Do you install upper or lower cabinets first?

Author: Albert Cronin  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Lots of people install the lower cabinets first. Once the lowers are in place, it's easy to use them as a handy shelf for holding tools and for bracing the uppers as you install them. As you see in the video, we like to install the uppers first with nothing underneath them to get in the way.

Do you install top cabinets or bottom cabinets first?

Mark Bottom of Wall Cabinets

Mark and label the position of all of the upper cabinets on the wall with a pencil and level to double-check your layout. Plan to install wall kitchen cabinets first. That way, the base cabinets won't be in your way while you're installing the upper cabinets.

What order do you install cabinets?

When you're ready to start the project, here are the steps to take.
  1. Prepare the Space.
  2. Mark the Reference Line and High Point Layout Line.
  3. Join the Upper Cabinets.
  4. Hang the Upper Cabinets.
  5. Install the Corner Base Cabinet.
  6. Install the Doors and Toekick.

Do cabinets go on before or after laminate floor?

The best way to accommodate your floors, shelving and appliances is to work in this order: Install your cabinetry and shelving space first. Install your flooring. Add your appliances.

Do cabinets sit on top of flooring?

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.

What comes first? Flooring or Cabinets?

Do kitchen cabinets sit on bare flooring or finished floor?

Yes and no. It really depends on your preference, the type of cabinet, and more importantly, on the type of kitchen flooring you have and how it is installed. It isn't necessary to have your kitchen cabinets sit on the subfloor, and it certainly isn't the desired option among contractors.

Can cabinets be installed in one day?

Depending on the size of your kitchen, the kitchen installation timeline may vary by a few hours to an additional day or two from the average 5 to 14-day installation timeframe. Smaller kitchens may only take 1–2 days to replace kitchen cabinets, whereas larger spaces can take up to 14 days or more.

How many hours does it take to install kitchen cabinets?

A cabinet install normally takes two to three days. And, countertops take an additional two weeks from template to install. Long story short, a kitchen remodel timelines for a simple remove and replace typically spans six to eight weeks.

Do kitchen cabinets go in before drywall?

If you wait to install the drywall until after the cabinets are in place, you'll spend a lot more time than if you install the drywall first. Once the cabinets are set, you'll have to measure and fit each piece of drywall around the sides and the tops of the cabinets.

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.

What to do before installing cabinets?

Tips to Get Ready for Kitchen Cabinet Installation
  1. Checking Your Cabinets. Before you get started with the installation process, you need to check all of your cabinets for any hidden damage. ...
  2. Clean the Space. ...
  3. Check for Any Uneven Floors. ...
  4. Check for Any Uneven Walls. ...
  5. The Moldings. ...
  6. Appliance Panels. ...
  7. The Final Steps.

Do kitchen cabinets go on top of hardwood?

Putting hardwood floors in your kitchen will look luxurious. Great choice. When building your kitchen using hardwood flooring, we recommend installing your hardwood flooring before adding any cabinetry or appliances. When installing a floating flooring such as vinyl or laminate, we advise installing cabinetry first.

Do cabinets go in before or after paint?

If you are doing the painting yourself, we would generally recommend priming and painting first, then have the cabinets installed, then do any necessary touchup.

Should you put plywood or drywall behind kitchen cabinets?

Plywood and pocket-hole screws make for a clean, sturdy installation. It's always a good idea to have solid blocking behind drywall for fastening upper and lower cabinets.

What is the average labor cost to install kitchen cabinets?

Average labor cost

Including preparation and cleanup, the typical labor cost to install kitchen cabinets can range between $80 and $190 per cabinet, or $50 to $450 per linear foot. The installation price mostly varies depending on the type of cabinets involved and the professional you hire to do the job.

What is the labor cost to install cabinets?

Typically, you can expect to spend between $150 and $500 per cabinet, plus installation costs, or $150-$380 per linear foot for total installation. Each cabinet will take 60-90 minutes to install, so you can also expect to pay an hour or two of labor per cabinet that you are installing.

How long does it take for Home Depot to install cabinets?

The cabinet installation process typically takes about a week no matter if your cabinets are stock or custom. However, if you order custom or semi-custom cabinets, the process will take longer in order for your new cabinets to be manufactured and delivered to you, typically a 4-12 week timespan.

Are cabinets installed after drywall?

Interior work begins.

After the drywall is installed, the interior painting and finish work can be completed. This includes finishing electrical components and building shelving, woodwork, cabinets and installing new appliances. As the individual rooms are near completion, the different types of flooring are installed.

Is it cheaper to install cabinets yourself?

Alternatively, putting up cabinets on your own can save you money on installation fees. While you'll still have to budget for the cabinets themselves and any worksite conditions, the cost should be much more affordable.

Can you install base cabinets first?

Lots of people install the lower cabinets first. Once the lowers are in place, it's easy to use them as a handy shelf for holding tools and for bracing the uppers as you install them. As you see in the video, we like to install the uppers first with nothing underneath them to get in the way.

Why don't you put flooring under cabinets?

A floating wood floor has to be free to expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity, and it can't do that with heavy cabinets resting on top of it.

Should I put my floor down before cabinets?

Putting down the floor before the cabinets makes for clearer sailing now and into the future. Treat the floors under your cabinets like a permanent installation. They should receive the same treatment as the rest of your floor. Just because they won't show doesn't mean you can cut corners.

Should kitchen floor go under cabinets?

In most cases, it's best to install the flooring first, as this provides a more finished look and makes it easier to install and level the cabinets. However, there are situations where installing the flooring after the cabinets may be more practical.

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