The decision to install floors or cabinets first in a kitchen renovation is a complex one, with each case having its own pros and cons. If hardwood is being installed, it is usually better to install the entire floor before installing the new base cabinets. This is because the flooring will fit to the entire kitchen area, eliminating the need to cut around the cabinetry.
There are several steps to take before starting a kitchen remodel construction, including design plans, hiring professionals, and setting up a temporary kitchen. The general rule of thumb for kitchen remodels is to lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures, and backsplash for the final touches.
However, there are two instances where this all changes: floating floors and thicker floors. Cabinetry installation is generally cheaper as it reduces the time and cost of cutting the flooring around the cabinetry. However, installing flooring first can raise costs as you are paying for the installation, material, and finish under the units.
In general, many people prefer to install floors first to avoid cutting the material around cabinets and appliances. However, it is okay to install tile after installing your cabinets, as long as the flooring is installed first.
In conclusion, the decision to install floors or cabinets first depends on factors such as the flooring type, budget, and future plans for changes. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons, consult expert advice, and plan accordingly to create the ideal kitchen.
📹 What comes first? Flooring or Cabinets?
Flooring and Cabinets, which comes first? Weekly Bonus #11 Learn how to build your own home.
What should I replace first in a kitchen remodel?
The first step in a kitchen remodel project is the tear-down and demolition, followed by electrical and plumbing work, kitchen cabinetry and countertops, flooring and appliances, priming and painting. If you’re new to the process, you may have questions about pricing, materials, design options, and when to do what. Kitchen Design Solutions offers professional kitchen remodeling and renovation services in Savannah, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Statesboro, Brunswick, and nearby areas in the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina.
They guide you through the remodel or renovation project from start to finish. These initial planning steps may seem complicated, but they can be stress-free with the right help and will be worth it when the result is seen. Kitchen Design Solutions experts can help determine the order of operations for a safe and efficient home improvement.
Should you install kitchen before or after flooring?
The order of cabinetry and flooring installation in a kitchen renovation depends on personal preferences and materials. It is generally more cost-effective to install cabinetry first. Experts recommend leaving kickboards off cabinets until flooring is laid to create a cleaner look. Kitchen Shack offers expert assistance in the renovation process and can help develop a project schedule. Contact them for more information and to make an informed decision for your kitchen renovation.
When renovating do you do floors or walls first?
It is recommended that floors be painted prior to the replacement of flooring or carpeting, given the inevitable accumulation of debris and detritus that will result from the latter process. Such activities can result in the inadvertent transfer of dirt, dust, sawdust, or tile/stone dust to the freshly painted walls and trim.
In what order do you replace a kitchen?
Before starting work on a new kitchen, it is crucial to engage a reputable company to help you choose your products, measure up, and design your new kitchen. The company’s expertise and experience will guide you through the selection and buying process, ensuring you have a 3D drawing of the final kitchen. If the company is project managing everything from start to finish, you will receive an itemized quote for essential works such as electrics, plastering, and flooring.
The real work begins with site preparation, where all existing appliances can be removed and stored if reused, and all parts of your old kitchen will be removed and cleared out, leaving a blank slate for your brand-new kitchen. Mess and disruption are inevitable during this stage, but an appointed installation manager will use their experience to ensure that jobs are done in the correct order and the project runs smoothly.
In summary, remodeling and updating your kitchen involves several steps, including planning, site preparation, plumbing, electrics, walls, floors, cabinets, units, appliance installation, and final touches. Engaging a reputable company can help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth project.
When remodeling, what comes first?
When renovating a home, it is advisable to start with the repairs in the first-priority room, typically the kitchen, as it is the most important area to address. This method is personal and can lead to the happiest outcome. The kitchen is considered one of the best places to start, as it can be the most involved and take longer than other rooms. Starting with the kitchen can help quickly return to normalcy if the homeowner is living in the home during renovations.
The next intense room is likely the bathroom, as it involves a lot of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. It is recommended to start these projects first, and consider renovating the bathrooms one at a time to ensure access to a toilet and shower. Kitchens and bathrooms are notorious for being expensive to renovate, so prioritize these spaces when redoing your home.
In what order do you renovate?
Home renovation projects involve a specific order of works, including demolition, structural repair, weathertight and external finishes, first fix, plastering, second fix, finishes and decorating, and snagging. To complete the project efficiently, it is crucial to have an organized renovation schedule. This schedule takes a different approach when constructing a new property from scratch, as the pre-existing structure already has its unique quirks.
Hidden surprises may arise along the way, impacting even the best-laid timeline plans. To ensure a smooth project, it is essential to understand what needs to be done when and keep in communication with trades when delays arise. Key things to remember when planning a renovation schedule include:
- Identify the main tasks and their deadlines.
- Develop a detailed plan for each task, including timelines, materials, and timelines.
- Ensure that all tasks are completed within the agreed timeframe.
Should flooring be installed before or after built ins?
The decision to install cabinets or floors in your kitchen depends on the desired outcome. If you’re using floating floors, it’s generally better to install the floors first. This will allow appliances to sit at the appropriate height and provide a clearer picture of your kitchen space. Cabinets Direct USA, a trusted cabinet retailer in New Jersey and Florida, offers assistance in planning your kitchen and determining the best time to install cabinets. With showrooms in New Jersey and Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, it’s an ideal time to invest in your kitchen, bathroom, home-bar, or unique area for custom cabinets or countertops.
In what order should you remodel a kitchen?
The first step in a kitchen remodel is the tear out and demolition process. This involves rough-in work, including framing and plumbing, professional inspection, finishing the walls, installing doors and windows, installing cabinets and plumbing fixtures, bringing in new appliances, and installing new flooring. A kitchen remodel is a simple way to boost the value of a home, but it requires knowledge of the process and the need for professional services.
If you choose to do the remodel yourself, you will need to go through pre-construction steps like locating, vetting, and hiring designers and contractors. Being knowledgeable about the right way to remodel a kitchen can help you better plan and schedule activities around it. The most common order of events for a major kitchen remodel involves total gutting, while a minor remodel may involve fewer steps depending on the changes and what is kept.
Should cabinets be installed before flooring?
Hardwood flooring is typically installed before cabinets, as it allows for easier attainment of standard heights when professionals install floors before cabinets, as is standard practice.
Why don’t you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?
It is recommended that the installation process be carried out in the following sequence: cabinets should be installed before floating floors. This is because heavy stone countertops have the potential to damage floating floors, which could result in the cabinets on top moving during the installation process.
Should you redo kitchen or floors first?
Starting a kitchen remodel with a clean start and putting down floors first is crucial for longevity and future planning. Cabinets should be installed first, as they may cause more remodeling issues in the future. Choosing to put down the floor before cabinets ensures clearer sailing and prevents future issues. Treat the floors under cabinets like permanent installations, treating them like the rest of the floor. A 100-complete floor is best for the integrity of the floor and future plans, as it will serve as a guide for future renovations.
📹 Should Floors or Cabinets Be Installed First When Remodeling Kitchens?
Should Floors or Cabinets Be Installed First When Remodeling Kitchens?. Part of the series: Design Ingredients. When …
I also prefer having my flooring go under my cabinets. I just want to add, do not forget to calk around your cabinets and or walls. Water proof vinyl plank flooring is only water proof if installed correctly and that includes calking. I had a pipe burst in the ceiling of my kitchen, although we caught it quickly the water flowed under my cabinets and to the edge of the wall and then under my flooring completely damaging it. We had to remove the flooring and some of the cabinets all because my contractor didnt think it was necessary to calk.
Wrong, wrong, wrong! I’ve been installing flooring for 35 years and every time someone wants to put the flooring under the cabinets in a new remodel I try to explain to them that if there is a leak from the plumbing or dishwasher, water and moisture will trapped under the flooring beneath the cabinets. And that will turn into a serious mold problem. Then the only way to remove the damged wood or flooring is to remove ALL of the cabinetry as well. And it can’t be removed and reinstalled. It is impossible to dry out the wet flooring under the cabinets. I’ve seen it happen a few times. A friend of mine who’s a professional hardwood floor installer got sued because of that. He installed the hardwood before the cabinets came in and sure enough there was a leak overnight and there you have it.
I love when the flooring runs under the cabinets… I’m in the appliance business… I can’t tell you how many times we go out to install a new dishwasher and there’s a inch and a half drop off in front of the dishwasher… and the dishwasher is unable to be removed without breaking up the flooring… and most of these instances they have thick tiles or thick hardwood floors,( and also granite countertops) Of course they put those items in to the kitchen… “Later” as “upgrades”….🙈… now they can’t get the dishwasher out or install the new one without a big hassle….. i’ve also seen it with slide in style ranges. flooring installers run the floor under the stove and the slide in range is supposed to be flush with the countertop on the sides… But instead it sticks up 1 1/2 ” i’ve also seen cases where their solution was to simply not put any flooring under the stove so that it would sit flush… when you go to remove the stove… And you can’t do it because they ran it right over top of the front legs making it impossible… Or it takes two men three boys and a dog to get the thing out of there….. so yeah… Run the flooring under the cabinets please…😂
OK THis guy is sort of correct ‘ I have been installing cabinets since 1995 ( Over 600 plus kitchens ) and I have also installed floors before there ever was floating floor systems . The fact is that correctly installed cabinets are are NEVER NEVER fasten to any floor in any way . They are always fasten to the wall on wall cleats and wall studs and supported at the front bottom edge with a kick attached to the cabinet and only sitting on the floor . Island are never fastened to any floor with screws or machanical fasteners that would prevent a floating floor from expanding and contracting. Island can sometimes used glued with blocking on the floor surface to stop sliding of island . But never through the flooring material. Any pro cabinets installers would know this . Even a none floating floor, glued or nailed down would never be fasten to the floor substrate . The does not affect the floor’r ability to expand or contract with the changing environment . Any flooring company worth their salt only need to ask how the cabinets are being installed.and make sure cabinets are not fasten to the floor. Its not rocket science . Only idiot cabinet companies would be so behind the times to fasten cabinets to the floor . There is no need for it . And with the maybe 20 plus cabinet companies I have installed for . I have never be asked to fasten cabinets to any floor . I know many pro cabinet intallers who never do this. The correct way is to install a floating floor to all the wall with 1/4″ gap so that all appliances are accommodated .
Wow yea glad I found this article I’m putting lvp flooring in my kitchen and I HATE how the previous installers cut it around the cabinets I’m installing my new floors under my cabinets I agree you put huge heavy furniture on it that probably weighs more than your cabinets. Good idea to support your base cabinets mostly on the wall
Cleaner at the bottom without the trim, that I agree. But if you have a flooded kitchen the restoration and insurance company is going to have a headache trying to dry the flooring under the cabinets. I still think we will go down this route flooring first and then cabinet island work on top. Now just need to figure out if we are going to run wood flooring throughout the whole bottom story of the house and into the kitchen for a continuous look. Then that leave what to do with the stairs and the second floor….ughhh.
Hi, I am replacing my old cabinets. I am also increasing the base cabinet space/area. I mean currently, my base cabinet is about 8′. That includes a dishwasher and sink base. So there is very limited cabinet storage. I am planning to add an additional 6′ of base cabinet space beside the existing one. The issue is that I see the existing cabinets placed below the flooring, I see a kind of 8′ x 21″” groove/pit in which cabinets are placed. So my new 6′ cabinet section will not level with the existing one. I guess the older cabinets are directly installed over the subfloor. Does it sound like the topic you are discussing in this article. I mean did they install the cabinets first and then the flooring? If yes can I use the plywood to level the flooring?
Couldn’t really understand why the flooring was installed after cabinets and appliances. About to redo our kitchen and all the YouTube and install articles said to install floor after. Glad I’m not alone in thinking that flooring should be installed first. My kitchen isn’t that big and I want everything on an even floor.
This is the first article I watched of yours that I can’t agree with. Why waste all the square feet of flooring under a cabinet. Every place I have installed cabinets gravity was working, so all the items and countertops are setting on the floor. Lastly, what will get changed first; the floor or the cabinets. I’m guessing the floor.
We are in the similar situation where we are unable to decide whether to go with cabinet first or flooring first. Here is the situation: we are living in the house while doing floor and kitchen remodeling. Secondly, our kitchen has a big island like 8ft by 6 ft. And on flooring we are going with porcelain tiles. Now the problem is, as per what you suggested if I go with floor first then I have remove or cut porcelain tile for the island which will be big effort. Any ideas how I can do it?
Cabinets are NOT to go over a “floating” floor. That floor needs to move around, expand, and contract. All warranties are voided if cabinets are installed over it. And as for other floors, flooring is a “finish.” Cabinets are NOT. Flooring goes in AFTER cabinets. If you find you’re having to use quarter round after flooring is installed then that is because you have CRAPPY INSTALLERS. Unless you’re talking about floating floors in which case that’s what is REQUIRED. DON’T PUT CABINETS ON FLOATING FLOORS…..PERIOD! NO slabs are perfectly flat and/or level and installing cabinets over flooring on that STILL requires shims in places under the boxes because they won’t be touching the floor because the cabinets DO need to get installed flat and level and then what you have is AGAIN a need for quarter round. And if it’s tile under the cabinets, you make it really hard on the people doing the next floor-change job on that floor. When breaking tile up from around cabinets when that tile goes UNDER the cabinets is intense and cannot be done cleanly so you end up destabilizing the very thing that is holding up the cabinets, especially where those shims are. And when there are heavy tops on those cabinets, that’s a recipe for disaster. When installing cabinets first, make sure beforehand that the thickness of your flooring installation is not going to make the dishwasher not fit. In other words, if you’re going to need an extra layer of subfloor before the tile and then you’re gonna use an uncoupling membrane also, then install the extra layer of subfloor beFORE the cabinets go in.
From what Im told the fear of place cabinets directly on a floating floor is that the weight of the cabinets with cause the floor to buckle as it expands. I understand the logic, but I think you have some very good points. I have a couple questions… If i fasten the cabinets to the wall, is there something you suggest to put under the cabinets, especially in the high areas, that can give them extra support? Shims? Felt furniture pads? I dont think my kitchen has much of a slope but wanted to ask before I start. My kitchen has a doorway with 4 walls. The cabinets will only cover 2 1/2 of the walls leaving a lot of the floor uncovered by cabinets, would this also help prevent buckling? Would be installing LVP. Thank you!