What goes first laminate floor or kitchen cabinets?

Author: Asha Stroman  |  Last update: Monday, December 11, 2023

If the height is met, vinyl and laminate flooring can either come after the cabinets, and be installed right up to the base, or run underneath both the cabinets and the appliances, due to its thin structure.

Do you install laminate flooring before or after the cabinets?

The best way to accommodate your floors, shelving and appliances is to work in this order: Install your cabinetry and shelving space first. Install your flooring. Add your appliances.

Should flooring or cabinets come first?

Of course, if you're just now doing a remodel, making serious changes probably won't be on the agenda for a long time. Ultimately, putting the flooring down before installing the base cabinets provides a neat appearance when they're in and makes the chore of installing cabinet quarter rounds unnecessary.

Should kitchen cabinets go on top of laminate flooring?

You should avoid installing cabinets or any other hardware that should be bolted to the floor on the laminate. Installing hardware on top of your flooring will cause pressure, preventing it from expanding or contracting as the temperature changes.

What goes in first cabinets or floating floor?

The floating style differs from traditional hardwood or tile floors where professionals nail, staple or glue down each plank. Because of that installation process, cabinets should go in before floating floors. Cabinets, especially with heavy stone countertops, could damage your floating floors.

What comes first? Flooring or Cabinets?

Do kitchen cabinets sit on bare flooring or finished floor?

Yes and no. It really depends on your preference, the type of cabinet, and more importantly, on the type of kitchen flooring you have and how it is installed. It isn't necessary to have your kitchen cabinets sit on the subfloor, and it certainly isn't the desired option among contractors.

Should I install cabinets before vinyl plank flooring?

If you are installing click-lock vinyl plank flooring, you should NOT install under cabinets. Since your floor will be floating on the subfloor and connected solely by the locking system, it needs space to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Do floating floors go under kitchen cabinets?

Floating Floor

NO. Never install cabinets on top of floating flooring. Based on seasonal changes in humidity, the flooring material needs to expand and contract. If that can't happen, the weight of the cabinets can cause the flooring to buckle and damage the flooring's locking systems.

Where should you not put laminate flooring?

Don't install your laminate on any floor with a drain. Don't install laminate on any uneven subfloor or outdoors. Don't install your laminate over residential carpet. Don't install a second layer of laminate underlayment.

Does flooring go under appliances?

By installing flooring underneath your appliances, you'll avoid any gaps or transitions that can be visually unappealing. Protection: Another benefit of installing flooring under appliances is that it provides protection for your subfloor. Over time, appliances can leak or spill, causing damage to the subfloor.

Does flooring go under dishwasher?

Yes, you should always put flooring under your dishwasher. Since dishwashers are designed to fit snugly under your countertop, this will make it much easier to remove without the need to lift it over a lip of flooring.

Do you lay floor before a 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.

What goes down before laminate flooring?

Underlayment does two things that are critical to a successful laminate flooring installation:1. Underlayment takes out any minor deviations in the subfloor. 2. Underlayment delivers superior acoustical performance.

Does laminate flooring go under kitchen appliances?

Yes! Underneath the fridge, stove and dish washer. That way you can pull the stove and fridge out si you can clean behind them. Without a floor the same level under the appliances you cannot slide them out easily.

Do you build cabinets on top of flooring?

In most cases, installing cabinets come first before the flooring. Know that floor covering is the surface you see and walk on, where it is usually cut to size and butt up against the cabinets.

Can you put a refrigerator on laminate flooring?

On average, laminate flooring will hold up to 500 pounds. Since most home appliances and furniture are below this weight, laminate is generally safe for any household setup.

Where do you start laying laminate flooring in a kitchen?

We recommend starting in the left corner of the longest wall in the room and to install the planks in the same direction as the main light source (e.g. the main window). Planks are always installed from left to right.

Does wood flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

Ultimately, hardwood flooring allows you to have the option of installing underneath cabinets. This is because hardwood flooring is secured to the subfloor and does not float like newer vinyl or laminates. Since it is secured to the subfloor, you don't have to worry about having heavy cabinets on top of the flooring.

How do I know if my flooring goes under cabinets?

If it doesn't have a quarter round, floor goes under the cabinets, and if it doesn't it is pretty easy to see it doesn't (hence the need for the quarter round). But if you see the quarter round, just assume it doesn't go under. If the kitchen has tile, look at the grout lines.

What comes first doors or flooring?

Installing your flooring before the door poses several advantages. First, you will have more room to work with as the doors are out of your way. This way, you can ensure correct installation by lining your tiles appropriately, as the doors will not dictate how you lay them.

Do you put anything under a floating floor?

Underlayment for laminate flooring is a must. Since laminate is a floating floor, it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.

Does laminate flooring go under cabinets?

When installing laminate flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, you cannot place cabinets or any hardware that is meant to be bolted permanently to the floor on the laminate. Installing these items on top of your new flooring will cause pressure and not let the flooring expand and contract to temperature changes.

Should kitchen cabinets touch the floor?

However, a good rule of thumb is to have your kitchen wall cabinets be somewhere between 36 and 42 inches from the floor. Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access.

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