Which comes first, cabinets or flooring?

Author: Linda Lemke Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

If your remodel also includes laying new floors, most experts agree that it's better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets.

Should you install flooring before or after cabinets?

For optimal results in home renovations, cabinets should be installed before the flooring. This ensures a level surface, making cabinet placement easier and providing a polished look. Additionally, it safeguards the flooring from potential damage during installation.

Is it better to install tile flooring under kitchen cabinets or not?

It's always a better installation to have the floor run under the cabinets (think about the dishwasher and having to access the back for service or swapping it out someday).

What order do you install cabinets?

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Attach the Ledger. ...
  2. Step 2: Measure the Cabinets. ...
  3. Step 3: Drill the Cabinets. ...
  4. Step 4: Mount the First Hanging Cabinet. ...
  5. Step 5: Mount the Second Cabinet. ...
  6. Step 6: Drill and Connect the Upper Cabinets. ...
  7. Step 7: Fill the Gaps. ...
  8. Step 8: Finish Mounting the Wall Cabinet.

Should flooring be done first or last?

In construction and renovation, the general practice is to install floors first before adding walls. This approach allows for easier installation of flooring materials and ensures a cleaner finish.

IKEA Kitchen Remodel - What Comes First: Cabinets or New Floors?

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.

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.

Do cabinets go before or after carpet?

Here are the main advantages of laying flooring first: Installation is easier: When you start with your flooring, you usually fit it to the entire kitchen area. This means it doesn't need to be cut around your cabinetry and should be quicker and easier to install. This, in turn, could save you on installation costs.

What order do you install 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.

Should vinyl flooring go under 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.

Do cabinets go in before or after tile?

Installing the tile before the cabinetry means the finished floor will likely be open to access for work (and potential abuse) by other trades. Installing the tile after the cabinets can be beneficial for the tile contractor to ensure they are the last trade on the jobsite before turnover to the owner.

Should laminate flooring be installed under cabinets?

Laminate: Laminate flooring can be treated exactly like vinyl flooring and installed after the cabinets if standard height measurements are met. Hardwood: Harwood flooring can be installed after cabinets, only if the cabinet height is met.

Do cabinets sit on top of flooring?

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.

Should flooring go under the dishwasher?

For instance, built-in appliances, like wall ovens or cooktops, often don't need flooring underneath since they are more permanent fixtures. In contrast, movable appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers benefit from having flooring underneath to prevent movement and protect against potential leaks.

Do you install flooring before a toilet?

Professional contractors generally recommend installing new flooring before placing the toilet.

Should I install flooring before or after cabinets?

The general rule of thumb with kitchen remodels is to follow this order: lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in the appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures and backsplash for the final touches.

What is the right order to remodel a kitchen?

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

What is the general rule in kitchen layout?

Ah, the classic kitchen design rule that's been around forever: the work triangle. This principle organizes the sink, stove, and refrigerator into a triangular layout to minimize walking distances and maximize efficiency. The Rules of the Triangle: Each side of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet.

Do you install hardwood flooring under cabinets?

Flooring should run under cabinets, unless you are doing a floating floor, which you should then install plywood to bring the cabinets up to the same height as the finished floor.

Should you pick flooring or countertops first?

Your project will go much more smoothly if you start by selecting your counters first. Why? There are many more color and pattern variables in countertops than in flooring or cabinetry, so choosing this element first will be much less limiting later.

Do you install cabinets before appliances?

It depends on your priorities. If functionality is your main concern, it's advisable to choose appliances first. However, if style and space are your key considerations, start with the cabinets.

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.

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.

Do countertops go before or after appliances?

Which gets installed first? The general rule is that countertops are installed before appliances, with the possible exception of an under- the-counter dishwasher. Refrigerators, stoves, ranges, and wine coolers are all installed after countertops.

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