Should flooring go before or after appliances?

Author: Javonte Batz  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

If appliances or cabinets are installed before the flooring, then when it is time to replace them or even relocate them, there will always be the cabinet or appliance footprint to contend with. There is also one more practical reason to install the flooring first.

Should appliances be installed before or after flooring?

The general rule of thumb with kitchen remodels is to follow this order: lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in the appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures and backsplash for the final touches.

Should flooring be installed before or after kitchen?

In general , install floors first because it is much easier without cabinets in the way . In your case . Run the finished tile an inch or two past the toe kicks. One caveat : don't forget to run tile fully under the dishwasher opening, and measure base cabinet /counter heights from FINISHED FLOOR HEIGHT not subfloors.

Does new flooring go under appliances?

Having flooring installed under appliances can help to prevent this damage, and make it easier to clean up any spills that do occur. Stability: Large appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers are heavy, and they can move around over time.

Should you install dishwasher or floor first?

Always floor first. Just try and relace a appliance sitting on the subfloor. You will wind up having to cut the floor away to yank a dishwasher someday, fridge is hard to roll with a lip in front, same with a stove/oven. NEVER PUT LAMINATE IN FIRST.

Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

Does kitchen flooring go under dishwasher?

Maintaining Even Floor Height

This is one of the more practical reasons to put flooring under your dishwasher. Putting flooring below your dishwasher is also beneficial if your new floor will be on top of a new subfloor that adds some height to the floor.

Do you install dishwasher before or after countertops?

Which gets installed first? The general rule is that countertops are installed before appliances, with the possible exception of an under- the-counter dishwasher. Refrigerators, stoves, ranges, and wine coolers are all installed after countertops.

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.

Can you put laminate flooring under a washer and dryer?

Laminate flooring is also affordable, easy to clean, and highly scratch resistant. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and the load of washers and tumble dryers. Adding extra protection is still a good idea to prevent weakening the boards over time.

Do you install flooring before a toilet?

Professional contractors generally recommend installing new flooring before placing the toilet.

Is it better to install kitchen cabinets or flooring first?

Starting off right goes a long way to make a kitchen remodel successful. 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 lay vinyl flooring before fitting a kitchen?

Beginning with flooring sets a meticulous foundation, creating a seamless transition into the heart of your home—the kitchen. This approach ensures a clean canvas, safeguarding against potential damage from kitchen activities during floor installation.

Should countertops go before or after flooring?

Countertops are typically installed after flooring, cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.

Should flooring be installed before or after new kitchen?

Laying your flooring

Depending on the chosen surface, we recommend laying most of the work before you actually begin to install your new kitchen. It will be much easier to lay your tiles before installing your kitchen.

Do appliances go on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Since refrigerators weigh, on average, between 200 and 400 pounds, there should not be any problems placing a fridge or other heavy furniture on your vinyl plank floors. Vinyl planks are specifically designed with durability in mind.

Do you put tile flooring under appliances?

Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more.

Is Swiffer Wet Jet OK for laminate floors?

Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.

Does anything go under laminate flooring?

Underlay protects your laminate against moisture damage

For cold subfloors like concrete, you need to consider a damp proof membrane. Cold ground floor subfloors are often prone to damp, which can damage your laminate. An underlay with a vapour barrier helps prevent this.

What is the best flooring for under a washing machine?

Moisture Resistance

Tiles, vinyl and rubber flooring are excellent choices in this regard. These materials offer superior moisture resistance, ensuring your laundry room remains functional and free from water-related issues.

Should vinyl plank flooring be installed 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.

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 bathroom cabinets?

Your Flooring Material Is Delicate.

Installing cabinets first protects your bathroom's flooring material from chipping, scratching, soiling, and other damage associated with moving heavy cabinets and equipment on the delicate flooring materials.

Should appliances go before or after cabinets?

It depends on your priorities. If functionality is your main concern, it's advisable to choose appliances first. However, if style and space are your key considerations, start with the cabinets. In either scenario, ensure accurate measurements to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Do you install sink or countertop first?

This isn't a question like whether the chicken or the egg comes first, because there's a very clear-cut answer. The installation team should mount the countertop first. Then, after setting up the new counters, they can add other fixtures such as a stovetop or a sink.

Do pots go on top or bottom of dishwasher?

Load the Bottom Rack

There are a few main items that always belong on this rack: Pots, pans and large serving bowls should be placed with the serving side down along the outer perimeter of the bottom rack, where there's typically extra space to accommodate their size.

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