are kitchen cabinets installed before flooring
May 23, 2025
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Kitchen Cabinets and Flooring: Installation Order Explained
The order of installing kitchen cabinets and flooring depends on the type of flooring, renovation goals, and long-term flexibility. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Common Approaches
Cabinets Installed Before Flooring
Pros:
Cost Savings: Avoids wasting flooring material under cabinets.
Simpler Installation: No need to cut flooring around cabinet bases.
Cons:
Future Renovations: Replacing flooring later may leave gaps if cabinets are moved.
Height Mismatch: New flooring (e.g., thicker tile) may require shimming cabinets.
Flooring Installed Before Cabinets
Pros:
Seamless Look: Flooring runs continuously under cabinets.
Flexibility: Easier to replace cabinets or flooring later without redoing both.
Cons:
Higher Material Cost: More flooring needed (5–10% extra).
Precision Required: Must cut flooring neatly around cabinet bases.
2. Best Practices by Flooring Type
| Flooring Type | Recommended Order | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Tile/Hardwood | Flooring first | Permanent; difficult to replace later without damaging cabinets. |
| Laminate/LVP | Cabinets first | Floating floors need expansion gaps; cabinets can restrict movement. |
| Vinyl Sheet | Cabinets first | Seamless installation around cabinets is challenging. |
| Engineered Wood | Flooring first (if glued/nailed) | Stability. Cabinets first if floating. |
3. Key Considerations
Appliance Clearance: Flooring must be installed under dishwashers/fridges for easy removal.
Subfloor Prep: Level subfloors before cabinet installation to avoid alignment issues.
Heated Floors: Always install flooring (with heating elements) before cabinets to avoid damaging the system.
4. When to Prioritize Flooring First
High-end kitchens with permanent floors (e.g., stone, hardwood).
Plans to reconfigure cabinets later (e.g., removing an island).
Uneven subfloors that require leveling with flooring.
5. When to Prioritize Cabinets First
Budget-friendly projects (save on flooring costs).
Floating floors (laminate, LVP) that need expansion space.
Temporary or modular cabinets (e.g., IKEA SEKT).
Final Recommendation:
For long-term flexibility and a polished look, install flooring first. For budget-focused projects or floating floors, install cabinets first. Always consult your flooring manufacturer's guidelines!
Pro Tip: If installing flooring first, leave a ¼" gap around cabinet bases and cover it with toe kicks. For floating floors, use spacers to maintain expansion gaps near cabinets. 🔨