Do you finish flooring before or after framing?

Author: Mr. Demarcus Beier Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Framing should ideally be done before flooring as well, but drywall is up to you. It is traditionally installed before flooring, but does not have to be.

Do you do flooring or framing first?

If you want to see a room in its bare shape and form, it's better to fix the walls first. This way, you can create a better plan that will maximize the room's real space.

What is the correct order of installation for a floor frame?

  1. Step 1: Square the Sill Plate Layout on the Foundation. ...
  2. Step 2: Cut, Drill and Attach the Sill Plates. ...
  3. Step 3: Build Basement Bearing Walls - Where Necessary. ...
  4. Step 4: Layout the Joist Spacing on the Sill Plates. ...
  5. Step 5: Attach the Rim Joists. ...
  6. Step 6: Cut and Install the Floor Joists Between the Rim Joists.

Should flooring be installed before or after built-ins?

It's generally recommended to install your new flooring before your new cabinets. Here are a few reasons why: Seamless Appearance: Installing the flooring first allows for a more seamless look, as the cabinets will sit on top of the flooring. This can help avoid gaps or uneven transitions.

Do you put floor or stud wall first?

In any case, you first start with placing the walls. Afterwards you can place and finish the floor structure per room. The reason for this is to be able to acoustically separate the rooms from each other.

10 Beginner Mistakes Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Should I finish walls or floors first?

Once you have prepped your walls, you are ready to install the flooring in your home. You should do this before painting any of the walls. That way if you do cause any damage while installing the floors you don't have to repaint areas. This is especially important if you're installing hardwood floors in your home.

Do you finish floor or drywall first?

Installing drywall with at least a ½ inch gap between it and the floor will save you many headaches later on. While it may be easier to secure the lower sheets of drywall first while they rest on the ground, the potential for problems both immediately and in the long run far outweighs the ease of installation.

Do built ins or flooring go first?

The Verdict – Which to Install First? Ultimately, unless you're using floating floors, it is probably better to put the floors in before the cabinets. This will ultimately make it easier for all the appliances to sit at the appropriate height and give you an overall picture of your future kitchen space.

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Because of this installation process, its recommended cabinets go in before floating floors. Cabinets, especially those 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.

When to install flooring in new construction?

TL;DR. Best Flooring Types: Hardwood (living areas), Laminate (busy homes), Vinyl (kitchens/bathrooms), Carpet (bedrooms), Tile (kitchens/bathrooms). Installation Timing: After drywall, before cabinets; finish plumbing and electrical work first.

Does framing go on top of subfloor?

If your basement renovation is to include a plywood subfloor, or the 2'x2' subfloor panels, be sure to install the subfloor first, then frame the wall overtop. Having the 2×4 wall sit on the subfloor will protect the lumber from moisture issues or any minor flooding.

In what order do you finish a house?

What are the Stages of Construction?
  1. Stage 1: Site preparation & foundation pour. ...
  2. Stage 2: Rough framing. ...
  3. Stage 3: Rough plumbing, electrical, & HVAC. ...
  4. Stage 4: Insulation. ...
  5. Stage 5: Drywall, interior primer finishes & begin finishes. ...
  6. Stage 6: Finish interior trim; install exterior driveways & walkways.

Which comes first in the framing process?

Once the foundation is in place and completely dry, it's time for the framing and roofing contractors to enter the picture. They will build out the structural framework of the home, often referred to as studs. The exterior walls go up first, followed by floor systems and the roof rafters.

Do you finish floors before or after cabinets?

When it comes to the installation part of the remodel, everything needs to be done in a step-by-step fashion, and in an order that makes the most sense. If your remodel also includes laying new floors, most experts agree that it's better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets.

What comes after framing?

Following framing are the mechanical rough-ins of your new home Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, media wiring, gas, and fireplace installations occur. If on a basement, we will have our plumbers come in and install rough plumbing before framing. If on a slab, rough in happens after framing.

Do walls go up before flooring?

Major Structural Work: If you're knocking down walls or adding extensions, it's best to complete this heavy-duty work before flooring. The vibrations and debris from structural changes can damage flooring.

Does finish floor go under cabinets?

It depends on the type of flooring and personal preference. Installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless look, and easier future floor replacements, and can save material costs for floating floors. However, it may increase labor costs and require additional support for heavy appliances or furniture.

Does vinyl plank flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

So, if you're wondering if you can put cabinets on top of vinyl plank flooring or if you can install vinyl flooring before or after cabinets, unfortunately, you should have the cabinets installed first or choose from the options described below. Recommended: Install cabinets BEFORE floating flooring.

Can you put a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.

Do you do framing or flooring first?

Framing should ideally be done before flooring as well, but drywall is up to you. It is traditionally installed before flooring, but does not have to be. Designer Amy Pigliacampo proved in her Boulder home that installing drywall after flooring can be beautiful.

Do you install cabinet toe kicks before or after flooring?

Does a Toe Kick go on Before or After Flooring? Typically, a toe kick is installed after the flooring in a kitchen.

Should you finish walls or floor first?

Best case scenario, if at all possible, we usually suggest prep work be done to the walls before the flooring is installed. The final paint job can be completed as the finishing touch after the flooring is in place.

Do you leave a gap between drywall and floor?

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.

Why do you Sheetrock the ceiling first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

What is the best way to apply floor finish?

Many manufacturers recommend applying polyurethane to floors with lambswool applicators because it offers a smooth finish. Synthetic lambswool works with water-based poly but not with oil-based poly. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best applicator pad options to use with your chosen poly finish.

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