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Writer's pictureMarcie Oliver

Should You Install Floors or Cabinets First in a Kitchen Remodel?

When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first: floors or cabinets? This choice can significantly impact your project’s timeline, budget, and final results. 


At Northwest Interiors & Design, LLC, we understand the complexity of coordinating these essential elements during a kitchen remodel in Redmond, WA. In this guide, we will explain when it’s best to install cabinets or flooring first.




What Determines Whether Floor or Cabinet Installation Should Happen First?


When deciding the sequence of your kitchen renovation, several key factors will influence whether flooring or cabinets should take precedence. During a kitchen remodel, what comes first (floors or cabinets) depends on:


  • Your kitchen’s layout and design: Open-concept kitchens might benefit from installing flooring first to create a seamless look, while galley kitchens with limited floor space might be better suited for cabinet-first installation.

  • The kitchen remodel cost and budget constraints: Installing cabinets first can reduce initial flooring material costs, while floor-first installation might require a larger upfront investment but offer long-term flexibility.

  • Standard flooring heights and cabinet dimensions: Different flooring materials have varying thicknesses that can affect cabinet height and appliance fit, making this consideration particularly important for achieving proper ergonomics and functionality.

  • Whether you’re keeping existing cabinets or installing new ones: Working with existing cabinets might necessitate matching floor heights to current conditions, while new cabinet installation offers more flexibility in the sequence.


Your choice of types of kitchen flooring plays a crucial role in this decision. Different materials have varying installation requirements and characteristics that can affect the sequence.


Types of Kitchen Flooring and Their Installation Timing


Another major factor to consider is the type of flooring you’re installing for your remodel. Different flooring materials require specific installation approaches during your kitchen renovation. Here are the basics:


  • Install Hardwood Flooring Before Cabinets: Hardwood flooring requires special consideration due to its natural expansion and contraction properties. Install solid hardwood before cabinets if you want continuous flooring throughout the kitchen, as this prevents potential gaps from wood movement.

  • Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Has Flexible Timing for Installation: LVP flooring’s water-resistant properties and stable construction make it suitable for either pre- or post-cabinet installation.

  • Install Laminate Flooring After Cabinets: While budget friendly, laminate is susceptible to moisture damage. Installing laminate after cabinets helps protect the material and reduce waste.


When Floor Installation Comes First


When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first: floors or cabinets? Flooring installation before the cabinets works well in certain scenarios, particularly when working with specific materials and layouts. The decision often depends on your long-term plans for the space and the type of flooring material you’ve selected.


Benefits of Installing Floors First

Installing floors before cabinets ensures consistent flooring throughout the space and eliminates the potential for mismatched flooring if cabinet layouts change in the future. This creates a significant money-saving advantage when planning future renovations, as you won’t need to add flooring later.


The Drawbacks of Installing Floors First

Before committing to floor-first installation, consider some important challenges. The additional square footage required will raise initial material costs. 


The risk of damage during cabinet installation increases, often requiring additional protection measures during construction. This approach might also affect cabinet height calculations, requiring careful planning.


When Cabinet Installation Comes First


Installing cabinets before flooring remains a popular choice among many contractors and homeowners. This method offers unique benefits but comes with its own set of considerations.


The Benefits of Installing Cabinets First

Cabinet-first installation provides significant advantages for your kitchen renovation project. This approach reduces overall flooring material costs and protects new flooring from potential damage during construction. It also ensures precise cabinet height measurements and typically creates a more efficient workflow during renovation.


The Drawbacks of Installing Cabinets First

The cabinet-first approach does present certain limitations you should consider. This method might limit future layout changes and create challenges with appliance installation. If flooring height changes and transitions between rooms require careful planning, you may encounter issues with visible gaps.


Transform Your Kitchen With Northwest Interiors & Design


When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first: floors or cabinets? The sequence of installing floors or cabinets depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term plans, so it’s wise to plan accordingly. Whether you’re choosing between tile and hardwood or planning a complete kitchen makeover, understanding these options helps you make informed decisions. 


Trust our experienced team at Northwest Interiors & Design, LLC, to guide you through every step of your kitchen transformation. Call us at 425-881-4080 to schedule a consultation.

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