FAQs
Installing flooring first is also considered the smarter process, because having them run right under your cabinets and appliances means that the next time you decide to update your kitchen, you'll have the flexibility to change the footprint instead of being stuck with the current configuration.
Is it better to put cabinets or flooring first? ›
For most styles of hardwood floors, it is recommended that you install your flooring before your cabinets.
Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets? ›
Cabinets should generally be installed before vinyl plank flooring. Install flooring after installing cabinets because floating floors need room for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Installing cabinetry over vinyl planks might restrict movement causing buckling or separation issues in your floor.
Should you install flooring before or after kitchen? ›
Laying your flooring
Depending on the chosen surface, we recommend laying most of the work before you actually begin to install your new kitchen. It will be much easier to lay your tiles before installing your kitchen.
Do kitchen cabinets go on top of a finished floor? ›
Kitchen cabinets can go on top of the flooring, but this is usually only a proper method when the flooring type requires it.
Should you install vinyl flooring before cabinets? ›
Instead, we recommend you install vinyl flooring next to cabinets. Pro Tip: Install the cabinets first if you believe the cabinets will remain a fixture for years longer than the flooring. This way, if you decide to replace the flooring, you'll avoid damaging the base of the cabinets when you cut along the edge.
Can you put kitchen cabinets on top of laminate flooring? ›
Yes! Whilst laminate, LVT and Brecon may be wood effect floors they still need to go through the acclimatising process so that they can adjust to the humidity and air temperature. If this step is skipped, it may lead them to expand and contract after installation – resulting in warped or bowed flooring.
Is it better to install tile flooring under kitchen cabinets or not? ›
Installing your tiles before your kitchen cabinets will cut down on overall labor costs. Putting in your tiles first will help prevent water damage in your kitchen. Cabinets can be installed first if you're placing delicate tiles that might get damaged during cabinetry or appliance installation.
Can you put a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring? ›
According to Home Inspection Insider, most manufacturers rate their vinyl to be able to withstand 500 pounds. Keep in mind that this is for a single vinyl plank. While 500 pounds may seem like a lot, heavy appliances like refrigerators or heavy furniture pieces like pianos can easily exceed this.
Do floating floors go under kitchen cabinets? ›
No, you can't put cabinets on top of a floating vinyl floor. Like other types of floating floors, floating vinyl flooring and LVP should not be installed under cabinets.
Engineered wood flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl roll, ceramic or stone tiles, and laminate are all suitable options for kitchen flooring. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand steam and temperature changes in a kitchen.
Do you put new flooring under kitchen appliances? ›
Sometimes, kitchen units can be very heavy (and often unbalanced) and put huge amounts of pressure on areas of your floor. Over time this could cause the floor to buckle and break. By laying your floor last, it means that there's no chance of it being scratched or dented by workmen or the units.
Should flooring from kitchen to living room be the same? ›
There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.
Is it better to do cabinets or flooring first? ›
Installing flooring first is also considered the smarter process, because having them run right under your cabinets and appliances means that the next time you decide to update your kitchen, you'll have the flexibility to change the footprint instead of being stuck with the current configuration.
Do you install a toe kick before or after flooring? ›
It's also important to note that, if you're including toe kick drawers in your kitchen design, put flooring down first to ensure that the bottom drawers can function properly.
What do you put between floor and cabinets? ›
How To Fill The Gaps Between Cabinets And The Floor
- Cover up with caulk or wood filler.
- Embellish the top cabinets by installing trims.
- Place a toe kick under the bottom cabinets, or swap out the old one.
- Use spray foam to seal off an air leak.
- Utilize a backer rod to seal off any significant gaps.
Prevents Water Damage
If water gets stuck underneath your cabinetry, it could cause a mold or mildew problem in your grout lines or subfloor. By installing your tile first, you'll be able to catch leaks sooner, as the water won't have a chance to seep between the tile and subfloor.
Should cabinets be installed on subfloor or finished floor? ›
Either is fine depending on your preference, but make sure your cabinets have been shimmed to be 36" from the finished floor height, not the subfloor.
Should you refinish floors before installing cabinets? ›
Traditionally hardwood flooring is more commonly installed prior to the cabinets and sanded and finished as one of the last steps, but with the increasing popularity of prefinished hardwood flooring the risks of damage during installation becomes greater.
Do cabinets go before or after carpet? ›
You should cut away carpet. The cabinets will last longer than the carpet and will just be a mess when it's time to install new carpet. I'd want the cabinets secured directly to the floor, not through carpet/pad. When you pull up the carpet and baseboard, you'll see the tack strip.
