Should you redo cabinets or countertops first?

Author: Carol Boyle  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

Painting the cabinets prior to handling the countertop has some advantages: It protects the outer paint coat. You want rich, full paint coverage that lasts throughout all of the kitchen's trials. Painting the cabinets first ensures they cure perfectly.

Should you replace kitchen cabinets or countertops first?

It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)

What I wish I knew before painting cabinets?

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Painting Our Kitchen Cabinets
  • Plan for a practice round, and watch the paint as it dries.
  • Practice with each paint/primer so you know how it feels.
  • Sand, sand sand!
  • Paint both coats on the backs of your doors/drawers first.
  • Keep your spray thin, and build up your paint slowly.

Can I replace my cabinets without replacing the countertop?

Yes, it is entirely possible to replace kitchen countertops while leaving the existing cabinets in place. This is a common practice during kitchen renovations. Here are some key points to consider:

In what order do you install kitchen cabinets?

With your room prepped and guidelines marked, it's time to hang the kitchen wall cabinets. It's best to install upper cabinets before the base cabinets go in.

Should you paint your cabinets or replace the countertop first?

What order should I do my kitchen in?

Time to remodel
  1. Determine where lighting, electrical outlets, sinks, and appliances will be placed and upgrade the wiring and plumbing to accommodate everything.
  2. Install insulation and drywall.
  3. Paint the walls and ceiling.
  4. Install the flooring.
  5. Install the cabinetry and countertops.
  6. Install the sink(s) and faucets.

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.

Should I empty cabinets before installing countertop?

You should also empty out the cabinets under your sink, cooktop, or any other cutouts. These areas are going to get very dirty, and installers may need to access the counter surface from underneath.

How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets?

Many factors come into play when installing your kitchen cabinets. Depending on your kitchen's size and the type of materials and design you've chosen, the average cost to install your kitchen cabinets can cost the following: Basic to mid-grad cabinets: $3,200-$8,500. High-end custom cabinets: $12,500-$18,100.

What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen countertops?

Generally the cheapest countertops available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in limited colors and patterns. You can dress up this product by paying for extras like end caps, mitered corners, or bullnose edges.

What type of cabinet shouldn't you paint?

Cabinets made of stainless steel, vinyl, and laminate aren't easy to paint over. Paints are known not to bond with these particular surfaces, which may result in the paint chipping or peeling easily.

Is Sherwin Williams infinity paint good for cabinets?

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Infinity

Price-wise, this Infinity latex paint falls squarely in the middle while delivering exceptional results. Its semi-gloss formula is particularly well suited to kitchen cabinets thanks to its cleanability and superb stain resistance.

Should I caulk cabinet seams?

Caulking helps create a smooth finish on cabinet doors and drawers that enhances the overall look. By filling in any gaps or cracks between pieces, you'll get a seamless look when you're finished painting. This will also help hide any imperfections in wood grain or texture for an even better appearance.

Should countertops be lighter or darker than cabinets?

Deciding on the color of your kitchen countertops can be tricky. Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend. This combination makes the countertop installation job ideal for the ultimate kitchen outlook.

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.

Which cabinets are usually installed first?

Mark and label the position of all of the upper cabinets on the wall with a pencil and level to double-check your layout. Plan to install wall kitchen cabinets first. That way, the base cabinets won't be in your way while you're installing the upper cabinets.

What is the least expensive way to redo kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

How much does a handyman charge to install kitchen cabinets?

You may charge the job by the hour or per cabinet installed. On average, cabinet installers will charge between $67 and $125 per hour or between $2,000 and $50,000 total, depending on the extent of work. For handymen, the averages are $60 to $90 per hour and $55 to $85 per cabinet.

Can I replace cabinets without replacing countertops?

Yes, it is possible to replace cabinets without removing the countertops by carefully detaching the cabinets and keeping the countertops intact. However, this process requires precision to avoid damaging the countertops and the surrounding areas.

Should you replace cabinets or countertops first?

Some homeowners opt for a remodeling project in stages. In that case, we recommend refinishing the cabinets before installing the new countertops. It is because kitchen cabinets have relative a larger surface area than countertops.

Do countertop installers remove old countertops?

Yes, countertop installation specialists remove your old countertops. It just makes everything easier! This includes the safe detachment of the existing countertops from your cabinets and walls, and clearing the area so it's ready for your new installation.

Are countertops glued to cabinets?

The countertop is most likely held in place with silicone adhesive. Cut the silicone adhesive between the cabinet and countertop using a razor knife. Be careful not to damage the front of the cabinets. Next, position the paint scraper in the seam between the cabinets and countertop, and gently tap it with a hammer.

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.

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 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.

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