Which Comes First When Redesigning A Kitchen: Cabinets Or Floors?

When planning a kitchen renovation, the decision to start with floors or cabinets is often a pivotal one. The choice depends on factors such as flooring type, budget, and future plans for changes. The general rule of thumb is to lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in the appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures, and backsplash for the final touches.

Floating floors and thicker floors are two instances where this all changes: floating floors and thicker floors. Cabinet people recommend installing the flooring first, while flooring people suggest doing it after the cabinets are in place. Laying the flooring down first is generally considered a good rule of thumb in construction and remodeling projects for several reasons.

Uniform floor installation is essential when installing flooring first, as it covers the entire room since cabinets and other appliances are not in the way. Many homeowners prefer to lay the floors first to avoid cutting the material around an island, free-standing cabinetry, and appliances. In most cases, given standard flooring heights, cabinets or kitchen islands are installed before the floor covering.

Installing the base cabinets in place and marking a line on the subfloor corresponding to the front edge of the toekick can help avoid problems. While cutting the flooring around the cabinetry may take a little longer, it also reduces the cost of the project.

Do you lay flooring before fitting a kitchen?

Installing flooring before cabinets is generally recommended due to several reasons, including quicker installation, easier application of the flooring finish, and a better overall look. However, there are some downsides to installing flooring first, such as the risk of damage when cabinets are installed. Overall, it’s a wise decision for a smoother and more efficient flooring installation process.

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.

Why don’t you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

The standard practice for kitchen renovations is to install cabinets before flooring to ensure proper leveling and secureness. This allows for a stable base for the cabinets and allows for the flooring to be cut and fitted around them, leaving a small gap for a finished look. However, if a complete kitchen remodel involves replacing both cabinets and flooring, installing flooring first may be a viable option. Working closely with your contractor is essential to ensure proper installation and leveling of the cabinets on top of the flooring.

When remodeling do you do floors first?

Before installing flooring in your home, it is crucial to prepare your walls and avoid repainting areas if damage occurs. This is especially important for hardwood floors, as dust or staining can mess up the new paintwork. Dust may be present after installation, but don’t waste time cleaning it up before painting. Once the flooring is in place, replace or reattach the trim around it to ensure the trim work fits the new flooring perfectly. Reattach the trim before painting to point over any screws. This will prevent dust and staining from messing up the new paintwork.

Do you lay kitchen floor before cabinets?

Experts recommend installing hardwood flooring or tiles before cabinets to ensure a seamless fit and avoid damage to existing cabinetry. This is especially important for kitchen units, as plumbing connections often require flooring installation after cabinets. However, the plumber’s perspective also plays a role, as the installation of flooring after cabinets can create issues with integration.

Should kitchen flooring be installed before or after units?

The decision between installing flooring or kitchen units first depends on personal preference, project specifics, and the overall look you want to achieve in your new kitchen. The installation order refers to the sequence you will follow to renovate or build your new kitchen, either by installing flooring first and then fitting the units on top, or vice versa. Installing flooring first offers a flexible design and a consistent and finished appearance, while installing kitchen units first saves on material costs and reduces the risk of damaging the floor during installation.

Do kitchen cabinets sit on bare flooring or finished floor?

Kitchen cabinets need to be fastened down for stability, but not all cabinets can be fastened to the floor. It’s crucial to consult a professional if unsure about this. Putting flooring under cabinets allows cabinets to “float” on the subfloor, as kitchen floors need to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Glued or nailed down cabinets would impede this movement, causing damage to the cabinets. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid placing flooring under kitchen cabinets.

What goes in first kitchen cabinets or flooring?

It is typically recommended that hardwood flooring be installed prior to the installation of cabinets, as this allows for optimal preparation and alignment of the flooring and cabinetry.

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.

Are cabinets installed after flooring?

Installing cabinets or kitchen islands before flooring is typically recommended, given standard flooring heights. Floor covering, or finish flooring, is the surface you see and walk on, and can be made of laminate, vinyl, wood, or tile. It should be cut to size and butted against the cabinets or island, leaving a minimal gap between the flooring and cabinets. This gap is covered by baseboard or shoe molding nailed to the bottom of the cabinets’ base.