When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the most common questions homeowners face is whether to install cabinets before or after flooring. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on factors like flooring type, cabinet style, and long-term maintenance needs. This guide will help you make the best decision for your renovation project.
Key Considerations for Cabinet and Flooring Installation Order
Before deciding on installation order, consider these important factors:
- Type of flooring being installed (tile, hardwood, laminate, etc.)
- Cabinet construction (custom-built vs. pre-fabricated)
- Future remodeling plans for the space
- Budget constraints for your project
- Height requirements for appliances and countertops
Installing Cabinets Before Flooring: Pros and Cons
Many professional installers prefer installing cabinets before flooring. Here’s why:
Advantages of Cabinet-First Installation
- Saves money by reducing the amount of flooring material needed
- Protects new floors from scratches and damage during cabinet installation
- Easier installation as cabinets sit directly on the subfloor
- More stable base for heavy cabinetry
Disadvantages of Cabinet-First Installation
- Difficult flooring replacement if cabinets need to stay in place
- Height mismatches can occur if flooring thickness changes later
- Limited design flexibility for future flooring updates
Installing Flooring Before Cabinets: Pros and Cons
Some situations call for flooring to be installed first. Consider these points:
Advantages of Flooring-First Installation
- Complete floor coverage provides seamless look throughout space
- Easier future renovations as cabinets can be removed without floor gaps
- Better moisture protection for floating floor systems
- More precise measurements for cabinet height adjustments
Disadvantages of Flooring-First Installation
- Higher material costs as flooring extends under cabinets
- Potential floor damage during cabinet installation
- Weight concerns for floating floors under heavy cabinetry
Best Practices by Flooring Type
The ideal installation sequence often depends on your specific flooring material:
Tile Flooring
For tile floors, most professionals recommend installing cabinets first. Tile is difficult to cut around cabinets, and the weight of cabinetry helps prevent tile movement during curing.
Hardwood Flooring
With hardwood floors, you have more flexibility. Many installers prefer running flooring under cabinets to allow for expansion/contraction, but the cabinet-first method also works well.
Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
For floating floor systems like laminate or luxury vinyl plank, flooring should typically be installed first to allow for proper expansion. Cabinets should never be installed directly on top of floating floors without proper support.
Concrete or Epoxy Flooring
With poured flooring systems, cabinets are almost always installed first, as these floor coatings are applied after all other permanent fixtures are in place.
Professional Recommendations for Different Scenarios
Here’s what the experts suggest for common remodeling situations:
New Construction
In new builds, install cabinets before flooring in most cases. This allows for precise floor cuts and protects new floors from construction damage.
Full Kitchen Remodel
For complete remodels where both cabinets and flooring are being replaced, the cabinet-first approach is typically more efficient and cost-effective.
Flooring Replacement Only
If keeping existing cabinets, you’ll need to install flooring around them. This requires careful measurements and may involve removing toe kicks for proper installation.
Custom Cabinet Installations
With custom cabinetry, discuss the installation sequence with your cabinet maker, as some designs require specific floor preparations.
Final Thoughts on Installation Sequence
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should install cabinets before or after flooring, these guidelines will help you make an informed decision:
- Prioritize structural integrity – Ensure your installation method provides proper support
- Consider future needs – Think about potential renovations down the road
- Consult professionals – Your flooring installer and cabinet maker may have specific recommendations
- Factor in costs – Both methods have different material and labor implications
By carefully weighing these factors and understanding the pros and cons of each approach, you can choose the installation sequence that best suits your specific project requirements and long-term goals for your space.