Is flooring supposed to go under cabinets?

Author: Mr. Raoul Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

That depends on the flooring that you use. If you use tile then it should go under the cabinets. If you use laminate then it shouldn't go under the cabinets because it needs room to float.

Should you put flooring underneath cabinets?

  • For optimal results in home renovations, cabinets should be installed before the flooring.
  • Additionally, it safeguards the flooring from potential damage during installation.
  • Careful planning and consideration of your project's specifics will lead to a successful renovation.

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 floating floors go under kitchen cabinets?

Floating floors generally shouldn't be installed below anything heavy like cabinets, stove and fridges too ideally. How much this matters will depend on material. Some materials will move more with temp and humidity than others.

Does the subfloor go under cabinets?

The decision of whether to install flooring under cabinets or not ultimately depends on your personal preference, budget, and design goals. While installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless appearance and better protection against moisture damage, it can be more expensive and time-consuming.

Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

Does sheet vinyl flooring go under cabinets?

Glue-Down Installation. If you are installing glue-down vinyl plank flooring, it is okay to install under cabinets. Since the planks will be glued down to the floor, they will not contract and expand with temperature changes.

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 you put flooring under appliances?

While installing flooring under appliances provides protection for your subfloor and offers a seamless look, it's not always necessary for every kitchen. For instance, built-in appliances, like wall ovens or cooktops, often don't need flooring underneath since they are more permanent fixtures.

What is the best floating floor for a kitchen?

Vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tiles (also known as luxury vinyl plank) and vinyl roll, as well as porcelain or ceramic tile are generally considered to be the best flooring options for a kitchen because of their ability to stand up to moisture and humidity. Laminate flooring can be installed in the kitchen.

Do cabinets get attached to the floor?

Do You Need to Screw Base Cabinets to the Floor? Kitchen cabinets that are freestanding floor cabinets, like an island, should be attached to the floor. Otherwise, cabinets should be attached to the wall.

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 I have to remove kitchen cabinets to replace tile floor?

If you plan to use tile or another thicker material, it may be necessary to remove the cabinets before installation. If you don't, you'll raise the height of the floors while the cabinets stay where they are. This can cause issues with appearance, access, and sealing later.

Should kitchen flooring be the same as the rest of the house?

Matching flooring is often recommended because it creates a seamless finish and better flow throughout your home. However, when it comes to interior design rules for flooring, there are no hard and fast rules — if you like mixing flooring or think your interior design could benefit from it, go for it.

Do you install toe kick or flooring first?

It's also important to note that, if you're including toe kick drawers in your kitchen design, put flooring down first to ensure that the bottom drawers can function properly.

Should you paint before or after flooring?

If the baseboards, quarter round and/or door casing need to be removed in order to install your new floors, the floors should be installed before you have your painting completed so your wall/trim paint is not ruined by having the trim removed.

How to tell if flooring runs under cabinets?

I think the easiest way to tell, look for a quarter round trim between the cabinet and the floor. If it has a quarter round, then two options: floor does not go under the cabinet, or the owner likes the look of the quarter round.

Should floating floor go under kitchen cabinets?

A floating floor will fail if it is held down to the subfloor, especially if secured with glue, nails, pins, etc. Instead, install these first: heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, etc. Then install floating floors, allowing a ¼ inch gap between the flooring and the afformentioned heavy objects.

What is the trend in kitchen flooring in 2024?

In kitchen floor tile trends 2024, turning towards more natural and organic kitchen floor tile designs. With a variety of different tiles available, including porcelain, marble, ceramic, and more, there is more choice than ever. Stone Tile Depot offers high-quality natural stone and manufactured discount tiles.

When should you not use a floating floor?

Floating floors are also more sensitive to humidity and moisture. If they are exposed in excess to moisture a floating floor can warp, Pitt, or even start growing mold. Floating floors should NOT be installed in commercial projects.

Should flooring be laid under cabinets?

For most styles of hardwood floors, it is recommended that you install your flooring before your cabinets.

Where should you not put laminate flooring?

Although laminate flooring is great for use in all kinds of areas of your home, its one flaw is that it's not great when it comes to moisture. To avoid warping, discoloration, and bubbling, avoid installing laminate flooring in rooms that regularly see a lot of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms.

Does flooring go under kitchen units?

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 should I 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.

Why install cabinets before flooring?

It minimises the potential for damage: Flooring goes through a lot during a kitchen renovation. There are multiple tradespeople walking on it and heavy objects (like the cabinetry) that need to be carried over it.

Should cabinets be installed 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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