Flooring Then Cabinets Or Cabinets Then Flooring

The kitchen is beautiful but is aesthetically confusing.

Flooring then cabinets or cabinets then flooring.

I do agree with k co s answer. Since wood floors will contract and expand as the temperatures change and moisture increases or decreases it needs room to breathe. Demo the cabinets demo the floor install the hardwood sand with stain 2 coats of poly install the cabinets install the countertops then add the 3rd and final coat of polyurethane. 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.

Mark the layout of the cabinets and all floor based appliances. It s a popular reason for installing wood floors after putting in the cabinets. However when installing a wood flooring nail down or glue down there are more factors to consider. Having the floor installed tightly beneath the cabinets could result in buckling and subsequent damage.

The ragged edge of the flooring is then covered over with quarter round or base molding. 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. 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. I always recommend going at least 3 shades lighter or darker than your flooring.

Remove the cabinets and screw a plywood filler piece to the subfloor about inch inside the line where it will be under the cabinets. However this is far less common than leaks under the sink from the washer or dishwasher or spills on the floor. 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. 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.

If installing a floating floor the answer is simple. 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. Install plywood in remaining area to exact height of tile floor to finish cabinet install. Check with your manufacturer to see if your floors are within normal height range.

If this is the case install either floor panels or plywood risers beneath your cabinets to even the level. Install tile under cabinets and floor based appliances with a 2 inset this allows you to move the pattern and grout lines where needed.