bases have sufficient padding. Matching filler strips can fill any undercut gaps.

Should tile be laid before or after kitchen cabinets?

Tile is generally best installed before kitchen cabinets go in. The cabinets can then simply be anchored to the tile substrate rather than the alternative of having to meticulously cut and lay tile pieces around existing cabinetry. Pre-laid tile also helps achieve a flush transition between the flooring and cabinet bases.

Can you put laminate flooring under cabinets?

Laminate flooring can technically be used under cabinets, but it does carry some risks. The flooring edges may swell if they absorb moisture because of inadequate ventilation from lack of space between flooring and cabinet bases. Laminate is also prone to chipping damage during cabinet installation.

How do you transition from kitchen tile to hardwood?

For an attractive transition from a tiled kitchen area to hardwood flooring in adjoining rooms, use a coordinating hardwood transition strip. This matches the height of the hardwood flooring and overlaps the tile edge while blending with the color and style of the hardwood. The strip can be adhered over the tile and under cabinet kick plates.

Key Takeaways

• Installing flooring before cabinetry allows for easier cabinet installation without the need for undercutting.
• Flooring done first helps achieve better alignment between cabinets and flooring surfaces.
• Pre-installed flooring minimizes uneven transitions between areas under cabinets vs. exposed flooring.
• Flooring is protected from damage when laid before cabinet bases are built overtop.
• Entire rooms get a more seamless, cohesive flooring appearance when installed before cabinets go in.
• Careful preparation and flooring choices make laying flooring beforehand successful.
• Hard, water-resistant flooring types like vinyl and engineered hardwood hold up best under cabinets.
• When existing flooring can’t be avoided, take steps like undercutting and added ventilation to accommodate cabinets.

Conclusion

While every home improvement project comes with its own unique considerations, laying flooring prior to installing cabinets is typically the best approach. Taking steps like choosing the optimal flooring type, making accurate measurements, and properly preparing the installation space will ensure your pre-cabinet flooring is a success. Carefully installed floors and cabinets that properly align and transition between one another can make a world of difference in the finished look and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom remodel. With some strategic planning and skilled execution, you can tackle this key project order in a way that yields beautiful, lasting results.

When Should You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

Installing new flooring as part of a kitchen or bathroom remodel often raises questions around project timing. Should you tackle the flooring first, or is it better to get the cabinetry in place beforehand? In most cases, laying the flooring down prior to cabinet installation makes the most sense. Here’s a closer look at when exactly floor-first is the wisest approach.

Remodeling an Entire Room

If you’re renovating a whole kitchen, bathroom or other room as part of the project, completing the flooring installation first is generally recommended. This allows the new flooring to flow seamlessly underneath and around cabinetry for a cohesive look. The flooring can extend into adjoining rooms and transition smoothly at doorways as well.

Trying to integrate flooring incompletely under some cabinets but not others or stopping flooring runs at kitchen or bath boundaries risks creating a disjointed, patchwork appearance.

Changing Flooring Type or Style

Switching out existing floors for a completely different material or style is another scenario where pre-cabinet installation makes sense. For example, replacing dated vinyl sheet with modern luxury vinyl plank flooring or old carpet with new hardwood.

Since the new flooring bears little resemblance to the previous material, the most consistent look comes from installing the new flooring throughout before adding cabinetry on top. This allows its style and color to shine consistently across the entire space.

Altering Flooring Layout

If you’ll be changing the orientation or layout of flooring compared to existing, completing it first provides maximum flexibility and minimizes complex cuts. For example laying flooring on a diagonal versus existing straight flooring.

Putting flooring in later around existing cabinets makes executing a new floor plan much trickier. Pre-laid flooring allows cabinets to simply be oriented on top of the new layout.

Adjusting Flooring Heights

If your desired flooring differs in height or thickness compared to the existing floor, installing it wall-to-wall before cabinets allows a smooth transition. The new floor height will be constant throughout the space.

Trying to match flooring height differences under cabinets vs. exposed areas often leads to uneven transitions. A consistently leveled floor surface makes cabinet installation simpler.

Combining Rooms

In situations where kitchens or bathrooms are being combined into more spacious single rooms, pre-laid flooring can tie the new larger space together. Flooring that seamlessly spans previous room divides helps create a cohesive look post-remodel.

Trying to integrate different flooring in former separate rooms after cabinetry is installed often looks patchy. Unified flooring enhances the open concept.

Installation Over Concrete

For rooms with concrete slab subflooring, installing flooring prior to cabinets allows you to build up the floor to the desired height before adding cabinets. Trying to bring flooring up to the right level under already installed cabinets can be very tricky.

When You Have the Option

Finally, if your project timeline and budget allow flexibility, opting to lay flooring before cabinetry provides the greatest ease of installation and best finished look. By frontloading the flooring installation when possible, you can avoid many of the challenges inherent to putting flooring in later around existing cabinetry.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether new flooring should be installed before or after new cabinets. But generally, putting flooring in upfront provides distinct advantages, especially when renovating entire rooms, changing flooring type or layout significantly, adjusting floor heights, combining rooms and other major remodels. Laying floor flooring sets up cabinet installation to go as smoothly as possible while ensuring the floor itself achieves the desired cohesive appearance.

Flooring Options to Install Before Cabinets

If you’ve decided to lay flooring prior to cabinet installation, choosing the right flooring type is key to success. The flooring material must be durable enough to hold up well underneath cabinetry for the long-term. Some options are better suited for going in before cabinets than others. Here are the best flooring varieties to consider installing first when planning a kitchen or bath remodel.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring tops the list of suitable options for pre-cabinet installation. Made of rigid PVC, LVP is moisture resistant, able to handle spills and humidity. It’s dent and scratch resistant as well. LVP requires no acclimation and has minimal risks of swelling or warping. The attached pad makes it comfortable underfoot. All these attributes make LVP an ideal choice for underneath cabinets.

Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Like luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl is highly waterproof and durable. It can be cut to fit around appliances before cabinet installation without warping or damage over time. However, sheet vinyl shows seams and doesn’t mimic wood looks. Rigid LVP often works better, but traditional sheet vinyl remains a proven pre-cabinet option.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring resists kitchen and bath moisture well. It emulates wood looks at a lower cost. Quality laminate with protective finishes can stand up underneath cabinetry when gaps allow airflow. However, laminate risks moisture-related issues over time more than vinyl or tile options.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood has a layered plywood core topped with a solid hardwood surface layer. This sturdy construction coupled with multiple finish layers makes engineered wood a good candidate for under cabinet installations. It avoids most moisture and denting issues common with solid wood floors.

Porcelain Tile

Durable and waterproof, porcelain tile works well before cabinet installation. The hard surface resists scratches or damage from cabinet bases resting atop it. Matching trim ensures a clean transition from floor to cabinet base. The main downsides are the potential for cracks and cold feel underfoot.

Natural Stone Tile

Slate, marble, granite and other natural stone tile can also go in prior to cabinets. The hard, non-porous surface holds up to traffic and moisture. Natural stone generally costs more than porcelain and requires extra sealing. Uneven tile height or lippage may also impact cabinet fit.

Avoid: Carpet, Solid Hardwood, Cork

Carpet, solid hardwood, and cork should generally be avoided for under cabinet applications. Carpet stains easily, traps moisture and needs to be cut for appliances. Solid wood swells readily when exposed to spills or humidity. Cork dents under heavy traffic over time. These flooring options are best used in open floor areas not under cabinets.

Considerations When Choosing Flooring

• Durability: Will the flooring dent, scratch or show other wear from cabinet bases resting on it over time?
• Moisture resistance: How prone is the flooring to water damage from plumbing leaks, spills or high humidity?
• Installation: Does the flooring require any special preparation or acclimation to install cleanly before cabinets?
• Transitions: Will Cabinet bases or kick plates transition smoothly from the flooring height or require uneven trim work?
• Style: Does the flooring adequately complement the style and finish of the cabinets and other kitchen/bath elements?

Conclusion

Certain flooring varieties stand up better than others when installed prior to cabinetry. Consult with flooring specialists to determine which options are best suited for going in before cabinets based on your kitchen or bathroom plans, expected usage, and overall design. Durability, moisture resistance and ease of installation should factor heavily into the pre-cabinet flooring decision. With the right flooring choice and careful installation, you can establish a strong foundation for your new cabinetry.

How to Install Flooring Before Cabinets

Once you’ve settled on pre-cabinet flooring installation, proper planning and preparation will ensure it’s executed successfully. Follow these proven steps when tackling flooring before cabinetry:

Remove Existing Flooring if Needed

If old flooring needs to come out prior to new flooring installation, remove it carefully to avoid subfloor damage. Scrape up adhesive residue and make subfloor repairs so new flooring has a smooth, sound foundation.

Prep the Subfloor

Thoroughly clean and level the subfloor. Fill any dips, holes or cracks with patching compounds. Sand down high spots. Sweep and/or vacuum away dust and debris.

Do Moisture Testing

Test the subfloor moisture levels in multiple spots. New flooring shouldn’t be installed until moisture readings are within specification per the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines. Address any sources of excessive moisture if needed.

Layout Flooring and Make Cuts

Do a complete dry layout of the new flooring based on room measurements. Make any intricate cuts for fixtures or irregular