Installing tile under kitchen cabinets can add an elegant, finished look to your kitchen remodeling project. However, it does require some special considerations to ensure the tiles properly support the cabinet’s weight and don’t impede the cabinets’ installation. With proper planning and technique, laying tile under cabinets is an achievable DIY project for many homeowners.
Should You Tile Under Kitchen Cabinets?
There are several benefits to tiling under kitchen cabinets:
- Provides a seamless, uniform look between the countertops and backsplash. No more exposed unfinished cabinet base or drywall.
- Easier to clean and maintain than drywall or other cabinet base materials. Spills and messes can be easily wiped from tile.
- More durable surface than drywall or wood. Tile stands up better to bumps and wear-and-tear.
- Allows you to use same tile for floors, walls and under cabinets for a cohesive look.
However, tiling under cabinets has some downsides to consider:
- May raise cabinets up higher than desired if the tile is particularly thick.
- Can complicate cabinet installation and limit adjustments.
- Tile adds weight under cabinets that will need to be properly supported.
- Risk of cracking grout lines when cabinets are installed or adjusted on top.
Overall, tiling under kitchen cabinets creates a more seamless, upscale look that may be worth the extra effort for many homeowners. Just be sure to plan properly.
Can You Tile Under Existing Cabinets?
It is possible to add tile under existing cabinets, but it presents more challenges:
- Cabinets will need to be emptied and detached from walls to install and grout tile.
- The tile edge may not fit tightly to the cabinet base as it likely wasn’t designed to accommodate tile.
- Grout lines risk cracking every time cabinets are moved or adjusted after tiling.
- Limited ability to raise cabinets to accommodate thicker tiles.
Unless your cabinets are already off the wall for a renovation, it is best to tile under cabinets before they are installed. This allows the cabinets to be professionally shimmed and secured on top of the tile properly to avoid issues down the road.
What Type of Tile Should Be Used Under Cabinets?
When selecting tile for under kitchen cabinets:
- Use thin tiles – Tiles around 1/4″ thickness are less likely to interfere with cabinet installation. Thicker tiles may force you to raise cabinets higher than desired.
- Pick durable material – Porcelain and ceramic tiles stand up to impacts, spills and everyday wear better than natural stone.
- Use smaller tiles – Smaller tile sizes have less risk of cracking under the weight of cabinets than larger format tiles. Mosaics are a great option.
- Avoid narrow grout lines – Tiny grout lines are more prone to cracking when cabinets are installed and shifted. 1/8″ grout lines are ideal.
- Stay away from polished tiles – Matte or honed tiles show less visible wear under cabinets over time.
With the right tile choice, you can lay durable, great-looking tiles under cabinets successfully.
How to Prepare for Tiling Under Cabinets
Proper preparation is key to effectively tiling under kitchen cabinets:
- Remove existing baseboards and trim – You want the tile to go completely under cabinets all the way to the wall.
- Fill any holes or imperfections – Use joint compound to patch any holes, cracks or uneven spots so the tile will have a smooth substrate.
- Map out cabinet locations – Mark exactly where cabinets, stove, fridge and other furnishings will go so you don’t tile those areas.
- Clean and roughen the surface – For best adhesion, make sure the area is clean and sand glossy surfaces.
- Install cement backerboard – Hardiebacker or Durock provides a sturdy, water-resistant base for your tiles.
- Layout your tile – Dry lay the tile to determine your layout and make any cuts before actually installing.
Prepping the space fully first allows the tile installation to go smoothly and turn out perfectly.
How to Lay Tile Under Cabinets
When you’re ready to install the tiles:
- Use modified thinset mortar – Look for thinset designed for wall and floor installations to adhere the tiles properly.
- Use a notched trowel – Spread the thinset evenly using a 1/4″ V-notched trowel to achieve the proper depth.
- Cut border tiles to fit – Take time to cut edge tiles to fit neatly against walls before installing.
- Slide tiles into place – Using tile spacers, lay the floor tiles working away from the starting point in small sections.
- Check for level and flatness – As you go, use a level to ensure the tiles are flat without any high or low spots.
- Allow tiles to set – Let the thinset mortar dry completely which takes 24-48 hours before walking on or grouting tiles.
The most important steps are using proper thinset, cutting fitted borders, and verifying the tiles are level. This prevents uneven spots under cabinets.
How to Install Cabinets Over New Tile
To properly install cabinets on the new tile:
- Wait at least 2 days after tiling before installing cabinets to allow thinset to fully cure and dry.
- Use cabinet screws – Pre-drill holes for cabinet screws to attach firmly into wall studs, completely bypassing the tile.
- Shim meticulously – Use shims continuously along cabinet rail to distribute weight evenly and prevent tile cracking.
- Avoid tightening screws – Until cabinets are positioned perfectly. Overtightening risks cracking grout before adjustments are made.
- Use silicone caulk beads – Run caulk along seam between tile and cabinet base for a clean finished look.
- Check for movement – Verify cabinets are completely secure and flat on the tiles before loading in countertops.
With extra care taken during cabinet installation, your beautiful new tiles under cabinets will last for many years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiling Under Cabinets
Should you put backerboard under cabinets before tiling?
Yes, cement backerboard is highly recommended as a base before laying tile under cabinets. It provides moisture protection and a sturdy surface that won’t deform under cabinet weight compared to drywall.
What thinset is best for tiling under kitchen cabinets?
Look for a polymer-modified thinset mortar designed for floors and walls. The modified thinset has flexibility and superior adhesion strength for the weight and shifts of cabinets.
Can you tile just partway under cabinets?
It’s advised to tile fully under all cabinets for best durability and to prevent tile edges from chipping. Partial tiling often exposes cut tile edges that deteriorate easier.
Should tile extend under stove and fridge?
Usually not needed for appliances that have finished cabinet bases. However, exposed pipe bases or concrete floors under appliances can be covered with tile for better unity.
Can tile go under dishwasher or sink?
Yes, tile can run under built-in appliances like dishwashers. Use a premium silicone caulk to seal the seam between tile and appliance base.
Conclusion
Installing tile under kitchen cabinets creates a polished, seamless look but requires careful planning and technique. With proper tile choice, substrate preparation, using backerboard, and meticulous cabinet installation over the tile, you can achieve durable, crack-free results. Tile successfully laid under cabinets keeps your kitchen floors easy to clean and looking like a designer showpiece for years to come.