Should you replace cabinets or countertops first?

Author: Janie Emmerich  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

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)

Can you put old countertops on new cabinets?

In order to utilize the existing countertops, you will need to keep the same footprint for the cabinets. Make sure you cabinet provider is aware of your intentions of using pre-existing tops. If everything goes smoothly you should be able to use the existing tops while replacing the cabinets.

What should I replace first in a kitchen remodel?

  1. What To Do First in A Kitchen Remodeling Project.
  2. Tear Down and Demolition.
  3. Electric and Plumbing Work.
  4. Kitchen Cabinetry and Countertops.
  5. Flooring and Appliances.
  6. Priming and Painting.

What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is considered to be less durable than a full replacement, as it does not replace the entire structure of the cabinets. Over time, cabinet frames can become worn or damaged; if that happens, you may need to replace them anyway.

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.

Which to Do First When Remodeling the Kitchen: The Countertops or New Appliances?

Should you do countertops or cabinets 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)

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 replace countertops before refacing cabinets?

Installing Countertops First

In fact, professionals recommend installing the countertops before resurfacing the cabinets if the only thing you are doing is changing the look of the cabinet and not the actual structure.

Is it cheaper to buy new cabinets or reface them?

Yes, cabinet refacing is worth it if you want to improve the look of your kitchen without spending too much money. Refacing can save you up to 25% – 50% of the cost of replacing cabinets and can be done in a much shorter time frame than fully replacing all cabinets.

How much does cabinet refacing cost?

The average cost to reface a cabinet is $7,234, but it can range from $4,233 and $10,234, depending on the number of cabinets, materials, and labor.

What I wish I knew before remodeling my kitchen?

  • Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Remodeling My Kitchen.
  • Design From the Top Down. ...
  • Budget 25% Extra for Hidden Costs.
  • Seal Off the Space.
  • Ensure the Appliances & Products You Want Are Readily in Stock. ...
  • Plan On Taking Longer Than Anticipated.

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.

In what order should you renovate your kitchen?

Visit Our Showroom
  1. Plumbing and electrics. The first stage of installing a new kitchen is ensuring the plumbing and electrics are in a safe. ...
  2. Walls and floors. At this point your new kitchen is starting to take shape; before cabinets, units or appliances. ...
  3. Cabinets and units. ...
  4. Appliance installation. ...
  5. The final touches.

Can I replace countertops without replacing cabinets?

You can replace your kitchen countertops without replacing the cabinetry if they are still in good condition. By doing this, your kitchen gets a new look, and you save some money too!

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.

Can you replace cabinet doors only?

Replacing only the cabinet doors can achieve a similar look to replacing all the cabinets, but at a fraction of the price. Not to mention this is a much less strenuous renovation, if you're looking to do it yourself. Tearing old cabinets out of your kitchen can cause damage to your countertops and flooring.

What is the most inexpensive way to replace kitchen cabinets?

Use Stock or Semi-Custom Cabinets

If you're happy with stock sizes and styles, you can save money by purchasing them over semi-custom or custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets are a lower-cost alternative to custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets are much like stock cabinets: standard sizes, styles, and finishes.

How much does it cost to hire someone to repaint kitchen cabinets?

You can expect to pay an average of $934 to paint kitchen cabinets. The typical range is between $425 and $1,459 depending on the size, type of paint, and removal of old paint or varnish. The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets with the help of a pro is $934 or between $425 and $1,459.

How often should you replace cabinets?

Most cabinets should last around 20 years. But, cabinets from big box stores can be a different story. You may need to replace them every 5 years or so. The difference is they usually use lower-end materials.

Do you pick cabinets or countertops first?

There is no rule about which design element you should choose first, but it will make your life easier if you incorporate your “must-haves” into your plan as soon as possible. For example, if you are set on having white cabinets, keep that in mind when you're looking at countertops.

How can I update my kitchen without changing countertops?

Heather Fujikawa owns interior design studio House Sprucing.
  1. Paint Your Countertops.
  2. Polish Your Countertops.
  3. Update the Elements Around the Countertops.
  4. Add a Concrete Overlay.
  5. Accessorize the Countertops.

Should countertops be the same color as the cabinets?

We have good news on this choice: It doesn't matter. If you fall in love with a cabinet color or a countertop, just match it with the other. Understand, however, that not all cabinets go with all counter surfaces. For example, a white countertop with white cabinets might be too much of a good thing.

Do kitchen cabinets sit on bare flooring or finished floor?

Conclusion. Kitchen cabinets are not always attached to the kitchen floor and most of the time, do not sit directly on the subfloor. This ensures that needed movement is given to the flooring material and the standard height of floor to counters is reached for accepted accessibility.

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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