Should you do kitchen flooring first or last?

Author: Aliyah Prosacco  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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.

Should you install flooring before or after kitchen?

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.

In what order should you remodel a kitchen?

Order: Wall, floor, paint. And then you can move in and get kitchen done ... I would agree that kitchen you really want to see as a couple your routines, and needs.

Should flooring be done first or last?

In construction and renovation, the general practice is to install floors first before adding walls. This approach allows for easier installation of flooring materials and ensures a cleaner finish.

In what order should I install my 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.

The WORST Flooring Choices That Could Tank Your Home's Value When You Sell Your Home

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.

When installing kitchen cabinets do you install the top or bottom first?

Always install the upper cabinets before the lower cabinets. This way you won't have to awkwardly work over the lower cabinets, risking damaging them in the process. Once you've assembled the cabinets according to the manufacturer's instructions, remove the doors if attached and set them out of harm's way.

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.

Do you install baseboards or flooring first?

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.

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.

Is $10,000 enough for kitchen remodel?

' Depending on the place you live in, most kitchen remodels' costs start at $10000 and go way higher upto $100,000. So it seems like a far off dream for most of us to get ourselves a top-notch new kitchen in such a small amount.

When remodeling a kitchen, do you do floors or cabinets first?

Installing flooring first is also considered the smarter process, because having them run right under your cabinets and appliances means that the next time you decide to update your kitchen, you'll have the flexibility to change the footprint instead of being stuck with the current configuration.

Which renovation should I do first?

Renovating kitchens

The kitchen should always be one of the first projects to tackle because homeowners want to make a good first impression, and it is one of the rooms where guests spend the most time.

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.

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.

Do you install kitchen cabinets before tile flooring?

Installing the kitchen cabinets and island on the concrete surface before laying the floor tiles ensures that the cabinets and island are securely anchored and can prevent potential issues with tile height and alignment. Additionally, it can save on tile costs, as you won't need to tile under these large structures.

Does vinyl plank go under baseboard?

Don't want to deal with removing baseboards? You can leave them in place, but you will need to leave a ¼” gap between the baseboard and flooring, to account for expansion over time. You may want to purchase some quarter-round pieces in a matching color to cover up this gap.

Do I install carpet or baseboard first?

Why Experts Recommend Baseboard Installation First. While both baseboard and carpet installation can technically occur in any order, professionals often recommend installing baseboards first, followed by carpet.

Do you do framing or flooring first?

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.

Should you install flooring before or after kitchen installation?

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.

Can you put a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.

Should vinyl flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

Like other types of floating floors, floating vinyl flooring and LVP should not be installed under cabinets.

Do cabinets go on first 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.

What order do you install a kitchen?

10 Steps to fitting a kitchen
  1. 1 – REMOVE THE EXISTING ROOM. ...
  2. 2 – ROUTE NEW SERVICES. ...
  3. 3 – PLASTERING. ...
  4. 4 – LIGHTING. ...
  5. 5 – FLOORING. ...
  6. 6 – CABINET AND APPLIANCE FITTING. ...
  7. 7 – WORKTOPS. ...
  8. 9 – ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING CONNECTIONS.

What is the usual order of cabinet installation?

  • Inspect the New Cabinets. ...
  • Locate High Spots on the Floor. ...
  • Mark the Top of the Base Cabinets. ...
  • Mark Bottom of Wall Cabinets. ...
  • Locate Wall Studs. ...
  • Select Suitable Hardware. ...
  • Begin Corner Installation. ...
  • Attach Cabinets Together.

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