Kitchen Renovation Guide: Flooring vs. Cabinets - Which Comes First?
The Cabinet-First Approach: Traditional Wisdom
For decades, contractors have typically installed cabinets before flooring, and for good reason. This approach offers several distinct advantages that make it the preferred method for many professionals.
Advantages of Installing Cabinets First
Protection of New Flooring
By installing cabinets first, you eliminate the risk of damaging your brand-new floors during the cabinet installation process. Cabinet installation involves heavy lifting, tools being dropped, and various other activities that could potentially scratch, dent, or otherwise harm your pristine flooring.
Material Cost Savings
When cabinets go in first, you only need to install flooring in the visible areas of your kitchen. This can result in significant savings, especially when working with premium flooring materials like hardwood or natural stone. For budget-conscious renovations, these savings can be substantial enough to either reduce overall costs or allow for upgrades in other areas.
Simplified Cabinet Leveling
Cabinets require precise leveling for proper installation, particularly for ensuring straight countertops and properly functioning doors and drawers. Installing directly on the subfloor provides a stable, consistent surface for leveling without the variables that different flooring materials might introduce.
No Complicated Cuts
Flooring installed after cabinets eliminates the need for intricate cuts around cabinet footprints, simplifying the installation process and reducing waste from cutting errors.
Disadvantages of the Cabinet-First Approach
Limited Future Flexibility
Perhaps the biggest drawback is what happens if you want to change your kitchen layout down the road. With cabinets installed first, you'll have gaps in your flooring if you remove or relocate cabinets, necessitating potentially costly flooring repairs or replacement.
Appliance Height Inconsistencies
When flooring is installed around cabinets, appliances that sit on the flooring (like refrigerators and ranges) will be slightly higher than countertop height, which can create visual and functional issues.
Replacement Complications
Future flooring replacement becomes more complicated as you'll need to work around existing cabinets, often requiring more skilled labor.
The Flooring-First Approach: The Modern Alternative
In recent years, more designers and homeowners have opted to install flooring before cabinets, particularly in high-end renovations or when planning for long-term flexibility.
Advantages of Installing Flooring First
Maximum Future Flexibility
With flooring running throughout the entire kitchen, you have complete freedom to reconfigure your space in the future without worrying about flooring gaps or mismatches.
Consistent Appliance Height
Appliances will sit at the same height as adjacent cabinetry, creating a seamless look across countertops and surfaces. This is particularly important for built-in appliances that need to align perfectly with surrounding cabinetry.
Simplified Future Renovations
When it's time to replace cabinets in the future, you won't need to disturb your flooring, making cabinet updates much simpler and often less expensive.
Uniform Base Throughout
A continuous flooring surface provides a uniform foundation throughout the room, which can be especially beneficial in open-concept spaces where kitchen flooring flows into adjacent areas.
Disadvantages of the Flooring-First Approach
Higher Material Costs
You'll need to purchase more flooring material since it will extend underneath all cabinets and appliances, potentially increasing your budget significantly.
Risk of Damage During Construction
Your new flooring will be exposed to the rigors of cabinet installation, including potential scratches, dents, or stains from construction activities.
Additional Protection Required
You'll need to factor in the cost and hassle of thoroughly protecting your new floors during the remainder of the renovation, which can slow down the process and add complexity.
Material-Specific Considerations
Your choice of flooring material should influence your installation sequence:
Hardwood Flooring
Most hardwood floor specialists recommend installing cabinets first to protect the wood and minimize material costs. Hardwood is particularly vulnerable to construction damage and moisture issues.
Tile Flooring
Many tile installers prefer to tile the entire floor first, as this creates a more stable surface and eliminates difficult cuts around cabinet toe kicks. Additionally, tile provides an excellent stable base for cabinet installation.
Laminate and Luxury Vinyl
These floating floors need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Installing cabinets after flooring can restrict this movement and potentially cause buckling or warping over time.
Making Your Decision
When deciding which installation sequence is right for your kitchen renovation, consider:
Budget Constraints: If you're working with limited funds, installing cabinets first will reduce flooring material costs.
Long-term Plans: If you anticipate changing your kitchen layout within the next decade, flooring-first may save you money in the long run.
Flooring Material: Some materials are better suited for one approach over the other.
Professional Recommendations: Consult with your flooring installers about their preferred methods and recommendations for your particular situation.
Conclusion
While there's no universally "correct" answer to whether flooring or cabinets should come first, understanding the pros and cons of each approach allows you to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances, materials, and long-term vision for your home. By carefully weighing these factors against your budget and renovation goals, you can choose the installation sequence that will best serve your kitchen for years to come.
