It’s better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets
Planning to remodel your kitchen is a process with a lot of moving parts. Mapping out the optimum layout, choosing new cabinets, deciding on the hardware and lighting, picking a material for the countertops, swapping out appliances, etc. When it comes to the installation part of the remodel, everything needs to be done in a step-by-step fashion, and in an order that makes the most sense.
If your remodel also includes laying new floors, most experts agree that it’s better to install kitchen flooring before cabinets. This holds true for hardwood and tile alike, as both products will raise up the floor by a specific amount, which if done after the cabinet install, can throw off the height of the cabinets and appliances.
Installing flooring first is also considered the smarter process, because having them run right under your cabinets and appliances means that the next time you decide to update your kitchen, you’ll have the flexibility to change the footprint instead of being stuck with the current configuration.
Follow this order
The general rule of thumb with kitchen remodels is to follow this order: lay the flooring, install the kitchen cabinets, glue down the countertops and install backsplash, and then bring in the appliances, sink, hardware, light fixtures and backsplash for the final touches. Some of the finishing steps can be moved around, like putting in the sink before backsplash, depending on the availability of the subcontractor’s schedule.
On a side note, if you plan to paint the walls at the same time as you’re updating your kitchen, the most efficient way to go is to lay floors first and paint second.
The one exception to the rule
The one exception to the floors before cabinets rule of thumb has to do with using floating floors, such as laminate. When you’re putting floating floors in kitchens, they need the ability to move and expand and contract over time, which can be a problem if they’re trapped under cabinetry.
Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular home remodeling projects for a reason. Updated kitchens that gleam with new surfaces everywhere you look dramatically improve the look and feel of your home and wow guests right when they walk into your house. They can get expensive, however, depending on the scope of your project.
One of the best ways to keep the cost down is to shop for RTA cabinets online. The price is lower simply because RTA cabinets come unassembled, but you don’t have to sacrifice anything on quality and design. Top of the line shops, like Domain Cabinets in Southern Cal, offer a huge variety of different styles, colors and materials to choose from, including a wide range of custom cabinets along with the stock products.
Click on the website today and find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen at a price you can afford.
Domain Cabinets
