Does flooring go around or under kitchen cabinets?

Author: Dr. Nickolas Schimmel  |  Last update: Sunday, October 1, 2023

In most cases, the cabinets are installed before the floor covering but after the subfloor and underlayment.

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 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.

Does vinyl plank flooring go under or around 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.

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.

What comes first? Flooring or Cabinets?

Should you lay flooring before or after kitchen?

Sometimes, kitchen units can be very heavy (and often unbalanced) and put huge amounts of pressure on areas of your floor. Over time this could cause the floor to buckle and break. By laying your floor last, it means that there's no chance of it being scratched or dented by workmen or the units.

Does flooring go 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.

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.

Is it better to put flooring under cabinets?

Besides having a clean start, another big reason to put down floors first is longevity. Think of the future. You'll run into more remodeling issues down the road if you put in the cabinets first.

Do you normally put flooring under cabinets?

There are pros and cons to each installation order. That said, it is standard for the cabinet to go before the flooring, except under special circumstances as mentioned above.

Does flooring go under dishwasher?

Generally, you should install your flooring in front of your dishwasher and not under it. This is because your dishwasher will require replacement or repair sooner, and this may mean damage to your floor if it is under this unit.

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 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.

Do kitchen cabinets sit on top of flooring?

In most cases, given standard flooring heights, you will install the cabinets or kitchen island before the floor covering. You will also install flooring before appliances.

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.

Does laminate flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

Can I install laminate flooring under cabinets? – This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners when they are looking for advice from laminate flooring companys near them. You should avoid installing cabinets or any other hardware that should be bolted to the floor on the laminate.

Does flooring go under or around vanity?

Generally, flooring contractors prefer that the cabinets go in first so that there is less possibility of the floor getting scratched. Cabinet installers like the floor to be in place so that the cutting and dust from the floor installation will not damage the vanity.

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.

Can cabinets sit on vinyl plank flooring?

YES. It works well for new construction projects which require installing the flooring first. Show caution when installing cabinets over the new flooring.

Can you install vinyl plank flooring before cabinets?

If you are installing click-lock vinyl plank flooring, you should NOT install under cabinets. Since your floor will be floating on the subfloor and connected solely by the locking system, it needs space to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Do you put floor down before 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.

What time of year is best to install flooring?

In winter, cold and dry atmospheres cause potential cracking risks to your flooring, especially if they aren't properly acclimated. Spring and fall provide nice in-between weather and temperature conditions, not leaning toward any extremes, generating ideal installation circumstances.

Should flooring from kitchen to living room be the same?

There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.

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