Cabinets Before Flooring? (3 Install Timeline Fails!)
Remember that kitchen in your grandma’s house?
The one with the warm, inviting cabinets and that perfectly worn-in linoleum floor?
I can almost smell the cookies baking and hear the laughter echoing through the room.
Those spaces, built with love and attention to detail, are what we all strive for.
But let’s be honest, achieving that perfect harmony between cabinets and flooring isn’t always a piece of cake.
I’m here to tell you about some hard-won lessons I’ve learned over the years as a flooring contractor.
And trust me, I’ve seen it all!
Specifically, I want to talk about the age-old question: cabinets before flooring, or vice versa?
It might seem like a minor detail, but believe me, the order you do things can make or break your entire renovation.
I’m going to share three real-life “fails” where installing cabinets before flooring led to some major headaches.
Hopefully, these stories will help you avoid making the same mistakes in your own projects!
1. The Importance of Installation Order
Okay, so let’s get down to brass tacks. Why does the order of installation even matter?
1.1 Understanding Home Renovations
Think of a home renovation as a carefully choreographed dance.
Each step needs to be executed in the right sequence to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes (or damaging your new floor!).
A typical workflow usually goes something like this:
- Demolition: Out with the old!
- Rough-in Plumbing & Electrical: Get those pipes and wires where they need to be.
- Framing & Drywall: Creating the bones of the space.
- Painting: Adding color and personality.
- Flooring: The foundation of the room’s aesthetic.
- Cabinets & Countertops: The functional heart of the kitchen or bath.
- Appliances & Fixtures: The finishing touches.
Of course, this can vary depending on the scope of the project, but you get the general idea.
1.2 The Role of Cabinets and Flooring
Cabinets and flooring are like peanut butter and jelly.
They’re both essential elements that work together to create a cohesive and functional space.
The flooring sets the tone for the entire room, while the cabinets provide storage and define the layout.
When done right, they create a beautiful and harmonious balance.
However, improper sequencing can throw that balance way off.
Imagine trying to install cabinets on top of an uneven floor, or worse, damaging your brand new flooring while wrestling a heavy cabinet into place.
Not fun, right?
That’s why understanding the interaction between these two elements is crucial for a successful renovation.
2. Fail #1 – The Overlap of Cabinets and Flooring Installations
Alright, let’s dive into our first cautionary tale.
2.1 Case Study Overview
I once worked on a kitchen renovation where the homeowner was super eager to get their new cabinets installed.
They had their heart set on these beautiful, custom-made cabinets and couldn’t wait to see them in place.
The problem? They wanted to install them before the new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was even delivered!
I tried to explain the potential issues, but they were convinced it would save time and money.
Famous last words, right?
2.2 What Went Wrong
Well, as you can probably guess, things didn’t go as planned.
The cabinet installers, bless their hearts, weren’t exactly the most careful bunch.
They dragged the heavy cabinets across the subfloor, leaving scratches and gouges in their wake.
Then, when it came time to install the flooring, we ran into a major problem.
The cabinets weren’t perfectly level, which meant the flooring had to be cut and pieced together around them.
The end result? A choppy, uneven floor that looked anything but seamless. It was a mess!
The industry standard, according to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), recommends installing flooring before cabinets in most scenarios to avoid such issues. https://www.nwfa.org/
2.3 Consequences and Solutions
The homeowner was understandably upset.
They had to pay extra for the flooring to be repaired and re-installed, and the whole project was delayed by several weeks.
The emotional toll was even worse.
They were constantly stressed and frustrated, and the joy of the renovation was completely overshadowed by the problems.
In the end, we were able to salvage the situation, but it cost them a lot of time, money, and sanity.
The solution? Always, always install the flooring first!
It provides a level, protected surface for the cabinets and ensures a seamless, professional finish.
3. Fail #2 – The Height Miscalculations
Now, let’s talk about height.
3.1 Setting the Scene
I remember another project where the homeowner decided to install the cabinets before the tile flooring.
They figured, “Hey, we know the exact thickness of the tile, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
Wrong!
3.2 Breakdown of the Problem
The issue wasn’t the thickness of the tile itself, but the variation in height across the floor.
Even with a perfectly level subfloor, tile installations can have slight variations in height.
And those tiny variations can add up, especially when you’re dealing with a large kitchen or bathroom.
By installing the cabinets first, they essentially locked themselves into a fixed height.
When the tile was installed, it created a noticeable gap between the bottom of the cabinets and the floor in some areas.
In other areas, the tile was so high that it actually interfered with the cabinet doors!
3.3 Resulting Complications
This led to a whole host of problems.
The baseboards had to be custom-cut to fit the uneven gap, and the transitions between the tile and other flooring types were a nightmare.
The homeowner ended up spending a fortune on custom trim and labor just to make everything look presentable.
Plus, the whole project was delayed by several weeks while we figured out how to fix the height discrepancies.
The moral of the story? Always account for potential height variations when planning your renovation.
Installing the flooring first allows you to adjust the cabinet height as needed, ensuring a perfect fit.
According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), it’s generally recommended to install flooring before cabinets to avoid height-related issues. https://www.tcnatile.com/
4. Fail #3 – The Accessibility Nightmare
Let’s move on to our final fail, which involves accessibility.
4.1 Introducing the Homeowner’s Dilemma
I once worked with a homeowner who was renovating their bathroom to make it more accessible for their elderly mother.
They wanted to install a walk-in shower, grab bars, and other features to make the space safer and more comfortable.
However, they made one critical mistake: they installed the vanity and toilet before installing the new vinyl flooring.
4.2 Detailed Analysis
This created a major accessibility nightmare.
The installers had a difficult time maneuvering around the fixtures, and they couldn’t properly fit the flooring in certain areas.
The flooring around the toilet was especially tricky.
They had to make a bunch of awkward cuts, which created a tripping hazard and made it difficult to clean.
Plus, the flooring didn’t extend fully under the vanity, which meant there was a gap between the floor and the cabinet.
This gap was not only unsightly, but it also created a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
4.3 Emotional Impact
The homeowner was devastated.
They had spent a lot of time and money trying to make their bathroom more accessible, but the improper installation actually made it less safe.
Their mother was understandably frustrated and disappointed, and the whole situation created a lot of stress and tension within the family.
The solution? Always prioritize accessibility when planning a renovation, and make sure to install the flooring before any fixtures or cabinets.
This will give you the space you need to maneuver and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
5. Lessons Learned from the Fails
Okay, so what have we learned from these cautionary tales?
5.1 Recap of Key Points
Let’s recap the key takeaways:
- Fail #1: Overlap of Installations: Installing cabinets before flooring can lead to damage, uneven surfaces, and costly repairs.
- Fail #2: Height Miscalculations: Installing cabinets before flooring can create height discrepancies that require custom trim and labor.
- Fail #3: Accessibility Nightmare: Installing cabinets before flooring can limit maneuverability and create safety hazards.
The common thread? Proper planning and sequencing are essential for a successful renovation.
5.2 Reflecting on the Emotional Journey
I know that renovations can be stressful.
You’re dealing with contractors, budgets, timelines, and a whole lot of decisions.
It’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture.
But remember, your home is more than just a collection of rooms.
It’s a place where you create memories, share experiences, and build relationships.
Don’t let the stress of a renovation overshadow the joy of creating a space you love.
5.3 The Bigger Picture
These “fails” aren’t just isolated incidents.
They’re valuable lessons that can help you avoid making the same mistakes in your own projects.
By understanding the importance of proper planning and sequencing, you can save yourself time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
And most importantly, you can create a home that is both beautiful and functional.
Conclusion: The Heart of the Home
So, as we wrap things up, let’s circle back to that feeling of warmth and nostalgia we talked about at the beginning.
Your home is your sanctuary.
It’s a place where you should feel comfortable, safe, and happy.
And while the aesthetics of your cabinets and flooring are important, the process and planning behind their installation are equally vital.
Remember, thoughtful renovations that honor both beauty and functionality are the key to creating a space that truly feels like home.
Don’t rush the process, do your research, and always prioritize quality over speed.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
A qualified flooring contractor can provide valuable guidance and expertise, ensuring that your renovation is a success.
Now go forth and create the home of your dreams!
