Floors Before Cabinets? (4 Costly Errors!)

I’ve seen it all, from dream renovations to complete disasters.

And let me tell you, one of the biggest pitfalls I see folks stumble into is the order in which they install flooring and cabinets.

Home renovation is exciting, right? New floors, fresh cabinets – it’s like giving your home a brand-new lease on life.

But before you dive headfirst into demo day, it’s crucial to have a solid plan.

Flooring and cabinetry are the cornerstones of any home design.

They’re the elements that define the look and feel of a space, and they’re also a significant investment.

A question I get asked all the time is, “Should you install floors before cabinets?”

It seems simple, but the answer can have a massive impact on your budget and the final result.

Think of it this way: are you building a house on a shaky foundation? Of course not!

The same principle applies here.

The order you do things in can make or break your project.

Budget is always a big factor.

Let’s be real, renovations can be expensive!

Understanding how flooring and cabinetry costs intertwine is key to staying on track and avoiding those dreaded overspending surprises.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through the costly errors of installing floors after cabinets.

We’ll explore budget-friendly options and I’ll share real-life case studies.

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

Section 1: Budget Options for Flooring and Cabinetry

1. Understanding Your Budget

Okay, let’s talk money.

What does a realistic budget look like for flooring and cabinetry?

Well, it’s like asking how long a piece of string is – it depends!

I’ve seen flooring and cabinetry eat up anywhere from 15% to 40% of a total renovation budget.

It really boils down to the size of your space, the materials you choose, and whether you’re going DIY or hiring pros.

Here’s a quick example:

Let’s say you’re renovating your kitchen and have a total budget of $30,000.

You might allocate $7,500 (25%) to flooring and cabinetry.

That split could be something like $3,000 for flooring and $4,500 for cabinets.

Remember, these are just examples!

Prioritizing is key.

Think about what matters most to you.

Are you a gourmet chef who needs top-of-the-line cabinets?

Or are you more concerned with durable, easy-to-clean floors because you have kids and pets?

Understanding your needs and lifestyle will help you allocate your funds wisely.

2. Cost-Effective Flooring Options

Flooring can be a real budget buster, but there are ways to save without sacrificing style or quality.

Here’s a rundown of some popular options and their general price ranges (per square foot, installed):

• Laminate: $3 – $7. This is a great budget-friendly option that mimics the look of hardwood or tile.

  It’s durable and easy to clean, but not waterproof. * Vinyl (LVP/LVT): $4 – $10. Vinyl is waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

  It comes in a wide range of styles and is relatively easy to install. * Tile: $5 – $15+. Tile is incredibly durable and comes in endless styles, but it can be cold and hard underfoot.

  Installation can also be more labor-intensive. * Hardwood: $8 – $25+. Hardwood is a classic choice that adds value to your home.

  It’s beautiful and durable, but requires more maintenance and is susceptible to water damage.

Pros and Cons:

Tips for Sourcing Affordable Flooring:

• Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales at big box stores and local flooring retailers.

  I’ve seen discounts of up to 50% during certain times of the year. * Alternative Suppliers: Don’t just stick to the big names.

  Check out online retailers and smaller, local suppliers. They often have competitive prices. * Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate!

  Especially if you’re buying in bulk or paying cash, you might be able to get a better deal. * Consider Seconds or Overstock: Sometimes you can find great deals on slightly imperfect or overstock flooring.

  Just be sure to inspect it carefully before you buy.

3. Cabinetry Costs and Alternatives

Cabinets are another major expense in a renovation.

The price can vary wildly depending on the type you choose.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Stock Cabinets: These are pre-made cabinets that come in standard sizes and styles.

  They’re the most affordable option, typically ranging from $100 to $300 per linear foot. * Semi-Custom Cabinets: These offer more flexibility than stock cabinets.

  You can choose from a wider range of sizes, styles, and finishes. Expect to pay $300 to $800 per linear foot. * Custom Cabinets: These are built to your exact specifications.

  They’re the most expensive option, but you get complete control over the design and materials. Custom cabinets can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000+ per linear foot.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• DIY Cabinetry: If you’re handy, you can build your own cabinets!

  This can save you a lot of money, but it requires time, skill, and the right tools. * Refacing Existing Cabinets: Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the cabinet boxes.

  This can give your kitchen a fresh new look for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. * Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets: RTA cabinets are flat-packed and require assembly.

  They’re a good middle ground between stock and custom cabinets, offering more style options at a reasonable price.

4. Budgeting Tips

Alright, let’s wrap up the budget talk with some strategic tips:

• Create a Detailed Spreadsheet: Track every expense, from materials to labor.

  This will help you stay organized and identify areas where you can cut back. * Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you get.

  Get at least three quotes from different contractors and suppliers to ensure you’re getting a fair price. * Prioritize Quality: It’s tempting to go for the cheapest options, but remember that you often get what you pay for.

  Investing in quality materials and workmanship will save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and replacements. * Contingency Fund: Always set aside a contingency fund (10-15% of your total budget) for unexpected costs.

  Trust me, something always comes up! * DIY Strategically: If you’re on a tight budget, consider doing some of the work yourself, such as painting or demolition.

  But be realistic about your skills and time.

Section 2: The Four Costly Errors of Installing Floors After Cabinets

Okay, now we’re getting to the heart of the matter.

Let’s dive into the four costly errors that can happen when you install floors after your cabinets are already in place.

I’ve seen these mistakes happen time and time again, and they can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a less-than-perfect final result.

1. Error 1: Increased Labor Costs

This is a big one.

Installing cabinets first can significantly increase your labor costs for flooring installation.

Think about it: when the cabinets are already in, the flooring installer has to work around them.

This means more cutting, more maneuvering, and more time spent on the job.

And what does more time mean? You guessed it – more money!

Here’s a scenario I encountered on a recent job:

A homeowner decided to install their kitchen cabinets before calling me to install the new vinyl plank flooring.

The cabinets were already in place, and my team had to carefully cut and fit the flooring around each cabinet base.

This added an extra day to the job, which translated to an extra $500 in labor costs.

If the flooring had been installed first, we could have simply laid it across the entire floor and then installed the cabinets on top.

Much simpler, much faster, and much cheaper!

Another common issue is the need for specialized tools and techniques.

For example, you might need a toe-kick saw to cut the flooring precisely around the cabinet bases.

This requires extra skill and can further increase labor costs.

2. Error 2: Compromised Aesthetics

Even if you manage to save a few bucks on labor (unlikely!), installing floors after cabinets can lead to some serious aesthetic issues.

One of the most common problems is uneven surfaces.

If the subfloor isn’t perfectly level, the cabinets can sit slightly higher or lower than the surrounding flooring.

This can create a noticeable lip or gap, which looks unprofessional and can be a tripping hazard.

Let me paint a picture for you:

Imagine walking into a newly renovated kitchen and seeing a beautiful expanse of hardwood flooring.

But then you notice that the flooring is slightly lower than the base of the cabinets, creating a small but noticeable gap.

It’s like a tiny imperfection that your eye is immediately drawn to.

It just doesn’t look right, does it?

Another issue is visible gaps and seams.

When you install flooring around existing cabinets, it can be difficult to get a perfectly tight fit.

This can leave small gaps or seams that are visible, especially around the edges of the cabinets.

These gaps can collect dirt and debris, making them difficult to clean.

They can also be an eyesore that detracts from the overall look of your kitchen.

Case Study:

I once worked on a project where the homeowner installed tile flooring after the kitchen island was already in place.

The island was large and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver the tile around it.

As a result, there were several noticeable gaps and uneven tiles around the base of the island.

The homeowner was very unhappy with the result and ended up having to pay extra to have the tile re-installed.

3. Error 3: Damage to New Cabinets

This is a painful one.

Installing flooring around existing cabinets can easily result in scratches, dents, and other damage to your brand-new cabinets.

Think about it: you’re maneuvering heavy flooring materials and tools around delicate cabinet surfaces.

It’s a recipe for disaster!

Here are some common scenarios:

• Scratches from tools: It’s easy to accidentally scratch the cabinet doors or sides with a saw, a trowel, or even just a utility knife.
• Dents from dropped materials: Dropping a tile, a plank of hardwood, or even a hammer can easily dent the cabinet surfaces.
• Dust and debris: The flooring installation process can generate a lot of dust and debris, which can get into the cabinet interiors and damage the finish.

I’ve seen it happen so many times:

A homeowner spends thousands of dollars on new cabinets, only to have them damaged during the flooring installation.

It’s a heartbreaking situation, and it can be easily avoided by installing the flooring first.

Testimonial from a fellow contractor:

“I always advise my clients to install the flooring before the cabinets,” says [Contractor Name], a kitchen and bath remodeler in [City, State].

“I’ve seen too many brand-new cabinets get damaged during flooring installation. It’s just not worth the risk.”

4. Error 4: Complicated Maintenance and Repairs

Even if you manage to avoid the previous three errors, installing cabinets first can still complicate future maintenance and repairs of your flooring.

Imagine you need to replace a damaged plank of hardwood flooring in your kitchen.

If the cabinets are already in place, you’ll have to carefully cut and remove the damaged plank without damaging the cabinets.

This can be a tricky and time-consuming process.

You might even have to remove the toe-kicks of the cabinets to get the plank out.

Another issue is water damage.

If you have a water leak in your kitchen, the water can seep under the cabinets and damage the flooring.

If the cabinets are installed on top of the flooring, it can be difficult to access the damaged area and make repairs.

You might even have to remove the cabinets to fully address the water damage.

Insight from a home improvement expert:

“Installing flooring before cabinets makes future maintenance and repairs much easier,” says [Expert Name], a home improvement expert at [Company].

“It allows you to easily access and replace damaged flooring without having to worry about damaging the cabinets.”

Section 3: Real-Life Case Studies

Let’s get real.

I want to share some real-life case studies of homeowners who made the decision to install cabinets before flooring.

These stories will illustrate the challenges they faced and the financial impacts of their choices.

Case Study 1: The DIY Disaster

• Homeowner: John, a first-time home renovator.
• Decision: Installed kitchen cabinets before luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.

• Challenge: John attempted to install the LVP himself after the cabinets were in place.

  He struggled to make precise cuts around the cabinet bases, resulting in visible gaps and uneven edges. * Financial Impact: John ended up hiring a professional flooring installer to redo the job, costing him an extra $800 in labor.

  He also had to purchase additional LVP to replace the pieces he had incorrectly cut. * Quote from John: “I thought I could save money by doing it myself, but I ended up spending more in the long run.

  I should have just hired a professional from the start and installed the flooring before the cabinets.”

Case Study 2: The Scratched Cabinets

• Homeowner: Sarah, a busy professional.
• Decision: Hired a contractor to install kitchen cabinets before tile flooring.
• Challenge: During the tile installation, the contractor accidentally scratched several of Sarah’s brand-new cabinets.

• Financial Impact: Sarah had to pay an additional $500 to have the cabinets repaired.

  She was also frustrated by the inconvenience and the delay in completing her kitchen renovation. * Quote from Sarah: “I was so excited about my new kitchen, but the scratches on the cabinets really took the shine off.

  I wish I had known to install the flooring first. It would have saved me a lot of stress and money.”

Case Study 3: The Water Damage Nightmare

• Homeowner: Michael, a retiree.
• Decision: Installed bathroom cabinets before vinyl flooring.

• Challenge: A leaky pipe under the sink caused water damage to the vinyl flooring.

  Because the cabinets were installed on top of the flooring, it was difficult to access the damaged area. * Financial Impact: Michael had to remove the cabinets to fully repair the water damage and replace the flooring.

  This cost him over $1,000 in labor and materials. * Quote from Michael: “I never thought about the possibility of water damage.

  But now I know that it’s always best to install the flooring before the cabinets. It makes repairs so much easier.”

These case studies highlight the real-world consequences of installing cabinets before flooring.

While it might seem like a small detail, the order in which you do things can have a significant impact on your budget, the aesthetics of your home, and your overall satisfaction with the renovation process.

Section 4: Final Thoughts on Installation Sequencing

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article.

Let’s recap the key takeaways:

• Budget is Crucial: Understanding your budget for flooring and cabinetry is essential for making informed decisions.
• Costly Errors: Installing floors after cabinets can lead to increased labor costs, compromised aesthetics, damage to new cabinets, and complicated maintenance and repairs.
• Real-Life Examples: The case studies we discussed illustrate the real-world consequences of improper installation sequencing.

So, what’s the bottom line?

In most cases, it’s almost always better to install your flooring before your cabinets.

This simple decision can save you time, money, and frustration.

It can also help you achieve a more professional and aesthetically pleasing result.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

In some cases, it might be necessary to install cabinets first due to specific design constraints or structural considerations.

But in general, the benefits of installing flooring first far outweigh the risks.

Before you start your next renovation project, take some time to think critically about your plans and the financial implications of your choices.

Consult with a qualified flooring contractor to get their expert advice.

And remember, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a successful and stress-free renovation.

Conclusion

Home renovation is an exciting journey, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the order in which you install your flooring and cabinetry.

By understanding the budget options and the costly errors associated with improper sequencing, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother renovation process.

So, take the time to do your research, consult with professionals, and make informed decisions.

Your home (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

Thanks for reading, and I hope this article has been helpful.

I encourage you to share your own experiences or thoughts on this topic in the comments below.

Happy renovating!

Learn more