Installing new flooring can dramatically change the look and feel of any room. However, when it comes to the kitchen, there is often debate around whether you should install flooring underneath the cabinets. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of laying flooring under kitchen cabinets.
Should You Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?
When installing new flooring in your kitchen, you have two options:
- Install the flooring wall-to-wall: This means installing the new flooring throughout the entire kitchen, including under the cabinets.
- Install flooring around the cabinets: With this method, you only install the new flooring in the exposed areas of the kitchen and leave the existing floor under the cabinets.
There are pros and cons to both approaches that are important to consider:
Pros of Installing Flooring Under Cabinets
- Provides a seamless, uniform look throughout the kitchen. No transitions between cabinet toe kicks and main floor.
- Allows you to use the same flooring material throughout the space for consistency.
- Makes future replacement or repairs to flooring underneath cabinets easier.
- Allows you to easily change or remove cabinets in the future without affecting floor.
- Keeps floors level if cabinets are removed – no leftover unfinished subfloor.
Cons of Installing Flooring Under Cabinets
- More expensive since it requires more material to cover entire floor.
- Can make plumbing and electrical adjustments underneath cabinets more tedious.
- May require trim pieces around cabinet toes for clean finish.
- Can cause flooring damage if cabinets need to be moved or replaced.
- Generally more labor-intensive to install flooring under cabinets.
So whether or not you opt to lay flooring underneath cabinets depends on your specific kitchen layout, budget, and plans for future changes.
How to Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets
If you do choose to install flooring under your kitchen cabinets, here are some tips to do it right:
1. Remove Existing Flooring and Cabinets
- Take out old flooring as well as toe kicks or ends of cabinet bases.
- You want to expose the entire subfloor surface to lay the new flooring on.
- Carefully number and detach cabinets to move them out of the way for installation.
2. Prepare the Subfloor
- Thoroughly clean and level the now-exposed subfloor. Fill any holes or cracks.
- Make any repairs or adjustments to plumbing or wiring under cabinets.
- Add new subfloor material if existing floor is damaged or uneven.
3. Lay the New Flooring
- Install flooring as normal, under and around all cabinet areas.
- Use entire flooring boards rather than ripping boards to fit around cabinets.
- Leave proper expansion gaps around perimeter and fixtures.
4. Reinstall Cabinets and Finish Edges
- Carefully reposition cabinets in their original spots and reattach.
- Use trim pieces along exposed cabinet toes or end panels to finish edges.
- Seal any gaps between flooring and trim using caulk that matches the floor color.
- Reinstall cabinet toe kicks and other details to complete the job.
What Kind of Flooring Should You Use Under Cabinets?
Nearly any type of flooring can be installed under kitchen cabinets. However, here are some flooring options that are better suited for going under cabinets:
- Vinyl plank – Waterproof, affordable, and easy to cut around cabinets. Long planks look seamless.
- Luxury vinyl tile – Durable, flexible, and available in stone and wood looks. Groutless installation.
- Laminate – Affordable, easy DIY installation under cabinets. Just avoid excessive moisture.
- Engineered hardwood – Real wood layered over stability cores. Withstands some moisture better than solid hardwood.
- Ceramic or porcelain tile – Long-lasting and water-resistant. Use extra care cutting tile around cabinets.
- Cork – Naturally moisture-resistant, comfortable, and absorbs sound. Yet shows seams under cabinets.
Types to generally avoid are carpeting, solid hardwoods, and natural stone, which are harder to install, replace, and keep moisture-resistant under cabinets.
Maintaining Floors Under Kitchen Cabinets
Caring for your kitchen floors is important whether you have flooring only around cabinets or fully underneath them as well. Follow these tips:
- Immediately wipe up any spills or leaks under cabinets. Don’t let moisture sit.
- Use furniture glides or pads under cabinet legs to prevent scratches.
- Sweep and mop underneath cabinets regularly. Use a secondary duster to reach back corners.
- Monitor under cabinets for signs of damage or excess moisture that can impact subfloor.
- Consider periodic removal of toe kicks to deep clean floors under hard-to-reach areas.
Installing flooring under your kitchen cabinets provides a seamless look and easier flooring repairs down the road. Just be sure to factor in added costs and careful flooring choice. Proper installation and moisture prevention will help your new floors last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laying Flooring Under Cabinets
Should I remove old flooring before installing new floors under cabinets?
Yes, it’s recommended to remove existing flooring before installing new flooring under cabinets. This allows you to expose the entire subfloor and start fresh with the new flooring material.
Do I need to detach and move cabinets to install floors underneath them?
In most cases, yes you’ll need to detach and move cabinets away from the wall to allow access to install flooring underneath. Take care to label cabinets and wall attachments.
What’s the easiest flooring to install under cabinets?
Floating floors like vinyl plank, LVT, and laminate are the easiest options for DIY installation under cabinets. They click or lock together and don’t require nails or glue.
Should I use floor trim along the cabinet toe kick?
Trim provides a decorative finished edge along cabinet bases. It also covers any gaps between flooring and cabinets. Color-matched caulk seals the trim for a seamless look.
How do I clean floors under cabinets?
Use long dusters or vacuum attachments to reach inner floor areas under cabinets. For deeper cleaning, remove toe kicks periodically to mop and scrub floors from edge to wall under cabinets.
Can I install stone or tile flooring under kitchen cabinets?
Natural stone and tile are harder to install under cabinets, but possible with careful tile-cutting and use of trim pieces. Make sure the subfloor is extremely level first.
What thickness of flooring should I use under cabinets?
Thinner flooring materials are easier to install under cabinets. Vinyl plank and LVT flooring is often 4-8mm thick. Laminates are usually 6-12mm thick. Thinner profiles leave more toe kick space.
Conclusion
Installing flooring under kitchen cabinets is a major project, but offers a seamless finished look. Pay close attention to proper subfloor prep, careful installation, moisture protection, and edge trimming. While vinyl, laminate, and engineered hardwood tend to be the best options, nearly any floor can work when properly laid under cabinets. With some extra time and care taken during installation, you can end up with beautiful floors that flow uninterrupted throughout your kitchen.