What order do you install cabinets?

Author: Kadin Hermann III  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

When you're ready to start the project, here are the steps to take.
  1. Prepare the Space.
  2. Mark the Reference Line and High Point Layout Line.
  3. Join the Upper Cabinets.
  4. Hang the Upper Cabinets.
  5. Install the Corner Base Cabinet.
  6. Install the Doors and Toekick.

Which cabinet do you install first?

Install Upper Cabinets

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.

What goes first base cabinets or 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.

Do cabinets go on finished floor or subfloor?

In most cases, the cabinets are installed before the floor covering but after the subfloor and underlayment. The floor covering or finish is usually cut to fit and butted against the cabinets, with a small gap between the two that is covered by nailing a shoe molding or baseboard to the bottom of the base cabinets.

Do you lay kitchen floor before cabinets?

Putting down the floor before the cabinets makes for clearer sailing now and into the future. Treat the floors under your cabinets like a permanent installation. They should receive the same treatment as the rest of your floor. Just because they won't show doesn't mean you can cut corners.

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Why don't you put flooring under cabinets?

A floating wood floor has to be free to expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity, and it can't do that with heavy cabinets resting on top of it.

Should I install kitchen cabinets or vinyl floors first?

As a rule, install permanent cabinets first, then install vinyl flooring. If you install the flooring first, use only specific types of flooring under certain conditions.

Do you replace flooring under cabinets?

Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can put flooring under kitchen cabinets. Installing flooring before cabinets gives the kitchen a much cleaner look. You don't have to spend time cutting around the cabinetry and you can be flexible with the layout of your cabinets.

Do cabinets sit on top of hardwood floors?

Putting hardwood floors in your kitchen will look luxurious. Great choice. When building your kitchen using hardwood flooring, we recommend installing your hardwood flooring before adding any cabinetry or appliances. When installing a floating flooring such as vinyl or laminate, we advise installing cabinetry first.

What goes between cabinet and floor?

A thin bead of caulk can seal or fill that small gap between cabinets and floors in less than 30 minutes. I love a quick win, guys! This DIY works on gaps 1/4″ and smaller. If your gap is larger than a 1/4″, you should use trim first, like quarter round.

Do cabinets go over 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.

Do you install vinyl plank flooring under cabinets?

Should you install LVP under cabinets? No, you can't put cabinets on top of a floating vinyl floor. Like other types of floating floors, floating vinyl flooring and LVP should not be installed under cabinets.

Do kitchen cabinets go on top of tile?

Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more.

Do kitchen cabinets go in before drywall?

If you wait to install the drywall until after the cabinets are in place, you'll spend a lot more time than if you install the drywall first. Once the cabinets are set, you'll have to measure and fit each piece of drywall around the sides and the tops of the cabinets.

Do cabinets go in before appliances?

Bring in New Appliances

After installation of the cabinets and plumbing fixtures, it is time to add your new appliances. This includes items such as the built-in microwave, stove, refrigerator, and more.

Do you install cabinet doors before or after countertops?

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.

Do cabinets go on top of floating floor?

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.

Does flooring go under bathroom cabinets?

Generally, flooring contractors prefer that the cabinets go in first so that there is less possibility of the floor getting scratched. Cabinet installers like the floor to be in place so that the cutting and dust from the floor installation will not damage the vanity.

Should tile go under cabinets?

You'll generally pay more in raw materials to tile under the cabinets and pay more in labor to tile around them due to more cuts being needed. Since labor is always more expensive per square foot than tile, it usually makes more sense to just tile the whole room and then have the cabinets installed.

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.

Should I paint cabinets or replace floor first?

Most people think that painting should be done first to prevent any spills from marring brand-new flooring. However, experts agree that new flooring should always be installed before you have any interior painting done.

Does flooring go under dishwasher?

Generally, you should install your flooring in front of your dishwasher and not under it. This is because your dishwasher will require replacement or repair sooner, and this may mean damage to your floor if it is under this unit.

Should laminate flooring go before or after kitchen?

Which way you go for comes down to personal choice; whatever works best for you. And this is generally the case with most flooring, however, there are some floor types out there that don't give you so much of an option. For example, laminate. Laminate is a flooring type that works best if installed after the cabinets.

What is best flooring for kitchen?

Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need a durable flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, or hardwood floors that are strong enough to handle foot traffic and heavy furniture.

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