Which Goes in First: Cabinets or Flooring for Your Home Renovation?

When it comes to home renovations or new builds, the order of installation can make a big difference in the final outcome. One question homeowners often have is whether to install cabinets or flooring first. While there may be exceptions, generally speaking, cabinets are put in before the flooring. Here’s why:

Subfloor and underlayment come first. Installing these key elements creates a level and stable foundation for the cabinets and flooring to come.

Cabinets are typically affixed to the wall, not the floor. This means they need to be in place before the final flooring is installed.

The flooring is precisely cut to fit against the cabinets. By putting in cabinets first, the flooring can be cut to the exact size and shape needed to fit snugly alongside them.

There will be a small gap between the cabinets and flooring. This gap is easily filled with baseboard or shoe molding installed on the bottom of the base cabinet.

While it may seem like installing flooring first could simplify the process, in reality, following the traditional order of installing cabinets first will result in a more polished and professional-looking finished product.

The Process of Installing Cabinets and Flooring

When it comes to designing and building your home, there are several things to consider, one of which is the question of whether to install the cabinets or flooring first. The answer is simple – cabinets are usually installed before the floor covering, but they come after the subfloor and underlayment. The process of installing cabinets and flooring is carefully planned to ensure durability and proper functionality in your home. The initial step involves the installation of the subfloor followed by the underlayment, which is a felt or foam material that is laid on top of the subfloor. The underlayment serves to even out any uneven surfaces and reduce noise by acting as a sound barrier. Once the underlayment has been installed, then the cabinets can be installed. After the cabinets have been installed, the focus shifts to the flooring, which is typically cut to the dimensions required to fit between the cabinets. A small gap is left in between the flooring and the cabinets, which is filled by adding baseboard or shoe molding on the lower part of the base cabinet.

Is it Necessary to Install the Subfloor and Underlayment?

The installation of a subfloor and underlayment is a crucial stage in the building process. It provides stability and durability to the flooring, ensuring it can withstand daily wear and tear. The subfloor provides a base for the underlayment, which serves to even out any bumps on the subfloor. Without these layers, the flooring will be prone to damage, and proper functionality is likely to be affected. In addition, the underlayment acts as a sound barrier to reduce noise, especially in a multi-level building. It is, therefore, necessary to install a subfloor and underlayment before installing the cabinets and flooring.

Understanding the Importance of Leaving an Insignificant Gap

After the cabinets have been installed, a small gap is left between them and the flooring. This gap ensures that there is enough space to accommodate any expansion or contraction of the flooring caused by changes in temperature and humidity. This small gap is insignificant but essential to allow for proper functioning of the flooring. Another reason why it is important to leave a small gap is to enable easy access to take out the cabinets if necessary. If the flooring was installed directly under the cabinets, it would be challenging to remove the cabinets in case of any issues.

Ensuring the Right Cut of Flooring Against the Cabinets

When installing the flooring, it is essential to ensure that the cuts are accurate and match the dimensions required to fit between the cabinets. Incorrect measurements can lead to unnecessary waste of materials and even affect the durability of the flooring. One way to ensure the proper cut of the flooring is by measuring the perimeter of the room and cutting the first few rows of flooring to fit. This careful planning ensures that the cuts fit perfectly around the cabinets, leaving no gaps or uneven surfaces.

Advantages of Installing Cabinets Before Flooring

Installing cabinets before the flooring comes with several advantages. One of the advantages is that it makes it easy to work around the cabinets and appliances, especially when making any repairs or additions in the future. Installing cabinets first also allows for easier access to the subfloor, making it easy to replace or repair, if necessary. Additionally, installing flooring first increases the risk of damage to the flooring during the installation of the cabinets. It can also make it challenging to achieve a level surface, leading to uneven or sagging areas.

Tips for Nailing the Baseboard or Shoe Molding Perfectly

Once the flooring has been installed and the cabinets put in place, the final step is to attach baseboard or shoe molding on the lower part of the base cabinet to cover the gap between the flooring and cabinets. Here are a few tips to ensure perfect nailing: – Start by measuring the length of the baseboard or shoe molding and then cut it to the correct size. – Nail the baseboards into the studs behind the wall to ensure they are secure and do not come off with time. – Use a nail punch to push the nails further down after nailing to ensure they do not stick out. – Use wood glue to reinforce the joints to improve the strength of the finish.

Choosing the Right Flooring and Cabinet Materials for your Home’s Setup

When it comes to selecting the right flooring and cabinet materials, the options can be overwhelming. It is important to choose materials that complement your home’s décor and style. For flooring, you can choose between hardwood, laminate, tile, or vinyl flooring. Hardwood is a classic and elegant option, while laminate and vinyl provide durability and affordability. Tile is also a practical and stylish option that is easy to clean and maintain. For cabinets, you can opt for wood, metal, or laminate cabinets with finishes ranging from matt to glossy. Wood cabinets offer a timeless and classic look, while metal cabinets provide a modern and industrial vibe. Laminate cabinets are budget-friendly and can mimic the look of wood or metal. In conclusion, understanding the process of installing cabinets and flooring is essential to ensure the durability and functionality of your home. Choosing the right materials and ensuring proper installation will create a space that not only looks good but also functions well.