Can you replace subfloor without removing cabinets?

Author: Rosalind Hagenes  |  Last update: Saturday, June 11, 2022

It is possible to change out areas of your subfloor without removing your kitchen cabinets, but it must be done very carefully and probably with professional guidance. The subfloor is the flat, sturdy surface that lays on top of joists and supports the flooring that you can see.

How can I replace my kitchen floor without removing cabinets?

If you want to install linoleum or wood laminate flooring (also known as a “floating floor”) this can typically be done without removing cabinets; just get as close as you can to the cabinets using whole panels and then cut the linoleum or laminate pieces as needed so that they abut neatly against the cabinet base.

Does subfloor go under kitchen cabinets?

In most cases, given standard flooring heights, you will install the cabinets before the floor covering. Floor covering, or finish flooring, is the surface that you see and walk on, not the subfloor (under the underlayment) or underlayment (between the subfloor and finished layer).

Should you remove cabinets before flooring?

Because of that installation process, cabinets should go in before floating floors. Cabinets, especially with heavy stone countertops, could damage your floating floors. These types of floors also shift, expand, contract and settle after installation, causing the cabinets on top of them to move.

Does flooring go under dishwasher?

While refrigerators and stoves can be removed easily to install the flooring, the same cannot be said for kitchens with a dishwasher. However, it is possible to install laminate flooring under a dishwasher without completely disconnecting it.

How To Cut Underlayment & Subfloors Around Cabinets

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.

Can cabinets be installed on subfloor?

When installing flooring that will likely need to be replaced, such as laminate or vinyl, you can let your cabinets sit on the subfloor. Your cabinets likely won't need to be shimmed since these types of flooring are so thin.

What flooring is best for kitchen?

In terms of practicality, vinyl is the best option. It's built to withstand a high level of wear and tear and any spills can quickly be wiped up without the worry of water damage. Waterproof laminate – If you want something a little more luxurious, waterproof laminate flooring is a great choice.

Do you lay flooring before fitting a kitchen?

Some people ask the question, “should I lay the floor or install the kitchen units first then lay the floor around them?” This decision is purely down to personal preference. Laying the floor first would appear to be the best option but you are much more likely to damage the floor whilst the kitchen is being assembled.

Do hardwood floors go under kitchen cabinets?

If you are installing a hardwood floating floor (or any floating floor such as cork or laminate), you should install the floor AFTER the kitchen cabinets are installed.

Do you put flooring under kitchen island?

You are okay without the flooring being installed under the island. The only way this becomes an issue is if somewhere in the future you want to remove or reduce the island size you would be limited to the original footprint of the island or you would need to match the floors to cover the unfinished area.

Can you remove kitchen cabinets without destroying them?

Removing kitchen cabinets is an essential part of a kitchen renovation. The good thing is that cabinets fastened to the wall can usually be taken off without any damage, meaning you can reuse the cabinets if you want to.

How much does it cost to replace kitchen floor?

It ranges between $3 and $22 per square foot on their flooring, depending on the material. The average cost of kitchen flooring ranges from $3 to $10. The round-off figure would be between $1500 and $4500, depending on the size of your kitchen layout. People generally pay around $3000 for a 500 square feet kitchen.

Can I put kitchen cabinets on laminate flooring?

When installing laminate flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, you cannot place cabinets or any hardware that is meant to be bolted permanently to the floor on the laminate. Installing these items on top of your new flooring will cause pressure and not let the flooring expand and contract to temperature changes.

Should kitchen floor be darker than cabinets?

It is not necessary for your kitchen floor to be darker than the base cabinets or wall cabinets. The color of your kitchen floor can actually be a little lighter or darker than the cabinets. This creates a proper balance in the room.

Are wood floors OK in kitchens?

“Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn't absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring.

What is the easiest kitchen floor to keep clean?

For kitchen flooring, durability and ease of cleaning are top criteria. Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile--both very common--and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and provides an easy-to-clean surface and comes in countless designs. Ceramic tiles are even better.

What is underneath a subfloor?

Underlayment

The underlayment material is installed below the floor covering and placed on top of a subfloor. Under the visible covering, there is a layer made of soft or foam-like materials with a thickness of between 1/4 – 1/2-inch.

What is the difference between a base cabinet and a sink base cabinet?

The cabinet does not have a back panel, which allows plenty of room for access to the plumbing. Sink base cabinets also do not have drawers, which interfere with the water lines, waste traps and any other pipes that are under the sink.

Can you put a refrigerator on floating floor?

Putting a refrigerator on a floating floor is a little risky but not impossible. As much as possible, ensure that the floor does not come in direct contact with the walls or cabinets in the kitchen so that it has plenty of room to shift in any direction without creating problematic lumps.

Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or replace?

Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $12,000 to $20,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

As mentioned earlier, cabinetry usually tends to be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It can cost up to $15,000 even in a relatively minor remodel with a budget of about $30,000. In an upscale remodel, choosing kitchen cabinets can take up nearly 20 to 40 percent of the entire budget.

Is it better to replace or reface cabinets?

One way to make your kitchen remodel more cost-effective is to reface your kitchen cabinets rather than replace them. Refacing kitchen cabinets is the process of replacing just the cabinet doors while preserving the cabinet boxes. This is a great way to cut costs during your remodeling project.

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