As a home renovation expert, I have been asked countless times about the best order for installing kitchen cabinets and flooring. It's a common concern among homeowners who want to ensure that their kitchen renovation is done in the most efficient and effective way possible. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of flooring chosen and the standard height of the cabinets. In this article, I will dive into the details and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your kitchen renovation project. If you have opted for vinyl or laminate flooring, which are both slim in structure, you have the flexibility to install them either behind or under your cabinets and appliances.
This is because these types of flooring can easily fit into the space without affecting the standard height of your cabinets. However, if you have chosen thicker floors such as hardwood or tile, they may need to be installed just above the subfloor to achieve the standard cabinet height. In most cases, it is recommended to install the cabinets or kitchen island before the flooring. This is because standard floor heights are taken into consideration when designing and installing cabinets. By installing the cabinets first, you can ensure that they are at the correct height and then install the flooring around them.
This will also make it easier to install the appliances later on. The floor covering, also known as the finished floor, is what you see and walk on in your kitchen. This can include materials such as laminate, vinyl, wood, or tile. When installing these types of flooring, it is important to cut them to size and glue them to the cabinets or island. This will leave minimal space between the floor and the cabinets, which can then be covered with a plinth or shoe trim that is nailed to the bottom of the base of the cabinets. But what if you want to keep your current cabinets and appliances? In this case, the floor still needs to be replaced.
One solution is to install thin floors, such as luxury laminate or vinyl flooring, that can be placed up to the cabinets. The cut edge of the floor can then be covered with quarter circumference or base moldings, giving a seamless and professional finish. However, there may be design circumstances that require the total floor height to be raised. For example, if you have a strange appliance or a construction anomaly that affects the standard height of your cabinets. In this case, it is possible to install the flooring before the appliances, kitchen cabinets, and kitchen island to compensate for the difference in height. When it comes to choosing the best order for installing kitchen cabinets and flooring, it is important to consider the type of flooring you have chosen and the standard height of your cabinets.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your kitchen renovation project is done efficiently and effectively, resulting in a beautiful and functional space for you and your family to enjoy.
