Do Kitchen Cabinets Go In Before Flooring

One of the most common questions homeowners ask during a kitchen renovation is, “Do kitchen cabinets go in before flooring?” The sequence in which cabinets and flooring are installed can impact the overall look, functionality, and longevity of your kitchen. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you make an informed decision that best suits your renovation goals.

In this blog, we’ll explore whether kitchen cabinets should be installed before or after flooring, the factors to consider, and the potential impact on your renovation.

Installing Flooring Before Kitchen Cabinets

Many homeowners and contractors prefer to install flooring before kitchen cabinets, and this approach comes with several advantages. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of Installing Flooring First

Seamless Look: Installing flooring before the cabinets allows for a seamless and uniform look throughout the entire kitchen. The flooring extends wall-to-wall, creating a clean and cohesive appearance. This approach is particularly beneficial for open-concept kitchens where the flooring continues into adjacent rooms.
Easier Future Renovations: If you ever decide to replace or move your kitchen cabinets in the future, having the flooring already installed underneath makes the process easier. You won’t have to worry about patching or matching the flooring where the cabinets were removed.
Improved Moisture Protection: In kitchens, where spills and moisture are common, having the flooring installed before the cabinets can provide better moisture protection. The flooring acts as a continuous barrier, preventing water from seeping into gaps or seams that could occur if the flooring were installed around the cabinets.

Cons of Installing Flooring First

Increased Cost: Installing flooring before cabinets can lead to increased material costs, as you’ll need to purchase more flooring to cover the entire kitchen area, including the space underneath the cabinets. This can add up, especially if you’re using expensive flooring materials like hardwood or tile.
Potential for Damage: During the cabinet installation process, there is a risk of damaging the flooring. Heavy cabinets, tools, or dropped materials can cause scratches, dents, or other damage to the newly installed flooring. To mitigate this risk, contractors often use protective coverings, but this adds another layer of complexity to the project.

Installing Kitchen Cabinets Before Flooring

On the other hand, some contractors and homeowners prefer to install kitchen cabinets before the flooring. This approach has its own set of benefits and challenges, depending on the specific circumstances of your renovation.

Pros of Installing Cabinets First

Cost Savings: By installing cabinets before the flooring, you can save on material costs, as you won’t need to purchase flooring for the area that will be covered by the cabinets. This can be a significant savings, particularly if you’re using high-end flooring materials.
Flexibility in Flooring Choice: Installing cabinets first allows you to choose flooring that complements the installed cabinets, making it easier to achieve the desired aesthetic. Additionally, if you’re working with a limited budget, you can allocate more funds to the cabinetry and choose a more cost-effective flooring option later.
Reduced Risk of Damage: Installing the cabinets first reduces the risk of damaging the flooring during the cabinet installation process. Without the flooring in place, there’s less worry about scratches, dents, or other damage caused by heavy cabinets or tools.

Cons of Installing Cabinets First

Challenging Installation: Installing flooring around cabinets can be more challenging and time-consuming. Cutting and fitting the flooring around cabinet bases, particularly in tight or irregular spaces, requires precision and skill. This can lead to higher labor costs and longer installation times.
Potential for Gaps: When flooring is installed after the cabinets, there’s a risk of gaps or unevenness where the flooring meets the cabinet base. This can result in a less polished appearance and may require additional trim or molding to conceal the gaps.
Limited Flooring Replacement Options: If you ever need to replace the flooring in the future, you may face difficulties if the cabinets were installed first. Removing and reinstalling cabinets to replace the flooring can be costly and time-consuming.

Also Read – Can You Replace Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Countertops?

Factors to Consider When Deciding Installation Order

When deciding whether kitchen cabinets should go in before or after flooring, it’s important to consider several key factors that can influence the best approach for your renovation.

Type of Flooring Material

Hardwood and Tile: If you’re installing hardwood or tile flooring, it’s often recommended to install the flooring before the cabinets. These materials are durable and can handle the weight of cabinets without damage. Additionally, hardwood and tile flooring are typically installed with expansion gaps that are concealed by baseboards, making them suitable for wall-to-wall installation.
Vinyl and Laminate: Vinyl and laminate flooring are more flexible and can be installed after the cabinets without much difficulty. These materials are often installed as floating floors, which means they are not attached to the subfloor and can expand and contract with temperature changes. Installing cabinets first can help keep the floating floor stable.

Kitchen Layout and Design

Open-Concept Kitchens: In open-concept kitchens, where the flooring extends into other living areas, installing the flooring first creates a continuous and cohesive look. This is especially important if the same flooring material is used throughout the space.
Traditional Kitchens: In more traditional kitchen layouts, where the flooring is confined to the kitchen area, installing cabinets first can be a practical option, especially if you’re working with a limited budget.

Future Renovations and Flexibility

Long-Term Considerations: Consider your long-term plans for the kitchen. If you anticipate future renovations or changes to the layout, installing the flooring first may offer more flexibility. On the other hand, if you’re confident in the current layout and don’t foresee major changes, installing cabinets first could be a cost-effective choice.

Best Practices for Installing Cabinets and Flooring

Regardless of the order you choose, there are best practices that can help ensure a successful kitchen renovation with both cabinets and flooring.

Use Protective Coverings

During Cabinet Installation: If you decide to install flooring first, use protective coverings such as heavy-duty cardboard, plywood sheets, or drop cloths to shield the flooring from damage during cabinet installation. Be mindful of sharp tools or heavy objects that could cause scratches or dents.

Ensure Proper Alignment

Leveling Cabinets: Whether you install cabinets before or after the flooring, it’s crucial to ensure that the cabinets are level and properly aligned. Unlevel cabinets can lead to uneven countertops, gaps, and other issues that can impact the overall look and functionality of the kitchen.

Plan for Expansion and Contraction

Allowing for Movement: If you’re installing floating floors, such as vinyl or laminate, it’s important to leave an expansion gap around the edges to allow for movement. This prevents buckling or warping as the flooring expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Consult a Professional

Expert Advice: If you’re unsure about the best approach for your kitchen renovation, consult with a professional contractor or kitchen designer. They can provide expert advice based on your specific needs, materials, and design goals.

Conclusion

So, do kitchen cabinets go in before flooring? The answer depends on various factors, including the type of flooring material, your kitchen layout, budget considerations, and long-term renovation plans. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your specific situation.

Installing flooring before cabinets can create a seamless, cohesive look and make future renovations easier, while installing cabinets first can save on material costs and reduce the risk of flooring damage during installation. By carefully considering these factors and following best practices, you can achieve a successful kitchen renovation that meets your design and functionality goals.