Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets: Best Practices – ReallyCheapFloors

Imagine embarking on a kitchen renovation and reaching the critical decision point of “Flooring Installations or Cabinet installations.” The order in which you install your flooring and cabinets can significantly impact the finish of your renovation.

Installing cabinets before you install a floor is a controversial topic. This blog post aims to guide you through this crucial step. We’ll delve into the importance of considering material type when determining installation order and discuss nailing down wood floors versus floating floor installations.

We’ll explore the benefits of installing hardwood floors before cabinets. Additionally, we’ll cover floating floor installations and cabinet considerations such as allowing expansion space and techniques for accommodating movement while maintaining cabinet stability.

Finally, we will examine customizing a kitchen layout with pre-installed flooring and offer tips for optimizing cabinet placement in this setup. It’s important to get adequate support under appliances and heavy furniture if you’re not careful. Weighing the pros and cons of each approach is essential; therefore, we will also discuss advantages and disadvantages along with factors to consider when making your decision regarding Flooring Installation Cabinets.

Dive into this comprehensive guide to master every aspect of your kitchen renovation journey!

Table of Contents:

Flooring Installation or Cabinet Installation First?

This can be decided by personal preference. However, some floors will void their warranty if you install cabinets and countertops after a floor is installed.

So, buckle up as we discuss what to consider when deciding when to install hardwood flooring. Is it before or after your cabinets are set?

Flooring Types Matter: Nailing Down vs. Floating Floors

The type of floor and installation choice is the key to this question. If it’s a floating floor installation, don’t install the cabinets after the floor is laid down.

You’ll want to know if you’re dealing with nailing down wood floors or floating floor installations like laminate or vinyl planks.

Nailed-Down Wood Floors: The Classic Choice

If you opt for solid hardwood floors that require nailing down it’s real easy. It’s generally recommended to install them before setting up your kitchen cabinets.

Floating Floor Installations: Modern Marvels

In contrast, floating floor installations with engineered hardwood, laminate, or vinyl planks are the opposite. To keep their warranties intact you install the cabinets before the floor is laid.

Installing Hardwood Floors Before Cabinets: Seamless Style & Stability

There are several benefits associated with installing nailed-down hardwood floors first:

• A stable base for cabinet placement
• Easier alignment during installation
• Potential cost savings on materials (since less flooring is needed underneath cabinets).

Floating Floor Installations & Cabinet Considerations: Balancing Expansion & Stability

Floating floors need room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity levels – which means you shouldn’t place heavy cabinetry on top.

To accommodate movement without compromising stability, consider drilling holes around these areas or using spacers between the flooring material and base cabinets.

The Importance of Allowing Expansion Space in Floating Floor Installations

If you don’t allow enough expansion space when installing floating floors, they may buckle or warp over time – causing damage not only to your beautiful new floor but also potentially affecting your kitchen footprint.

Techniques for Accommodating Movement While Maintaining Cabinet Stability:

• Drilling holes around cabinet bases
• Prep plywood underneath if uneven
• Using spacers between flooring material and base cabinets,
• Avoiding nailing through floating floors into subfloors near cabinetry (to prevent restricting movement).

Now that we’ve covered some key considerations for different types of installations, let’s move on to customizing your kitchen layout with pre-installed flooring.

Installing Hardwood Floors Before Cabinets: A Seamless Approach

So, you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen and are wondering whether to install hardwood floors before cabinets. It all comes down to your kitchen footprint and how you want your wood flooring installed.

In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of installing nailed-down hardwood flooring first.

Benefits of Installing Nailed-Down Hardwood Floors First

First off, let’s talk about why installing wood flooring before cabinets is generally recommended for solid hardwood installations.

Nailing down your hardwood floors ensures they have a stable base underneath them – which is crucial when placing heavy cabinetry on top.

This approach also allows for a seamless look between the floor and cabinet edges since there won’t be any gaps or uneven surfaces where dirt can accumulate over time (yuck.).

Floating Floor Installations and Cabinet Considerations

Let’s talk about floating floors, shall we?

Unlike nailed-down hardwoods, floating floor installations like laminate, engineered hardwood, or vinyl planks require a different approach when it comes to cabinet placement.

You see, these types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature changes.

The Importance of Allowing Expansion Space in Floating Floor Installations

If you’re wondering why expansion space matters so much for floating floors, let me explain:

Without proper expansion gaps around the perimeter of your installation area (including under cabinets), your beautiful new floor may buckle or warp over time – yikes.

To avoid such disasters, never place heavy cabinetry directly on top of laminate or vinyl flooring.

Techniques for Accommodating Movement While Maintaining Cabinet Stability

“But how do I keep my cabinets stable without placing them on the floor?” you might ask. Fear not. There are ways to achieve this balance:

• Create Holes Around Cabinets: 

Drill small holes at strategic points around your cabinet base areas where they meet the flooring material. This will allow enough wiggle room for natural movement while still providing support.

Place wooden blocks underneath each corner of your base cabinets before securing them to the walls. These supports help distribute weight evenly across the entire surface area while allowing necessary expansion space beneath. is crucial for stability, so always follow manufacturer guidelines when installing them over floating floors.

Remember, a little extra effort now can save you from potential flooring headaches in the future.

Bonus tip: When planning your kitchen layout with pre-installed floating floors, consider using adjustable legs on base cabinets or adding plywood underneath appliances for additional support.

Ready for more renovation advice? Check out our blog for additional insights and inspiration.

FAQs in Relation to Flooring Installation Cabinets

Should Flooring be Installed Under Cabinets?

It depends on the type of flooring and personal preference. Installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless look, and easier future floor replacements, and can save material costs for floating floors. However, it may increase labor costs and require additional support for heavy appliances or furniture.

How are Kitchen Cabinets Installed on the Floor?

Kitchen cabinets are typically secured to the floor using L-brackets or wooden cleats attached to both the cabinet base and subfloor. Proper leveling is crucial during installation to ensure stability and correct alignment with countertops. For detailed instructions on installing kitchen cabinets, refer to this guide.

Should I Install Cabinets Before Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Cabinets should generally be installed before vinyl plank flooring. Install flooring after installing cabinets because floating floors need room for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Installing cabinetry over vinyl planks might restrict movement causing buckling or separation issues in your floor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper planning and consideration of material type are crucial when installing flooring and cabinets. Nailing down hardwood floors before cabinet installation can offer many benefits. Benefits like a more stable foundation for heavy appliances and an aesthetically pleasing finished floor. However, floating floor installations require expansion space to accommodate movement while maintaining cabinet stability. If you’re trying to float vinyl flooring ot engineered hardwood then installing cabinets first is the way to go.

Considering budget, timeline and personal preferences is essential when selecting the most suitable approach for your project.

If you’re looking for more tips on Flooring Installation Cabinets or other home improvement projects, check out Really Cheap Floors’ blog for expert advice!