When you are renovating your kitchen, one of the big decisions you will have to make is what order to install your new cabinets and flooring. Some people choose to install their cabinets first and then lay their flooring. Others opt to put down their flooring first and then add their cabinets on top.
So, which option is best?
In most cases, it is recommended that you install flooring before cabinets. This allows you to avoid any potential damage to the flooring that could occur during the installation of the cabinets. It also makes it easier to level the cabinets and ensure they are properly installed.
Contents
- Do You Install Flooring before Cabinets
- What is the Usual Order of Installation for New Construction
- How Do I Determine the Best Order of Installation for My Remodel Project
- Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?
- Vinyl Flooring before Or After Cabinets
- Install Laminate Flooring before Or After Cabinets
- Ikea Cabinets before Or After Flooring
- Tile Flooring before Or After Cabinets
- Conclusion
Do You Install Flooring before Cabinets
It is generally recommended that you install your flooring before your cabinets. There are a few reasons for this. First, it is much easier to install flooring when there are no cabinets in the way.
Second, if you have any problems with the flooring, it will be much easier to fix them before the cabinets are installed. Finally, if you ever need to replace the flooring, it will be much easier to do so without having to remove the cabinets first.
What is the Usual Order of Installation for New Construction
The usual order of installation for new construction is as follows: first the foundation is installed, then the framing, then the plumbing and electrical, followed by the windows and doors. Finally, the exterior finishes are added such as siding and trim.
How Do I Determine the Best Order of Installation for My Remodel Project
If you’re planning a remodel, one of the first things you need to do is figure out the order in which you’ll complete the project. This can be a tricky process, as there are many factors to consider. Here are a few tips to help you determine the best order of installation for your remodel project:
1. Start with the essentials. If there are certain aspects of the remodel that are absolutely essential to its completion, start with those. For example, if you’re adding an addition onto your home, you’ll need to pour the foundation and frame the walls before doing anything else.
2. Work from the top down. Another general rule of thumb is to work from the top down when possible. That means starting with items that will be installed at heights, such as cabinets or light fixtures, and then working your way down to flooring and other lower level details.
3. Consider traffic flow. As you’re planning your remodel, it’s also important to think about how people will move through the space once it’s completed. This can help dictate the order in which you complete certain tasks.
For instance, if you’re installing new hardwood floors throughout your home, you’ll want to start in areas that see less foot traffic first so they don’t get damaged during construction.
Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?
Vinyl Flooring before Or After Cabinets
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is durable and easy to care for. When installing vinyl flooring, you may be wondering if it is better to install the flooring before or after the cabinets.
There are a few things to consider when making this decision.
If you are installing new cabinets, you will need to take into account the height of the base cabinets and make sure that the vinyl flooring will not interfere with them. You will also want to make sure that the vinyl flooring is level so that your cabinets will sit evenly on top of it.
If you are replacing old cabinets, you may want to install the vinyl flooring first so that you can avoid any damage to the new cabinets.
You will also want to make sure that the area where the cabinets will sit is clean and free of debris before installation.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully so that your new vinyl flooring lasts for years to come!
Install Laminate Flooring before Or After Cabinets
When you are planning a kitchen remodel, one of the big decisions you will have to make is whether to install your new laminate flooring before or after your cabinets. There are pros and cons to both choices, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.
If you choose to install your laminate flooring before your cabinets, you will likely find it easier to do since there will be no obstacles in the way.
You’ll also be able to avoid any potential damage to the floor that could occur during cabinet installation. On the downside, if you later decide to change your cabinetry, you may need to replace the flooring as well since it would be difficult to match the new cabinets with an existing laminate floor.
If you choose to install your laminate flooring after your cabinets, you may have a bit more work cut out for you since you’ll need to work around the cabinets.
However, this can also provide a more seamless look since the edge of the laminate can be hidden by the cabinet baseboard. And if you ever do decide to change your cabinetry down the road, simply removing the baseboard will give you a clean slate for installing new laminate (or any other type of) flooring.
Ikea Cabinets before Or After Flooring
If you’re thinking about adding new Ikea cabinets to your home, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to install them before or after your flooring. There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s important to weigh your choices carefully before making a decision. Here’s a look at some of the things you should keep in mind when deciding whether to install Ikea cabinets before or after your flooring:
Installing cabinets before flooring can give you a more polished look since the floors will be installed around the cabinets. This can be especially helpful if you have an irregularly shaped kitchen or bathroom. However, installing cabinets before flooring also means that you’ll need to be extra careful not to damage the floors during installation.
If you choose this option, make sure you hire experienced professionals who can guarantee their workmanship.
Installing cabinets after flooring may be less expensive and easier since you won’t have to worry about damaging the floors during installation. However, this option can leave gaps between the bottom of the cabinet and the top of the flooring, which can collect dirt and dust over time.
If cleanliness is a priority for you, then installing cabinets before flooring may be the better choice.
Tile Flooring before Or After Cabinets
One of the most common questions we get here at Flooring America is whether it’s better to install tile flooring before or after cabinets. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t always cut and dry. It really depends on a number of factors, including the type of cabinets you have, the type of tile you’re using, and your own personal preference.
In this blog post, we’ll break down all the considerations you need to take into account so you can make the best decision for your home.
If you have pre-fabricated cabinets:
If your cabinets are pre-fabricated (i.e. they came in one piece from the store), then it’s generally best to install them first.
This is because it can be tricky to get tile around pre-fabricated cabinets without damaging them. If you do choose to tile first, be extra careful when measuring and cutting your tiles so that they fit perfectly around your cabinets.
If you have custom-built cabinets:
If your cabinets are custom built (i.e. they were made specifically for your kitchen), then you have a bit more flexibility in terms of installation order. Some people prefer to install custom cabinets first so they can avoid having to work around existing tile; others prefer to tile first so they can avoid having gaps between their cabinet doors and the new flooring. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – there is no “right” way to do it.
Just be sure that whichever way you choose, you measure carefully and allow for any expansion/contraction that might occur with temperature changes throughout the year.
Conclusion
You might be wondering whether you should install flooring before putting in cabinets. The answer depends on the type of flooring and the installation process. If you’re installing tile, laminate, or hardwood floors, it’s best to do so before putting in cabinets.
This way, you can avoid any damage that might occur during the installation process. However, if you’re installing carpet, it’s usually best to put down the cabinets first.
