Do You Lay Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?

Introduction

Installing new flooring in your kitchen can dramatically update the look and feel of the space. However, the process can get a bit tricky when dealing with existing kitchen cabinets. Should you install the flooring only partially under the cabinets, or fully under the entire base? What are the pros and cons of each approach? We’ll examine the options so you can make an informed decision.

Should You Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?

When installing new flooring in the kitchen, one of the first questions that arises is whether or not to run the flooring fully under the kitchen cabinet bases. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue:

Reasons to Install Flooring Under Cabinets

Aesthetics – Having flooring fully run under the cabinets creates a more seamless, integrated look. The floor flows under the cabinets for a smooth, consistent appearance.
Resale Value – Fully installing flooring under cabinets is often viewed as a higher quality installation by potential home buyers. It’s seen as more finished and robust.
Easier Remodeling – If you later want to change the flooring or cabinetry, it can be done more easily if the flooring is already installed under the cabinets. You won’t have to uninstall and reinstall cabinets to access the floor.

Reasons Not to Install Flooring Under Cabinets

Saves Money – Not installing flooring under the cabinets can save on material costs since you use less flooring. This is especially true with more expensive flooring types.
Easier Installation – Leaving a gap under cabinets allows installers to easily slide flooring into place without having to meticulously cut pieces to fit underneath. It’s generally a faster process.
Cabinets Can Be Replaced Separately – If you only want to replace the flooring or cabinets down the road, it’s easier to do so if they are not fully integrated under one another.

As you can see, there are good points on both sides of the debate. Next, let’s look closer at how to actually install flooring under kitchen cabinets.

How to Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets

Installing flooring under kitchen cabinets takes a bit more time and effort, but can give a more seamless finished look. Here is an overview of the process:

Step 1: Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

First, fully empty all upper and lower cabinets. Remove all drawers, shelves, and cabinet doors so you can access the interior bases. This also prevents damage to the cabinetry during the flooring installation process.

Step 2: Undercut Cabinet Bases

Most kitchen cabinet bases sit directly on top of the floor. In order to slide new flooring underneath, you need to undercut the bases. This involves cutting a channel into the bottom front edge of the cabinet base frames to allow the flooring to slip underneath.

Use a circular saw adjusted to the height of the flooring to cut the channel about 1/4″ above the high point of the floor. Make small incremental cuts working across the cabinets. Go slowly to avoid cutting away too much material.

Step 3: Install New Flooring

Once the cabinet bases are undercut, you can install the new flooring working right up to the wall, toe kicks, and undercut cabinet bases. The flooring should easily slip under the cabinet edge channel you created.

Be sure to leave the proper expansion gaps specified by the flooring manufacturer. The flooring should fit smoothly under the cabinets once fully installed.

Step 4: Reinstall Cabinets and Trim

With the flooring fully extending under the cabinets, carefully reinstall all cabinets, drawers, shelves, doors, and any toe kick trim. Attach pieces securely back in place and reseal if necessary.

How Far Under Cabinets Should Flooring Extend?

When installing flooring under kitchen cabinets, how far under should you run the flooring? In most cases, it is recommended to extend the flooring about 1 to 2 inches under the cabinet bases:

This allows enough flooring to undercut the cabinets and create a finished look.
Going too far under the cabinets with the flooring provides little added benefit.
Limiting under-cabinet flooring conserves materials and cost.

Of course, ultimately the distance flooring should extend under cabinets comes down to personal preference. Some homeowners want just a small gap under the cabinets, while others prefer the flooring runs the full depth from front to back.

Can You Install Flooring After Cabinets?

In some cases, you may be installing new flooring in a kitchen where cabinets are already in place. Is it possible to install flooring under existing kitchen cabinets without removing them?

There are a few different tactics you can try:

Cut floor around cabinets – Use a jigsaw to cut pieces to fit up to existing cabinet bases, toe kicks, and walls. This avoids running flooring underneath cabinets.
Slide flooring under toe kicks – If toe kicks are removable, you may be able to undercut the cabinet bases from the front and slide flooring underneath.
Use liquid flooring – Some liquid flooring like epoxy can be poured and spread under and around cabinets prior to hardening.

However, fully removing cabinets prior to installing flooring still gives the best long-term results and is recommended if possible. Trying to install flooring without removing cabinets is very difficult and can lead to subpar finished look.

Can You Install Cabinets After Flooring?

Conversely, if you have existing kitchen flooring, is it feasible to install new cabinets on top the floor? Here are some tips if you want to install cabinets over pre-existing flooring:

Remove any existing baseboards or trim to make space for new cabinet bases.
You may need to undercut doors or alter cabinet bases to accommodate the floor height.
Use shims beneath cabinets to level and stabilize if floor is uneven.
Caulk well around base cabinet edges to seal the flooring underneath.
Scribe cabinet bases for an exact fit over irregular flooring as needed.

While possible, installing cabinets over finished floors is also tricky. Any imperfections in the floor are transferred to the cabinets, resulting in potential rocking or instability. Fully removing flooring prior to cabinet replacement is still the preferred method.

Should You Fix Floor Issues Before New Flooring?

If your existing kitchen floor has damage, flaws or other issues, should you repair these prior to installing new flooring?

In most cases, it is better to fully replace an old, compromised floor rather than attempting to patch or repair it prior to installing new flooring. Here’s why:

Damaged areas often can’t be perfectly matched to new flooring. This results in a sloppy finished look.
Repairs like floor leveling compound lead to differences in floor height. This can telegraph through new flooring.
Moisture issues in substrate can persist even if old flooring is repaired. This causes future damage.
Time spent patching old flooring can be better invested ripping it out and starting fresh.

Unless the old flooring is in perfect condition, new flooring installations usually benefit from a full teardown of the old floor prior to installation. This allows you to identify and address any underlying issues.

Should Flooring Run Under Kitchen Island?

Kitchen islands can create another dilemma when installing new floors. Should you run flooring under the kitchen island base, or leave a gap?

Here are some tips for flooring under a kitchen island:

For a seamless look, run flooring under island similar to cabinets. Fully undercut the base.
If the island base is open with legs, you may be able to install flooring around it rather than underneath.
Island flooring should align perfectly with rest of flooring. Islands can highlight imperfections.
Leaving a gap under the island can lead to debris and dirt collecting in the space between the flooring pieces.

Continuing flooring under a kitchen island often provides the best appearance. However, as with cabinets, you can opt to save on materials by leaving a gap if the island base is not visible.

Options for Transitioning Flooring in Kitchen

Dealing with the transitions between kitchen and surrounding areas is another flooring installation consideration. Here are some common ways to transition flooring between rooms:

Use Transition Strips

Transition strips, thresholds, or reducers create a bridge between flooring types of varying heights. The strips allow for flooring to change while smoothing the transition. They are a quick and easy solution.

Feather the Flooring Levels Together

Feathering involves tapering flooring into thinner layers as it approaches the height transition area. This allows a gradual shift between the different flooring types of varying thicknesses for a smooth, subtle change.

Make a Clean Break Between Rooms

Rather than attempting to transition floors gradually, another option is to end one flooring type and simply butt another up next to it. Though this can lead to a more noticeable change in height, it avoids tricky transitions.

Carry the Same Flooring Throughout

To avoid transitions, you can install the same flooring material continuously under multiple rooms. This provides the most consistency underfoot, but limits flexibility to change flooring types between rooms.

Flooring Options for Kitchens

When selecting new kitchen flooring, there are a number of material options to consider from hard surfaces to soft:

Hard Flooring Options

Tile – Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone provide a classic kitchen look. Comes in endless styles. Requires careful installation.
Concrete – Can be polished, stained, or painted in custom finishes. Industrial appearance. Needs sealing.
Wood – Hardwood brings warmth. More prone to water damage so sealants are a must in kitchens.
Vinyl – Waterproof and affordable. Sheet vinyl for seamless look or planks for modular installation.
Laminate – Simulates wood or tile without moisture concerns. Avoid areas that may get wet. Easy DIY install.

Soft Flooring Options

Linoleum – Made from renewable materials like linseed oil. Functions similar to vinyl at lower cost.
Cork – Naturally water resistant and antimicrobial. Provides cushion underfoot. Can show wear over time.
Rubber – Extremely durable and waterproof. Available in varied textures and colors. Limits noise.
Carpet – Plush and insulating underfoot but requires heavy maintenance in kitchens. Limit to low-traffic areas.

Things to Consider When Replacing Kitchen Floors

Here are some other tips and reminders when taking on a kitchen floor replacement project:

Think about how flooring will coordinate with cabinets, countertops, walls, and other finishes.
Ensure new flooring works with the kitchen layout including appliance placement.
Select quality materials suited for water exposure near the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Factor in the amount of maintenance and durability required for your lifestyle and family use.
Choose slip-resistant options for safety if kids or elderly family members will be using the kitchen.
Check that flooring will work with radiant heating systems if present. Not all types are compatible.
Inspect the subfloor for levelness, structural integrity, and moisture issues before installing new flooring.
Proper prep work like removing old adhesives will help extend the life of newly installed floors.
Hire an experienced professional installer for specialty tile, stone, or natural wood floors.

Replacing the flooring is one of the biggest visual impacts you can make in a kitchen remodel. Keep these tips in mind for a successful project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about installing flooring under kitchen cabinets:

Should I remove moldings before installing new kitchen flooring?

Yes, it is usually best to remove any existing baseboards, trim, or moldings before installing new kitchen flooring. This allows the flooring to be slipped under for a seamless finish. Installing flooring on top of moldings creates uneven surfaces and sloppy transitions.

What kind of expansion gap should be left for kitchen flooring?

Consult the flooring manufacturer, but generally 1/4 inch expansion gaps should be left around the entire kitchen floor perimeter and any adjacent stationary objects like cabinets. Proper expansion gaps prevent buckling.

Can I install vinyl plank flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Yes, vinyl plank flooring can be installed under kitchen cabinets. This durable, waterproof material is a great flooring option for kitchens. Just be sure to properly undercut the cabinet bases and leave adequate expansion room.

What should I use to adhere new flooring in the kitchen?

Usage depends on flooring type, but generally a premium flooring adhesive formulated for the specific material will offer the strongest bond. This is especially important in moist kitchen areas. Follow adhesive label instructions closely.

Will new kitchen flooring fit under my appliances?

You’ll need to carefully measure flooring thickness and appliance clearance. This ensures appliances like refrigerators and ranges can be pushed back into place over new flooring. Adjust or install new trim as needed for proper fit.

Should I acclimate kitchen flooring before installation?

Proper acclimation is crucial. Flooring must adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation to avoid issues like shrinkage gaps or cupping down the road. Follow manufacturer guidelines for appropriate acclimation times.

Conclusion

Installing flooring under kitchen cabinets certainly adds some effort compared to leaving a gap under the base. But the reward is a beautifully seamless and integrated flooring look that can dramatically elevate the aesthetics of your kitchen. Just be sure to properly undercut cabinets, leave expansion space, and select durable flooring materials suited for kitchen use. With some careful pre-planning and patience during installation, you can give your kitchen a completely new and gorgeous floor that ties the whole space together.