Key Takeaways
The order of installation for cabinets and flooring is a significant topic in kitchen design, with valid arguments on both sides. Your choice can affect various aspects of your renovation, including:
- Overall aesthetics
- Ease of future renovations
- Cost efficiency
- Potential for damage during installation
While installing flooring first ensures uniformity and makes it easier to re-configure your kitchen in future years, it can be more expensive and prone to damage. Budget, design flexibility and flooring type are crucial in deciding the installation sequence.
Let's dive into both approaches to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
Installing Cabinets First: The Traditional Approach
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Requires less flooring material, potentially reducing overall costs.
- Easier cabinet replacement: Future cabinet updates won't disturb the flooring.
- Lower risk of floor damage: Protects new flooring from potential damage during cabinet installation.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility: Makes it more challenging to change flooring in the future.
- Potential gaps: May leave visible gaps if flooring isn't cut precisely.
- Inconsistent appearance: Can result in an unfinished look in some areas.
When to Choose This Method:
- If you’re working with uneven subfloors
- If moisture under the cabinetry is a concern
- When budget or project cash flow is a concern
Expanding on Cabinet-First Scenarios
Uneven Subfloor
If your subfloor has significant irregularities, installing cabinets first allows you to shim and level them independently. This can be especially useful in older homes or those with foundation issues.
Custom Cabinet Designs
For kitchens with intricate, custom cabinetry that extends to the floor (like some island designs or floor-to-ceiling pantries), installing these pieces first ensures they fit perfectly in the intended space.
Appliance Considerations
If you have built-in appliances that integrate with cabinetry, such as a dishwasher or refrigerator with custom panels, installing cabinets first helps ensure proper alignment and fit and removes the chance of damaging your floor in the alignment process.
Flooring Material Thickness
When working with particularly thick flooring materials (like some natural stones or solid wood floors), installing cabinets first prevents the need for adjustments to countertop heights and ensures appliances will fit properly under counters.
Open Floor Plans
In homes with open floor plans where the kitchen flows into other living spaces, installing cabinets first allows for more flexibility in determining where to transition between different flooring types.
Moisture Concerns
In areas prone to moisture issues, such as homes in humid climates or near water, installing cabinets first can help protect the flooring material from potential water damage that might occur under or around appliances or sinks.
Renovation Budget Management
If you're working with a tight budget and need to spread out your renovation costs, installing cabinets first allows you to delay the flooring installation while still having a functional kitchen.
By considering these additional scenarios, you can better determine if the cabinet-first approach is right for your specific kitchen renovation project.
Installing Flooring First: The Modern Alternative
Pros:
- Design flexibility: Easier to make changes to cabinet layout in the future.
- Uniform appearance: Creates a seamless look throughout the kitchen.
- Simplified installation: Makes it easier to install cabinets and appliances.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost: Requires more flooring material.
- Risk of damage: Flooring may be damaged during cabinet installation.
When to Choose This Method:
- If dealing with irregular construction or non-standard appliance heights
- When prioritising a cohesive, high-end look
- If you anticipate changing the kitchen layout in the future
Expanding on Flooring-First Scenarios:
Continuous Flooring Flow
In open-concept homes where the kitchen flows into other living spaces, installing flooring first creates a seamless, uninterrupted look throughout the entire area. This approach is particularly effective for creating a sense of spaciousness and cohesion.
Irregular Room Shapes
For kitchens with unusual shapes or angles, laying the flooring first can simplify the installation process and ensure a more polished final appearance, especially in corners and along walls.
Underfloor Heating
If you're installing an underfloor floor heating system in your kitchen, it's typically best to lay the flooring first. This ensures proper installation of the heating elements and allows for even heat distribution throughout the kitchen.
Floating Floor Systems
When using floating floor systems (like some laminates or engineered hardwoods), installing them before cabinets allows the floor to expand and contract naturally, reducing the risk of buckling or gaps forming over time.
Future Layout Flexibility
If you anticipate making significant changes to your kitchen layout in the future, installing flooring first provides more flexibility. You can easily move or reconfigure cabinets without worrying about flooring gaps or mismatches.
Cabinet Height Customization
By installing flooring first, you have more control over the final height of your cabinets, allowing for customization to suit your specific needs or preferences.
Resale Value Considerations
A kitchen with continuous flooring can be more appealing to potential buyers, as it offers more flexibility for future renovations or layout changes.
Complex Flooring Patterns
If you're planning to install flooring in complex patterns (like herringbone laminate or intricate tile designs), laying the floor first ensures the pattern remains consistent throughout the entire space, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Making Your Decision
To choose the best approach for your kitchen renovation, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Weigh the initial costs against long-term value and potential future expenses.
- Design preferences: Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
- Future plans: Think about potential changes you might want to make in the coming years.
- Flooring type: Some materials may be more suitable for one method over the other.
The Bottom Line
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should install cabinets or flooring first. Both methods have their merits, and the right choice depends on your specific circumstances, preferences, and long-term plans.
Whichever method you choose, careful planning and attention to detail are crucial for a successful renovation. If you're unsure about the best approach or need assistance with flooring installation, don't hesitate to consult with professionals.
At LumberKing Floor, we offer a wide range of flooring options, including high-quality laminate products, flooring options suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. Our AC5 Laminate works especially well in kitchen spaces where moisture and budgets are a concern.
Our products feature an easy-to-install 'Unilin' click system for DIY installation and are competitively priced, providing exceptional value for money. Feel free to order a selection of free king size samples to see them for yourself.
