Flooring Then Cabinets Or Cabinets Then Flooring

Also there may be additional costs and scheduling issues if the flooring contractor has to come back to refinish the floors after the cabinets have been installed.

Flooring then cabinets or cabinets then flooring.

However when installing a wood flooring nail down or glue down there are more factors to consider. If installing a floating floor the answer is simple. It s a popular reason for installing wood floors after putting in the cabinets. The kitchen is beautiful but is aesthetically confusing.

Install tile under cabinets and floor based appliances with a 2 inset this allows you to move the pattern and grout lines where needed. Since wood floors will contract and expand as the temperatures change and moisture increases or decreases it needs room to breathe. I do agree with k co s answer. This will help take care of minor scratches that may occur during the rest of the kitchen construction.

I always recommend going at least 3 shades lighter or darker than your flooring. If the flooring contractor has to work around existing cabinetry the costs may be higher than expected since special cuts may be needed and extra care must be taken. Thicker types of flooring such as solid hardwood present a problem because your cabinet counter may not be the standard height of 34 inches to 36 inches. If this is the case install either floor panels or plywood risers beneath your cabinets to even the level.

Remove the cabinets and screw a plywood filler piece to the subfloor about inch inside the line where it will be under the cabinets. The ragged edge of the flooring is then covered over with quarter round or base molding. Before installing flooring know how you plan to use it and if you think you re going to change your layout often try putting the floors in first. Mark the layout of the cabinets and all floor based appliances.

Install the cabinets first because heavy cabinetry cannot sit on top of a floating floor or it will restrict movement and increase the chances of flooring separation. Install plywood in remaining area to exact height of tile floor to finish cabinet install. If you do tile under the cabinets be sure to get level specification from the cabinet countertop contractors to provide to the tile contrator because he is then going to have to be the one to level any uneven flooring instead of. A good example of not following this rule is a client of mine that insisted on using the same color on the floors cabinets and a butcher block top on her island.

Having the floor installed tightly beneath the cabinets could result in buckling and subsequent damage. This piece should be at least 2 inches wide and about inch thicker than the total thickness of the flooring including any vapor barrier or cushion.