Should you do framing or flooring first?

Author: Ms. Abbey Halvorson  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

Framing should ideally be done before flooring as well, but drywall is up to you. It is traditionally installed before flooring, but does not have to be. Designer Amy Pigliacampo proved in her Boulder home that installing drywall after flooring can be beautiful.

Do you do flooring or framing first?

If you want to see a room in its bare shape and form, it's better to fix the walls first. This way, you can create a better plan that will maximize the room's real space.

Should you do flooring before or after walls?

The answer to the question is, ``do the floors first!'' Here's why: Removing and replacing flooring or carpeting is dirty work. If you paint first, and then do floors, there is a good chance that a lot of dirt, dust, sawdust or tile/stone dust will end up on your freshly painted walls and trim.

What is the correct order of installation for a floor frame?

  1. Step 1: Square the Sill Plate Layout on the Foundation. ...
  2. Step 2: Cut, Drill and Attach the Sill Plates. ...
  3. Step 3: Build Basement Bearing Walls - Where Necessary. ...
  4. Step 4: Layout the Joist Spacing on the Sill Plates. ...
  5. Step 5: Attach the Rim Joists. ...
  6. Step 6: Cut and Install the Floor Joists Between the Rim Joists.

What should be done first walls or floors?

  • Walls: The walls are usually constructed first. This includes both exterior and interior walls, which are framed and then sheathed.
  • Ceiling: Once the walls are in place, the ceiling structure can be added.
  • Flooring: Finally, flooring is installed after the walls and ceiling are complete.

10 Beginner Mistakes Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Do you do floor or stud wall first?

In any case, you first start with placing the walls. Afterwards you can place and finish the floor structure per room. The reason for this is to be able to acoustically separate the rooms from each other.

Do built ins or flooring go first?

The Verdict – Which to Install First? Ultimately, unless you're using floating floors, it is probably better to put the floors in before the cabinets. This will ultimately make it easier for all the appliances to sit at the appropriate height and give you an overall picture of your future kitchen space.

What comes after framing?

Following framing are the mechanical rough-ins of your new home Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, media wiring, gas, and fireplace installations occur. If on a basement, we will have our plumbers come in and install rough plumbing before framing. If on a slab, rough in happens after framing.

Does framing go on top of subfloor?

If your basement renovation is to include a plywood subfloor, or the 2'x2' subfloor panels, be sure to install the subfloor first, then frame the wall overtop. Having the 2×4 wall sit on the subfloor will protect the lumber from moisture issues or any minor flooding.

Do you install drywall or floor first?

While the flooring that is laid down after the drywall is installed will correct imperfections in the floor, any small hill in the concrete will cause a full sheet of drywall to be out of level if the drywall is placed directly on the floor.

Are baseboards installed before flooring?

Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.

When should flooring be installed in new construction?

TL;DR. Best Flooring Types: Hardwood (living areas), Laminate (busy homes), Vinyl (kitchens/bathrooms), Carpet (bedrooms), Tile (kitchens/bathrooms). Installation Timing: After drywall, before cabinets; finish plumbing and electrical work first.

When remodeling a room, what comes first?

My method is to complete the dirty work first and get progressively cleaner. Demolition, rough work (framing changes, electrical and plumbing rough-in), drywall, paint the drywall. And then on to the finishes: flooring, cabinets, trim molding, appliances, electrical fixtures.

Do walls go up before flooring?

Major Structural Work: If you're knocking down walls or adding extensions, it's best to complete this heavy-duty work before flooring. The vibrations and debris from structural changes can damage flooring.

In what order do you finish a house?

What are the Stages of Construction?
  1. Stage 1: Site preparation & foundation pour. ...
  2. Stage 2: Rough framing. ...
  3. Stage 3: Rough plumbing, electrical, & HVAC. ...
  4. Stage 4: Insulation. ...
  5. Stage 5: Drywall, interior primer finishes & begin finishes. ...
  6. Stage 6: Finish interior trim; install exterior driveways & walkways.

Do you pour walls or floor first?

Understanding Basement Construction
  1. The Footing: First to be poured in a new basement build is the footing. ...
  2. The Wall: Basement walls are installed next and are typically constructed of poured concrete, or concrete blocks.

Do you finish flooring before or after framing?

Framing & Drywall

Framing should ideally be done before flooring as well, but drywall is up to you. It is traditionally installed before flooring, but does not have to be.

Does subfloor go under studs?

Wall studs are nailed vertically to the bottom wall plate, and the wall plate itself is nailed (downward) into the subfloor, with nails even extending into the joist. All items except underlayment and floor covering rest under and are nailed to the bottom wall plate.

Can I put flooring directly on subfloor?

Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.

What is the correct order of construction?

Phases of construction
  • Phase 1. Closure of the building site. ...
  • Phase 2. Land and foundation. ...
  • Phase 3. The structure of the construction. ...
  • Phase 4. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) ...
  • Phase 5. Insulation and waterproofing. ...
  • Phase 6. Finishes and closures.

What is the basic rule of framing?

Use the rule of thirds.

When framing a photo, it's important to keep the rule of thirds in mind. This rule states that the main subject should be placed off-center in the photograph, either one-third or two-thirds of the way into the frame.

Should you do ceiling or floor first?

In the ongoing debate of ceiling versus flooring, the answer is clear: prioritize ceiling work before tackling flooring installations. Not only does this approach minimize potential damage, but it also ensures a seamless and efficient design process.

Should I do floors or walls first?

When redecorating a room, people often wonder, “Should I paint the walls before or after I replace the flooring?” A.G. Williams, as a professional painting and remodeling contractor, recommends finishing the flooring first, be it carpet, laminate, tile or hardwood.

Should you install flooring before or after cabinets?

When it comes to the installation part of the remodel, everything needs to be done in a step-by-step fashion, and in an order that makes the most sense. If your remodel also includes laying new floors, most experts agree that it's better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets.

What comes before the first floor?

The floor at ground or street level is called the "ground floor" (i.e. it needs no number; the floor below it is called "basement", and the floor above it is called "first") in many regions.

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