Floor Before Cabinets? (2 Install Blunders!)

(2 Install Blunders!)

I’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to flooring installations.

Today, we’re diving into a hot topic: flooring before cabinets – is it a brilliant move or a recipe for disaster?

Let’s face it, tackling a kitchen or bathroom remodel can feel like navigating a minefield.

But here’s a quick win I often share: installing your flooring before your cabinets can actually save you time and money if done right.

It can simplify future flooring repairs or replacements and give you that gorgeous, seamless look we all crave.

However, like any shortcut, there are potential pitfalls.

So, grab a coffee, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this debate.

Understanding the Debate:

Flooring Before or After Cabinets?

The age-old question! Should you lay your flooring before or after installing your cabinets?

It’s a debate that sparks heated discussions among homeowners and contractors alike.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because the best approach depends on several factors, including:

• Your Design Preferences: Do you want a seamless look with flooring flowing underneath the cabinets, or are you okay with a toe-kick covering the flooring edge?

• The Scope of Your Renovation: Are you doing a full gut renovation or just replacing the flooring?

• The Type of Flooring: Some flooring materials are more forgiving than others when it comes to installation order.

• Your Budget: Believe it or not, installing flooring before cabinets can sometimes save you money on material costs.

Think of it like this: imagine trying to put on your socks after you’ve already put on your shoes.

Possible? Yes. Ideal? Not really.

Similarly, installing flooring after cabinets means working in tight spaces and making precise cuts, which can be time-consuming and costly.

However, going the “flooring first” route without proper planning can lead to some serious headaches.

Let’s explore the two biggest blunders I’ve witnessed over the years.

Blunder #1:

Uneven Floors and Cabinet Stability

This is a big one, folks.

Imagine spending a fortune on beautiful new cabinets, only to find that they’re wobbly and uneven because of the underlying floor.

Installing flooring before cabinets can create uneven surfaces if you don’t account for variations in the subfloor.

Even seemingly level subfloors can have slight dips and humps that become magnified when you add a layer of flooring on top.

This can lead to:

• Unstable Cabinets: Cabinets that aren’t level can rock and wobble, making it difficult to open and close doors and drawers smoothly.

• Misaligned Countertops: Uneven cabinets can throw off the alignment of your countertops, creating gaps and unsightly seams.

• Aesthetic Nightmares: Let’s be honest, nothing screams “amateur renovation” like cabinets that are visibly out of plumb.

I remember one project where a homeowner decided to install luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout his kitchen before installing his new cabinets.

He thought he was saving time and money, but he didn’t properly level the subfloor first.

The result? His brand-new cabinets were noticeably uneven, and his countertop installer had a nightmare trying to create a level surface.

In the end, he had to pay extra to have the cabinets shimmed and leveled, and the countertop seams were still visible.

The total cost to fix his mistake? Around $1,500.

How to Avoid This Blunder:

• Level, Level, Level: Before installing any flooring, take the time to thoroughly inspect and level your subfloor. Use a self-leveling compound to fill in any dips or low spots.

• Consider Underlayment: A good quality underlayment can help even out minor imperfections in the subfloor.

• Talk to Your Cabinet Installer: Communicate with your cabinet installer about your flooring plans. They can advise you on the best approach to ensure a level and stable installation.

• Shims are Your Friend: Don’t be afraid to use shims to fine-tune the level of your cabinets.

The Impact on Appliance Installation

Ever tried shoving a dishwasher into a space that’s just a hair too small?

Frustrating, right?

Installing flooring before cabinets can complicate appliance installation, especially for appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves.

Here’s why:

• Height Variations: The thickness of your flooring can affect the overall height of the appliance opening. If the flooring is too thick, you might have trouble sliding the appliance into place.

• Leveling Issues: Appliances need to be level to function properly. If the flooring underneath the appliance is uneven, it can throw off the leveling and cause problems.

• Ventilation Problems: Some appliances, like refrigerators, require proper ventilation. If the flooring blocks the ventilation openings, it can lead to overheating and damage.

I once worked on a project where the homeowner installed tile flooring before installing his new dishwasher.

He didn’t account for the thickness of the tile, and when he tried to slide the dishwasher into place, it wouldn’t fit.

He ended up having to remove a portion of the tile to create enough clearance, which was a messy and time-consuming process.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a dishwasher is between $160 and $820.

Imagine adding to that cost because of a flooring blunder!

How to Avoid This Blunder:

• Measure, Measure, Measure: Before installing your flooring, carefully measure the height of your appliance openings.

• Consider Appliance Height: Choose appliances that are compatible with the thickness of your flooring.

• Leave a Gap: Leave a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between the flooring and the appliance opening to allow for slight variations in height.

• Use Appliance Levelers: Most appliances come with adjustable levelers that can help you fine-tune the height and ensure that the appliance is level.

Blunder #2:

Flooring Damage During Cabinet Installation

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the potential for damaging your brand-new flooring during cabinet installation.

It’s a real concern, especially if you’ve invested in expensive or delicate flooring materials like hardwood or tile.

Here’s what can go wrong:

• Scratches and Dents: Heavy cabinets can easily scratch or dent your flooring if they’re dragged or dropped during installation.

• Chips and Cracks: Tools and equipment can chip or crack tile or stone flooring.

• Stains and Spills: Adhesives, paints, and other materials can stain or damage your flooring.

I’ve seen countless projects where homeowners were heartbroken to discover scratches and dents in their new flooring after the cabinets were installed.

It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you’ve put so much time and effort into creating a beautiful space.

According to a survey by the National Wood Flooring Association, 82% of homeowners say that the appearance of their wood floors is “very important” or “extremely important.”

Damaging your flooring during cabinet installation can significantly detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

How to Avoid This Blunder:

• Protect Your Flooring: Before installing your cabinets, cover your flooring with a protective layer of cardboard, plywood, or construction paper.

• Use Furniture Sliders: Use furniture sliders to move heavy cabinets across the floor without scratching or denting it.

• Lift, Don’t Drag: Whenever possible, lift cabinets instead of dragging them.

• Be Careful with Tools: Be extra careful when using tools around your flooring. Avoid dropping tools or dragging them across the surface.

• Clean Up Spills Immediately: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining or damage.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Alright, let’s break down the pros and cons of installing flooring before and after cabinets.

This will give you a clearer picture of which approach is right for your project.

Flooring Before Cabinets:

Pros:

• Seamless Look: Creates a clean, uninterrupted look with flooring flowing underneath the cabinets.

• Easier Installation: Can be easier to install flooring without having to work around cabinets.

• Potential Cost Savings: Can save money on material costs, as you don’t need to cut flooring to fit around cabinets.

• Easier Repairs/Replacements: Makes future flooring repairs or replacements easier.

Cons:

• Uneven Floors: Can lead to uneven cabinet surfaces if the subfloor isn’t properly leveled.

• Appliance Installation: Can complicate appliance installation due to height variations.

• Damage Risk: Risk of damaging flooring during cabinet installation.

• Wasted Material: You’ll be covering areas that will be hidden by cabinets, potentially wasting material.

Flooring After Cabinets:

Pros:

• Stable Cabinets: Ensures that cabinets are installed on a level surface.

• Easier Appliance Installation: Simplifies appliance installation as the flooring doesn’t affect the height of the appliance openings.

• Reduced Damage Risk: Reduces the risk of damaging flooring during cabinet installation.

• Less Material Waste: You only install flooring in the visible areas, reducing material waste.

Cons:

• Difficult Installation: Can be difficult to install flooring in tight spaces around cabinets.

• Higher Material Costs: May require more material due to the need for precise cuts.

• Less Seamless Look: Can result in a less seamless look, with toe-kicks covering the flooring edge.

Alternative Solutions and Best Practices

So, you’re set on installing your flooring before your cabinets, but you want to avoid the blunders we’ve discussed.

What are your options?

Here are some alternative solutions and best practices to consider:

• Floating Floors: Consider using a floating floor system, such as laminate or engineered hardwood. These floors are designed to “float” above the subfloor, which can help even out minor imperfections.

• Cabinet Platforms: Build a platform for your cabinets to sit on. This will raise the cabinets above the flooring and create a level surface.

• Toe-Kick First: Install the flooring first, then install the toe-kicks of the cabinets before the rest of the cabinetry. This gives you the seamless look without the risk of damaging the flooring.

• Professional Installation: Hire a professional flooring contractor and cabinet installer who have experience working together. They can coordinate their efforts to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

Best Practices for Either Method:

• Communicate: Talk to your flooring contractor and cabinet installer about your plans and concerns.

• Plan Ahead: Carefully plan the installation process and anticipate potential problems.

• Be Patient: Don’t rush the installation process. Take your time and do it right.

• Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the work to ensure that it’s being done correctly.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the pros and cons of installing flooring before cabinets, along with the two biggest blunders to avoid.

While there are potential pitfalls to installing flooring before cabinets, with proper planning, preparation, and communication, these issues can be navigated successfully.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to install flooring before or after cabinets depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your budget and design goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for professional advice.

With the right approach, you can achieve a beautiful and functional kitchen or bathroom that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Happy renovating!

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