Install Flooring Before Cabinets

Rob in general the flooring should go under the cabinets assuming it s hardwood or tile and it s nailed or glued.

Install flooring before cabinets.

Now install the new flooring but keep it about a inch from the first filler strip. The flooring contractor will not have to work around existing cabinetry so the work can go that much faster. The flooring will be able to expand and contract beneath the toekick without revealing a gap. Install tile under cabinets and floor based appliances with a 2 inset this allows you to move the pattern and grout lines where needed.

Install plywood in remaining area to exact height of tile floor to finish cabinet install. The finish can be applied after the cabinet installation lessening concerns about marring the floors during the remodel. If you foresee yourself craving layout change we advise you cover your kitchen in wall to wall flooring first. If you have any more remodeling questions the design experts at cabinets to go are always happy to help.

With a floating floor you install after and cabinets should be raised by adding plywood underneath them before the cabinets are installed. In most cases given standard flooring heights you will install the cabinets before the floor covering. Cabinets and appliances without flooring underneath are much harder to move. Installing the floors before the cabinets has some advantages.

Finally install the cabinets on both strips and attach the toekicks. No wasted tile and appliances can me moved for repairs without problems. Typically cabinets come before flooring. Since your floor will be floating on the subfloor and connected solely by the locking system it needs space to expand and contract with temperature changes.