What to put under kitchen cabinets?

Author: Jacey Bashirian I  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Creative Storage Underneath Your Cabinets
  1. LED Lighting. Illuminate your counter workspace with LED lights, an alternative to florescent that's both functional and beautiful. ...
  2. Power Outlets. ...
  3. Jar Opener. ...
  4. Knife Block. ...
  5. Stemware Rack. ...
  6. Spice Rack. ...
  7. Cookbook Stand. ...
  8. Appliance Garage.

What goes below kitchen cabinets?

Better protection: Flooring under cabinets provides better protection against moisture, spills, and leaks. Cabinets can be removed for cleaning or repair without damaging the flooring. Easier installation: Installing flooring before cabinets can be easier because you don't have to work around the cabinets.

Should you put underlayment under kitchen cabinets?

You do not have to put it under your cabinets. You will probably have to run some type of trim around the cabinets like shoe moulding. No sense in pulling the cabinets if they aren't going to be replaced right away.

What flooring goes under kitchen cabinets?

The type of flooring material you choose can impact the order of your renovation. We recommend installing hardwood flooring first, while it's OK to install tile after installing your cabinets. When you choose a flooring material, your flooring provider or contractor will provide you with more insights.

What do you put between floor and cabinets?

How To Fill The Gaps Between Cabinets And The Floor
  1. Cover up with caulk or wood filler.
  2. Embellish the top cabinets by installing trims.
  3. Place a toe kick under the bottom cabinets, or swap out the old one.
  4. Use spray foam to seal off an air leak.
  5. Utilize a backer rod to seal off any significant gaps.

Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

The standard practice for kitchen renovations is to install the cabinets before the flooring. This is because it allows the cabinets to be properly leveled and secured to the subfloor, which ensures a stable and level base for the cabinets.

What to put under base cabinets?

Shim beneath the cabinet to align it with the top-of-cabinet line you drew on the wall. When determing how to install base cabinets on uneven floors, check for level and plumb, and add shims until the cabinets are at the same level.

Should a floating floor be installed under cabinets?

A floating floor will fail if it is held down to the subfloor, especially if secured with glue, nails, pins, etc. Instead, install these first: heavy cabinets, vanities, islands, etc. Then install floating floors, allowing a ¼ inch gap between the flooring and the afformentioned heavy objects.

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 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.

How do you waterproof under kitchen cabinets?

An easy way to prevent water damage under your kitchen cabinets is to use caulk or a sealant to seal up the area around your sink.

What are the best options for kitchen flooring?

Engineered wood flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl roll, ceramic or stone tiles, and laminate are all suitable options for kitchen flooring. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand steam and temperature changes in a kitchen.

What do you put between cabinets and ceilings?

In situations where the cabinets don't quite meet the ceiling, many builders will cover that space with a soffit. Others will leave it open, with empty space above the cabinets. Whether you'd prefer a soffit or an open space is a totally personal choice!

Why are kitchen cabinets raised off the floor?

Answer: Kitchen cabinets are raised off the floor for easier cleaning, protection against moisture damage, and to accommodate plumbing and uneven floors. This also allows for toe-kick space for comfortable standing.

Do kitchen cabinets sit on top of tile flooring?

Installing your tiles before your kitchen cabinets will cut down on overall labor costs. Putting in your tiles first will help prevent water damage in your kitchen. Cabinets can be installed first if you're placing delicate tiles that might get damaged during cabinetry or appliance installation.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

Can you put heavy items on vinyl plank flooring?

According to Home Inspection Insider, most manufacturers rate their vinyl to be able to withstand 500 pounds. Keep in mind that this is for a single vinyl plank. While 500 pounds may seem like a lot, heavy appliances like refrigerators or heavy furniture pieces like pianos can easily exceed this.

Can I put a stove on top of vinyl plank flooring?

Do not place stove directly on carpeting, vinyl tile or any combustible material other than wood.

When should you not use a floating floor?

Floating floors are also more sensitive to humidity and moisture. If they are exposed in excess to moisture a floating floor can warp, Pitt, or even start growing mold. Floating floors should NOT be installed in commercial projects.

Should you lay a wooden floor under kitchen units?

Wood Flooring and Tile Expert Opinions

Experts advise that these types of flooring should always be laid before cabinets. This ensures the best possible fit and seamless finish, as it's difficult to fit these materials neatly around existing cabinetry without risking damage to either the units or the floor.

Can you fit a kitchen on top of laminate flooring?

Yes! Whilst laminate, LVT and Brecon may be wood effect floors they still need to go through the acclimatising process so that they can adjust to the humidity and air temperature.

What to do under kitchen cabinets?

Creative Storage Underneath Your Cabinets
  • LED Lighting. Illuminate your counter workspace with LED lights, an alternative to florescent that's both functional and beautiful. ...
  • Power Outlets. ...
  • Jar Opener. ...
  • Knife Block. ...
  • Stemware Rack. ...
  • Spice Rack. ...
  • Cookbook Stand. ...
  • Appliance Garage.

What brands of kitchen cabinets does Lowes carry?

Lowe's offers a variety of custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from several different manufacturers to meet your style and construction preferences and exceed your every expectation. Shop KraftMaid cabinets, Shenandoah cabinets, Diamond cabinets and Schuler Cabinetry cabinets.

Why are kitchen cabinets on legs?

For clients who have a small kitchen, cabinets with legs are a must. They help to increase storage space in compact kitchens. By lifting the cabinets off the ground, they can create more space for storage underneath them. This is especially useful if there are a lot of small items that need to be stored away.

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