Why don t cabinets go to the floor?

Author: Benton Bosco DVM  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

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.

Why don't cabinets go all the way to the floor?

Reasons for fitting flooring AROUND cabinets:
  • allows for flooring to float. Cabinets will not rest on flooring and block it from movement.
  • cost saving on flooring material.
  • easier to lay if plumbing from the floor rather than from the wall
  • toe-kick required, preferably with a water seal

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

If you put down cabinets over floor, the expansion and contraction of the planks will be irregular due to cabinets holding down the floors underneath. This will cause the floors that are not under the cabinets to heave in unpredictable ways. You will possibly regret this. You will not regret putting the cabs in first.

Do cabinets go directly on the subfloor?

Hardwood: Hardwood flooring should also be installed before cabinets to ensure the kitchen cabinets sit at the proper height. However, you can also install the cabinets on the subfloor before installing flooring by placing shims beneath the cabinets to raise them to the right height.

Why don't kitchen cabinets go up to the ceiling?

Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe explains several reasons why. The first reason is practicality. “At a certain point, there's no benefit to going higher because you'll need more than just a stepladder to reach anything you store there. It's better to keep things more accessible,” Ashley says.

How to fit flooring around awkward kitchen units. EvoCore

Why is there a gap between kitchen cabinets and ceiling?

Most homes have kitchen cabinets that are 32 or 36 inches tall, with an interval of 1 to 2 feet between the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling. There's a valid reason for this: most people can reach wall cabinets with this capacity while standing on the floor or using a ladder.

How high is too high for kitchen cabinets?

Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access. Cabinets higher than 18 inches above the countertop may not leave enough space underneath them for a cooktop and will require a taller cabinet to be installed in its place.

Should kitchen cabinets be attached to the floor?

Do You Need to Screw Base Cabinets to the Floor? Kitchen cabinets that are freestanding floor cabinets, like an island, should be attached to the floor. Otherwise, cabinets should be attached to the wall.

Can you put a vanity on top of vinyl plank flooring?

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.

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.

Does vinyl plank flooring go under kitchen cabinets?

So, if you're wondering if you can put cabinets on top of vinyl plank flooring or if you can install vinyl flooring before or after cabinets, unfortunately, you should have the cabinets installed first or choose from the options described below. Recommended: Install cabinets BEFORE floating flooring.

Do cabinets go on subfloor or hardwood?

Install Flooring First: In the case of new construction or kitchen remodeling, prioritize installing the hardwood flooring before placing the cabinets. This approach allows for a seamless and uniform appearance, with the flooring extending beneath 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.

Is flooring supposed to go under cabinets?

It depends on the type of flooring and personal preference. Installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless look, and easier future floor replacements, and can save material costs for floating floors. However, it may increase labor costs and require additional support for heavy appliances or furniture.

Do you leave shims under cabinets?

Leave a space between the cabinet and wall as recommended by the cabinet manufacturer. 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.

How far should cabinets be from floor?

The standard height for upper cabinets from the floor is 54 inches, or 4 feet and 6 inches. This means the bottom of the upper cabinets should be this far from the floor. This comes from the sum of 34-and-a half-inch base cabinets, a 1-and-a-half inch thick countertop, and an 18-inch backsplash.

Is it OK to use luxury vinyl plank in bathroom?

Absolutely, when you choose the right product and install it thoughtfully. Modern vinyl plank flooring in bathroom environments offers a perfect blend of practicality and style. The key is selecting a properly waterproof product and taking care of installation details around edges and fixtures.

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.

What goes in first, toilet or flooring?

With the flooring in place, the toilet is the next fixture to install. This step is followed closely by setting up the vanity, complete with plumbing for the sink and faucet. Proper installation is crucial to avoid plumbing issues later.

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.

Is it better to put flooring down before cabinets?

Installing the floor first provides a seamless look and makes future changes easier. If the floor runs under the cabinets, you won't face issues when it's time to replace appliances or undertake additional renovations. A fully finished floor enhances both current functionality and future adaptability.

Do toe kicks go before or after flooring?

Does a Toe Kick go on Before or After Flooring? Typically, a toe kick is installed after the flooring in a kitchen. This approach ensures that the flooring can be laid down seamlessly throughout the kitchen area, providing a consistent and finished look.

Are 42 inch cabinets too tall?

42” upper cabinets are a very common selection for 9' ceilings. You will have 12” of space above 42” cabinets; if you want them to meet the ceiling you will have to install 12” of crown molding.

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.

How many inches should cabinets be from a countertop?

The typical measurement for the spacing between cabinets and countertops is 18 inches. It's generally advisable to maintain a minimum clearance of 15 inches and a maximum of 20 inches.

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