Does flooring usually go under kitchen cabinets?

Author: Edwin Greenholt  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

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.

Are you supposed to put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

A new floor should always go under the cabinets. If the cabinets are going in before the floor then have the cabinets mounted on top of 3/4 or 1/2'' plywood depending on the thickness of the floor.

Is it better to install tile flooring under kitchen cabinets or not?

It's always a better installation to have the floor run under the cabinets (think about the dishwasher and having to access the back for service or swapping it out someday).

Should kitchen flooring go before or after cabinets?

For optimal results in home renovations, cabinets should be installed before the flooring. This ensures a level surface, making cabinet placement easier and providing a polished look. Additionally, it safeguards the flooring from potential damage during installation.

Does vinyl flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

Heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, and such, should never be installed on top of LooseLay flooring with limited adhesive. Instead, we recommend you install vinyl flooring next to cabinets. Pro Tip: Install the cabinets first if you believe the cabinets will remain a fixture for years longer than the flooring.

IKEA Kitchen Remodel - What Comes First: Cabinets or New Floors?

Can you put kitchen cabinets on top of floating vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What to put under kitchen cabinets?

Creative Storage Underneath Your Cabinets
  1. LED Lighting. Illuminate your counter workspace with LED lights, an alternative to florescent that's both functional and beautiful. ...
  2. Power Outlets. ...
  3. Jar Opener. ...
  4. Knife Block. ...
  5. Stemware Rack. ...
  6. Spice Rack. ...
  7. Cookbook Stand. ...
  8. Appliance Garage.

What gets installed first cabinets or 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.

Do you put flooring under the dishwasher?

Another practical reason to have flooring under a dishwasher is to facilitate repair work that may involve pulling out your dishwasher. Plus, it will be easier to replace the dishwasher in the future if the flooring is already under it, especially if you go with a different type of dishwasher.

Should I lay laminate flooring under kitchen units?

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.

Do floating floors go in before or after cabinets?

With floating-style floors, you can avoid the traditional process for hardwood or tile floors, where professionals nail, staple or glue down each plank. Because of this installation process, its recommended cabinets go in before floating floors.

Do you install a backsplash before cabinets?

Cabinets and countertops will be first and your backsplash follows after. Installing the new backsplash before the others may require ordering more materials or adjusting the backsplash to fit the new countertops or cabinets in place. By installing in the right order, you will save time, effort, and resources.

Do you install hardwood flooring under cabinets?

Flooring should run under cabinets, unless you are doing a floating floor, which you should then install plywood to bring the cabinets up to the same height as the finished floor.

Are kitchen cabinets screwed to the floor?

Traditional cabinets that lay against a supporting wall do not get attached to the floor. The only time kitchen cabinets are attached to the floor is when they are free-standing kitchen cabinets, like an island or a peninsula.

Should kitchen island go before or after flooring?

Similar to an ordinary kitchen, the weight of a cooking island can cause the floor to crack if placed incorrectly. To avoid this, place the kitchen island before laying the floor and carefully consider the placement of the sides.

Do you put flooring under a toilet?

Here's the truth: you're going to want to remove the toilet first and then install the flooring in order to get the best look.

Does kitchen flooring go under cabinets?

As a general recommendation, it's more cost-effective to install your cabinetry first. Many experts suggest leaving the kickboards off your cabinets until the flooring is laid. This allows the flooring to go slightly under the cabinets, creating a cleaner look.

Does flooring go under the fridge?

For instance, built-in appliances, like wall ovens or cooktops, often don't need flooring underneath since they are more permanent fixtures. In contrast, movable appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers benefit from having flooring underneath to prevent movement and protect against potential leaks.

Can I put a stove on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Do not place stove directly on carpeting, vinyl tile or any combustible material other than wood.

Do kitchen cabinets sit on bare flooring or finished floor?

The answer is that it depends on the type of flooring you're installing and your personal preference. 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.

In what order do you replace a kitchen?

Fitting a kitchen from start to finish
  1. Prepare your kitchen. ...
  2. Assemble your kitchen cabinets. ...
  3. Start kitchen cabinets installation. ...
  4. Paint. ...
  5. Install new flooring. ...
  6. Add the finishing touches to your cabinets. ...
  7. Begin kitchen worktops installation. ...
  8. Start installing a kitchen sink.

Can you replace flooring without removing cabinets?

The most straightforward answer to this question is yes, but many factors affect the feasibility of such a project. Whether this method works for you depends on the type of flooring your kitchen has, as well as the overall design of your kitchen and cabinetry.

Should you install flooring before cabinets?

Making the right initial decisions is vital for a successful kitchen remodel. One of the key reasons for installing flooring before cabinets is longevity. Think about future renovations or appliance replacements. Installing the floor first provides a seamless look and makes future changes easier.

Why are kitchen cabinets raised off the floor?

Answer: Kitchen cabinets are raised off the floor for easier cleaning, protection against moisture damage, and to accommodate plumbing and uneven floors. This also allows for toe-kick space for comfortable standing.

Do cabinets go directly on the subfloor?

Hardwood: Hardwood flooring should also be installed before cabinets to ensure the kitchen cabinets sit at the proper height. However, you can also install the cabinets on the subfloor before installing flooring by placing shims beneath the cabinets to raise them to the right height.

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