If you are looking for a good beginning home improvement project, a kitchen remodel is an excellent choice. When you are planning a kitchen renovation, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to install the flooring before the cabinets. This choice can affect both the efficiency of your renovation and the quality. In this article, we’ll explore each option, helping you determine the best sequence for you. Making the right choice early on can save you time, and money, and ensure your kitchen looks great and functions perfectly. Let’s dive into the details to understand which installation should come first in your renovation plan.

Understanding the Basics

Before talking about which to first, it’s important to go over the basics of both processes. Keep in mind that we are only talking about cabinets and floors. If you are going to be redoing a lot in the kitchen, this would be a good time to take a look at your appliances as well as other aspects to see if they should be replaced.

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet surfaces take up a lot of eye real-estate in the kitchen making it a great start to spruce up the space.  That being said, replacing them entirely can be very expensive. This is why many opt for a simple refresher by resurfacing them by either painting them or staining the wood a different color. An added bonus is that this is a great beginner project! If you are still nervous, start with the base cabinets as these are easier.

Now, this is only for those who are currently happy with the layout of their cabinets. If you would like to improve the flow of your kitchen and are already doing a remodel, this would be a great time to get new cabinets and ensure that you have the kitchen of your dreams.

Flooring

Just like cabinets, the floor of your kitchen is another eye-catcher. This is why doing the floors and cabinet together is a great move as it will completely transform the look of your kitchen! That being said, there are several different options for flooring from planks to tile, and several patterns and colors to choose from in all formats.

Each material has pros and cons including thickness, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It is recommended that you get several samples from your local flooring place before choosing a flooring option.

So, Flooring or Cabinets First?

Industry-standard: Install Cabinets First

Industry standards generally lean towards getting in the cabinets before flooring, especially for heavy, hard-to-move cabinetry that could damage the new flooring. According to many kitchen design experts, by installing the cabinets first, you can ensure a precise fit and finish, making subsequent installations smoother. Yet these are not the only reasons:

• Cost Efficiency

Since the floor will have been stripped to the plywood or concrete depending on the foundation, you won’t have to worry about covering the floor to protect the warranty of your new floor which means saving your money!

• Easier Alterations

 If adjustments or alterations to the cabinetry are necessary, it’s simpler to make these changes because, again, there will be more space to work with since the flooring is thicker than the subfloor.

• Protection from Damage

Installing the flooring after the cabinets protects the floor from scratches, dents, or other damage during the cabinet installation.

The last reason is the biggest factor. Some flooring like vinyl or laminate can be easily ruined by the added weight of new cabinets. Plus, if you are just painting the cabinets, doing this first before bringing in the new flooring is mistake-friendly.

So is Installing Flooring Before Cabinets Wrong? 

The answer might surprise you. Sometimes, it is better to install the floor before the cabinets. If you aren’t replacing the kitchen cabinets or the appliances, or you want to lay down hardwood flooring, you’ll be thankful that you did the floor installation first. 

That being said, let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide. After reading this, you’ll feel like an engineer ready to tackle this remodel!

Installing Cabinets First

• When to Install Cabinets Before Flooring

Do this first if you want to avoid the complexities of cutting and fitting flooring around cabinet bases. This approach is particularly beneficial if you are sure about your cabinet and appliance layout (the kitchen footprint) but are still deciding on flooring options.

• Advantages

  • Simpler for Leveling

Cabinets can be set directly on the subfloor, which makes leveling and installation easier.

• • Flexibility in Flooring Choices

With the cabinets set on the subfloor, you will be able to change out the flooring in the future without touching the cabinets.

• Disadvantages

  • Risk of  Damage

There’s a potential for damage to the floors during cabinet installation.

• • Potential for Height Mismatches

If flooring is installed later, it can lead to mismatches in heights where appliances may not fit under countertops. For example, if you went from vinyl flooring to engineered hardwood, you will have a height difference that might not have been factored in.

Doing Floor Installation First

• When to Install Flooring Before Kitchen Cabinets

Installing flooring first is advisable when you want a seamless look across your kitchen or if you’re installing solid hardwood flooring that needs to be nailed down.

• Types of Kitchen Flooring and When to Install Them

  • Nailed-Down Hardwood

 Since this is a thicker flooring material, it is best installed before the cabinets to ensure it’s laid out evenly.

• • Floating Floors

These can be installed before or after cabinet installation. However, if installed before, the flooring should not be pinned down by the cabinetry to allow for natural expansion and contraction.

• Advantages

  • Seamless Flooring Aesthetic

When you lay the flooring first, you can get it underneath the cabinets and appliances, giving a seamless look to the kitchen.

• • Protection Against Water Damage

Flooring that extends under cabinets provides better protection against leaks, reducing the risk of water damage to the cabinetry.

• Disadvantages

  • Complexity in Cabinet Installation

Cabinets may require additional shimming and adjustments to level over a finished floor which could mean damage to the new floor.

• • Higher Flooring Costs

You may end up buying more flooring material than necessary as it extends under the cabinets which could drain your budget, not leaving enough for the rest of the remodel.

Making the Right Choice on Cabinets or Flooring First

While the industry standard leans towards one way, as you can see, that is not the golden standard. As with any home project, you’ll want to consider every aspect of it from the walls to the floor to ensure that the best approach is taken.

Steps to Take Before Installation 

• Establish a Budget

A fairly obvious one but a vital one. Often, projects zoom past the allocated budget. Make sure that every decision you make in terms of what to do and materials fit within your budget. We recommend inflating this number. Better to have money left over than the opposite after all. 

• Evaluate the Kitchen Layout

It’s important to get a sense of your kitchen footprint and decide if the way to go involves changing that.

• Think about the Materials

There are several factors that some don’t consider like how wood expands and contracts, which can create gaps. Or how painted cabinets are more prone to chipping than stained cabinets. Think about the specific goals of the materials for your kitchen and make sure that you are buying what fits these needs.

Factoring all of these aspects can be stressful-especially for some new to DIY. But, you are not alone in this! Our team of experts at Southwest Kitchen & Bath is here to talk with you or help you tackle any remodel!

Transform Your Kitchen Today with Southwest Kitchen & Bath

At Southwest Kitchen & Bath, we understand the complexities of kitchen renovations. Our expert team can guide you through every decision, ensuring that your kitchen not only looks great but is also functional and aligns with your budget and goals. Remember, we are here to help execute your plan flawlessly.

We offer personalized consultations to tailor our services to your needs. Call us at (520) 531-9187 or you may visit us directly at North Oracle Road, Tuczon. Follow us on social media for more tips and updates.

Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams!