Do kitchen cabinets go on the subfloor or finished floor?

Author: Justina Hane  |  Last update: Saturday, September 2, 2023

In most cases, the cabinets are installed before the floor covering but after the subfloor and underlayment. The floor covering or finish is usually cut to fit and butted against the cabinets, with a small gap between the two that is covered by nailing a shoe molding or baseboard to the bottom of the base cabinets.

Do cabinets go directly on subfloor?

Conclusion. Kitchen cabinets are not always attached to the kitchen floor and most of the time, do not sit directly on the subfloor.

Does flooring go around or under kitchen cabinets?

A quick search online brings up a lot of debate on the issue, but no clear answers, so let us simplify for you: In our opinion, you are much, much better off laying your floor up to the edges of the units and appliances, rather than trying to install underneath them.

What goes first base cabinets or flooring?

In most cases, installing cabinets come first before the flooring. Know that floor covering is the surface you see and walk on, where it is usually cut to size and butt up against the cabinets.

Do you replace flooring under cabinets?

Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can put flooring under kitchen cabinets. Installing flooring before cabinets gives the kitchen a much cleaner look. You don't have to spend time cutting around the cabinetry and you can be flexible with the layout of your cabinets.

What comes first? Flooring or Cabinets?

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Having the floor installed tightly beneath the cabinets could result in buckling and subsequent damage.

Does wood flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

Ultimately, hardwood flooring allows you to have the option of installing underneath cabinets. This is because hardwood flooring is secured to the subfloor and does not float like newer vinyl or laminates. Since it is secured to the subfloor, you don't have to worry about having heavy cabinets on top of the flooring.

Do you install vinyl plank flooring under cabinets?

Should you install LVP under 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.

Should I install kitchen cabinets or vinyl floors first?

As a rule, install permanent cabinets first, then install vinyl flooring. If you install the flooring first, use only specific types of flooring under certain conditions.

What goes between cabinet and floor?

A thin bead of caulk can seal or fill that small gap between cabinets and floors in less than 30 minutes. I love a quick win, guys! This DIY works on gaps 1/4″ and smaller. If your gap is larger than a 1/4″, you should use trim first, like quarter round.

Do you put flooring under appliances?

By installing flooring underneath your appliances, you'll avoid any gaps or transitions that can be visually unappealing. Protection: Another benefit of installing flooring under appliances is that it provides protection for your subfloor. Over time, appliances can leak or spill, causing damage to the subfloor.

Do you lay flooring under dishwasher?

Yes, you should always put flooring under your dishwasher. Since dishwashers are designed to fit snugly under your countertop, this will make it much easier to remove without the need to lift it over a lip of flooring.

What should I put under my kitchen cabinets?

Here are totally functional—and aesthetically pleasing—under-cabinet storage and organization ideas.
  1. Add a Display Shelf.
  2. Hang a DIY Utensil Rack.
  3. Add a Floating Dish Drainer.
  4. Mount a Wine Rack Underneath.
  5. Add Hooks for Hanging Mugs.
  6. Use Pot Rails to Store Cutting Boards.
  7. …Or to Hang Mugs and Utensils.

What height should cabinets be from subfloor?

But, if you get the cabinet height right, you won't have these problems and your kitchen will feel more spacious and open. The answer depends on a number of factors, but most experts agree that unless you are going for custom tall cabinets, you want them to be anywhere from 30 inches to 36 inches.

Should I put plywood under kitchen cabinets?

Ply under cabinets is fine if a) you are willing to take the chance that you won't want to change the layout (probably a very acceptable risk) or b) the flooring material is very expensive, like reclaimed heart pine or cubic zirconium.

Should flooring be laid before or after new kitchen?

Here are the main advantages of laying flooring first: Installation is easier: When you start with your flooring, you usually fit it to the entire kitchen area. This means it doesn't need to be cut around your cabinetry and should be quicker and easier to install. This, in turn, could save you on installation costs.

Should you put tile under your kitchen cabinets?

Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more. In that time there could be water leaks, appliance failures cabinet damage that requires replacement, electrical problems that require cabinets to be moved, etc...

What is best flooring for kitchen?

Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need a durable flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, or hardwood floors that are strong enough to handle foot traffic and heavy furniture.

Should kitchen cabinets go on top of laminate flooring?

You should avoid installing cabinets or any other hardware that should be bolted to the floor on the laminate. Installing hardware on top of your flooring will cause pressure, preventing it from expanding or contracting as the temperature changes.

What kind of flooring goes with wood cabinets?

You can create a bright and airy space by choosing light colors for your floors. Light wood colors or tones of white, cream, or light gray are particularly well-suited for kitchens with medium to darker oak cabinets; these muted tones serve as a perfect backdrop for the richer wood tones of your cabinets.

How do you replace a 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.

Do you put laminate flooring under refrigerator?

Yes! Underneath the fridge, stove and dish washer. That way you can pull the stove and fridge out si you can clean behind them. Without a floor the same level under the appliances you cannot slide them out easily.

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