When it comes to remodelling your kitchen, one decision that often leaves homeowners wondering is whether to install flooring beneath the cabinets. While this may seem like a small detail, it plays a big role in the overall design and functionality of the space. In this article, we’ll have a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of installing flooring under kitchen cabinets, and why it’s a choice worth considering for a smoother, more polished renovation.
Should You Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets? Here’s Why It Matters
When remodelling your kitchen, one of the most common questions is: Do you install flooring under kitchen cabinets? This is a crucial decision that impacts both the look and functionality of your space. Installing flooring under kitchen cabinets is not always necessary, but in most cases, you should install flooring before kitchen cabinets to ensure a cleaner, more cohesive look.
If you’re wondering, does flooring go under cabinets? The answer is yes. Installing the floor beneath the cabinets helps achieve a seamless, polished look throughout the kitchen, avoiding gaps or visible cuts around the cabinetry.
Benefits of Installing Flooring Before Kitchen Cabinets
There are several advantages to installing flooring before kitchen cabinets. First, it creates a cleaner, more finished look because the flooring runs continuously beneath the cabinets, eliminating the need for awkward cuts around them. This is especially important if you’re using high-end materials like herringbone flooring for kitchen or chevron flooring for kitchen layouts, where a seamless appearance is essential.
Additionally, installing flooring before cabinets allows for future flexibility. If you decide to reconfigure your kitchen layout or replace cabinets down the road, you won’t have to worry about patching or replacing flooring.
Moreover, installing flooring under cabinets can prevent potential damage during installation, as heavy cabinets and appliances can scratch or dent newly laid floors.
Summary of Benefits:
- Cleaner, Seamless Appearance
- Flexibility for Future Changes
- Protection from Installation Damage
Drawbacks of Installing Flooring Before Kitchen Cabinets
While there are many benefits to installing flooring first, there are some drawbacks to installing flooring before kitchen cabinets. One of the main disadvantages is the higher cost. Since the flooring will need to be installed under the cabinets, additional materials are required, which increases the overall expense of the remodel.
Another potential downside is the risk of damage during installation. Cabinets, especially heavy ones, can cause damage to newly installed flooring. For this reason, some homeowners prefer to install cabinets first to prevent this risk.
Summary of Drawbacks:
- Higher Installation Costs
- Risk of Flooring Damage During Cabinet Installation
Benefits and Drawbacks of Installing Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets at a Glance
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Cleaner, Seamless Appearance: Installing the flooring before the cabinets creates a continuous, polished look across the kitchen, avoiding awkward cuts around the cabinetry. This is especially important when using high-end materials like herringbone or chevron flooring, where a seamless appearance is essential. | Higher Installation Costs: Installing flooring under the cabinets requires additional materials, which increases the overall expense of the remodel. This extra cost might be a significant factor to consider when budgeting for the project. |
| Flexibility for Future Changes: If you decide to reconfigure your kitchen layout or replace cabinets down the road, you won’t have to worry about patching or replacing flooring. The floor will already be in place, providing flexibility for future updates. | Risk of Flooring Damage During Cabinet Installation: There is a risk that heavy cabinets and appliances could cause scratches or dents in the newly installed flooring. For this reason, some homeowners prefer to install the cabinets first to avoid this potential damage. |
| Protection from Installation Damage: Installing the flooring first protects it from potential damage caused by heavy cabinets and appliances during the installation process. Without the flooring in place, there is a higher risk of flooring damage. |
The Correct Sequence for a Kitchen Remodel
The question often arises: do you install flooring before kitchen cabinets, or is it better to install the cabinets first? The correct sequence for a kitchen remodel largely depends on your flooring material and kitchen design. Typically, it is recommended to install flooring before kitchen cabinets to achieve a more consistent finish and save time in the long run.
However, if you’re using floating floors, like vinyl or laminate options, installing cabinets first might be the better choice. Floating floors are designed to expand and contract, and placing cabinets on top can restrict this natural movement, leading to buckling or gaps. This is a key consideration when deciding whether to install flooring or cabinets first.
When Should You Paint the Kitchen: Before or After Installing Flooring?
Another common question is do you install flooring before or after cabinets when it comes to painting. For a smoother painting process, it’s often best to install flooring first, especially when choosing durable options like laminate flooring for sale or luxury vinyl flooring for kitchen spaces.
By installing the floor first, you can avoid any paint splatters or damage to your new floors during the painting process. It also makes it easier to achieve cleaner lines around baseboards and edges once the floor is already in place.
Floating Floors in the Kitchen: The Exception to the Rule
There is an important exception when it comes to installing floating floors. If you are choosing laminate flooring for kitchen or vinyl plank flooring, you might ask: Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets? In these cases, it’s better to install cabinets first to prevent the floor from expanding and contracting under the weight of the cabinets. Floating floors require room to move, so installing them before the cabinets can restrict their natural movement.
For floating floors, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid issues with long-term durability.
Why Installing Flooring First is the Best Choice for Your Kitchen
At Flooring Surgeons, we believe that installing flooring first is the best approach for most kitchen remodels. It offers a seamless, polished appearance and eliminates the hassle of adjusting the floor around the cabinets later on. Whether you are opting for chevron flooring for the kitchen or other premium materials, laying the flooring first ensures that your kitchen looks clean and well-coordinated.
Although installing flooring before kitchen cabinets might seem like a higher initial expense, it can save you money in the long term by preventing the need to redo the flooring if you ever replace your cabinets. This approach also gives you flexibility for future layout changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, should you install flooring under cabinets is a question that depends on your kitchen design and future plans. However, in most cases, installing flooring before kitchen cabinets provides the best results, offering a cohesive look and future flexibility.
At Flooring Surgeons, we recommend installing your flooring first to ensure a durable, consistent look that will stand the test of time. Whether you choose luxury vinyl flooring for kitchen spaces or engineered flooring for kitchen areas, we are here to help guide you to the best flooring for kitchen floor options.
