Are Kitchen Cabinets Installed On Top Of Flooring?

When it comes to kitchen renovations, one of the most common questions homeowners have is whether or not kitchen cabinets should be installed on top of the flooring. As a homeowner who recently underwent a kitchen renovation, I can share my personal experience and insights on this topic.

Personal Experience

During my kitchen renovation, I decided to have new flooring installed before the cabinets. My contractor recommended this approach as it would allow for a more seamless and polished look. The flooring was installed first, then the cabinets were installed on top.

However, I later learned that there are varying opinions on this topic and that some contractors prefer to install the cabinets first and then install the flooring around them.

Step by Step Guide

Option 1: Install Flooring First

Remove existing flooring
Prepare subfloor as needed
Install new flooring
Allow flooring to acclimate to the environment for the recommended amount of time
Install kitchen cabinets on top of the flooring

Option 2: Install Cabinets First

Remove existing cabinets
Prepare subfloor as needed
Install new cabinets
Install new flooring around the cabinets

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Consult with your contractor to determine the best approach for your specific kitchen renovation.
Consider the type of flooring you are installing. Some types of flooring, such as hardwood, may require more acclimation time before installation.
If you choose to install the flooring first, make sure it is protected during the cabinet installation process.
When installing cabinets on top of flooring, make sure they are level and secure.
If you choose to install cabinets first, make sure they are positioned correctly to allow for the flooring to be installed around them.
Consider the cost and time involved with each approach. Installing cabinets first may require more time and expense to have the flooring installed around them.
Think about the aesthetic impact of each approach. Installing flooring first may provide a more seamless and polished look, while installing cabinets first may provide a more custom and fitted look.
Consider the functionality of your kitchen. Installing cabinets first may allow for more flexibility in the layout and placement of appliances.
Research local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance with any installation requirements.
Consider the long-term maintenance of your flooring and cabinets. Installing flooring first may make it easier to replace or update in the future, while installing cabinets first may make it harder to access and maintain the flooring.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Installing Flooring First:

Provides a more seamless and polished look
Makes it easier to replace or update flooring in the future

Cons of Installing Flooring First:

May require more protection of the flooring during cabinet installation
May be more expensive and time-consuming to install cabinets on top of the flooring

Pros of Installing Cabinets First:

Provides a more custom and fitted look
Allows for more flexibility in layout and placement of appliances

Cons of Installing Cabinets First:

May make it harder to access and maintain the flooring
May require more time and expense to have the flooring installed around the cabinets

Personal Review and Suggestion

Based on my personal experience and research, I would recommend consulting with your contractor and considering your specific needs and preferences before making a decision on whether to install kitchen cabinets on top of flooring or vice versa. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on a variety of factors such as cost, time, aesthetics, and functionality.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can you install kitchen cabinets on top of floating floors?

A: Yes, it is possible to install kitchen cabinets on top of floating floors, but it is important to ensure that the cabinets are level and secure. It may also be necessary to add extra support or reinforcement to the flooring to prevent damage or shifting.

Q: Can you install kitchen cabinets on top of tile flooring?

A: Yes, it is possible to install kitchen cabinets on top of tile flooring, but it may require additional preparation and installation steps such as leveling and reinforcing the subfloor. It is important to consult with your contractor to ensure that the installation is done correctly and meets local building codes and regulations.