A Complete Guide to What Comes First in Kitchen Remodels

Planning a kitchen remodel means juggling a lot of decisions, but one question causes more confusion than most: can flooring be installed before or after cabinets? This is not just a minor scheduling issue, it directly affects the look, function, and lifespan of your kitchen. Whether you’re installing flooring for a brand-new build or updating an existing space, knowing the correct order helps avoid costly mistakes. In this guide, we’ll explore when to install flooring before cabinets, when to install cabinets first, and how different flooring types like laminate, tile, and floating wood floor systems impact the decision.

Why the Flooring vs. Cabinet Order Matters in Kitchen Remodeling

The decision to install kitchen flooring before or after kitchen cabinets affects much more than appearance. Kitchen cabinets are often the focal point of the room, much like the sun in a solar system, around which everything else revolves. It influences cabinet height, countertop alignment, appliance fit, and even the structural integrity of your flooring. Choosing the right order helps avoid height inconsistencies, flooring gaps, or having to replace sections later. During any kitchen remodel, especially one involving floating floors or engineered hardwood, the correct installation sequence preserves warranties and protects your investment.

Installing flooring first can create a seamless look, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Sometimes installing cabinets first prevents flooring damage and saves on materials. The key is understanding your flooring type and how it behaves under heavy cabinets resting for years to come.

Flooring First — When It Makes Sense

Best for Seamless Designs and Long-Term Flexibility

Installing flooring before cabinets is often the go-to choice for tile, hardwood, and other fixed materials. It offers a seamless look across the entire kitchen, from wall to wall, and makes it easier to replace cabinets in the future without worrying about exposed subfloor or mismatched edges. This approach is also ideal when you’re planning an open-concept kitchen and want the same flooring to continue through adjacent rooms.

Works Well With Certain Flooring Materials

Glue-down hardwood, nailed wood, and tile are all well-suited for installation before cabinets. These materials are secured to the subfloor and don’t move due to humidity or temperature. Installing flooring before cabinets with these options helps achieve a polished, continuous surface that remains hidden under cabinetry, ensuring a clean look from floor to ceiling.

Pros of Installing Flooring First

• Provides a seamless and professional finish
• Allows for flexible layout changes in the future
• Simplifies the installation process by avoiding cuts around cabinet bases
• Makes it easier to replace kitchen cabinets down the road without having to lay a new floor

Cons of Installing Flooring First

• Uses more flooring material, which increases the total cost
• Increases risk of potential damage to the new floor during cabinet installation
• Can create height issues with appliances if the thickness of the new floor isn’t accounted for
• Requires extra care to protect the surface while the rest of the remodel is completed, including careful coverage to avoid paint splatters or stains

Cabinets First — When That’s the Better Option

Recommended for Floating Floors

Floating floors, including laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, and click-lock engineered wood, must be installed after kitchen cabinets. These systems are not fastened to the subfloor. Instead, they float over it and need room to expand and contract. Installing heavy cabinets on top of a floating wood floor can pin it down, causing buckling and separation.

Avoids Damage and Expansion Issues

Installing cabinets first keeps the floating floor free to move as designed. Cabinet installation on top of floating flooring can void manufacturer warranties and lead to costly repairs. This method also protects the new floor from scratches, dents, and potential paint spills during remodeling.

Pros of Installing Cabinets First

• Prevents damage to floating floor systems
• Reduces material usage by avoiding unnecessary floor coverage
• Maintains the warranty and performance of laminate flooring or vinyl
• Simplifies leveling during cabinet installation

Cons of Installing Cabinets First

• Flooring must be cut around cabinet bases, increasing labor time
• May lead to visible transitions or gaps if not done with precision
• Limits future layout changes without replacing the entire floor

Flooring Types and the Best Installation Order

Tile

Tile is heavy, stable, and permanently attached to the subfloor with mortar. It supports heavy cabinets well and is typically installed before cabinets. However, due to its thickness, it can affect cabinet height and appliance spacing. Planning ahead is essential to ensure everything lines up.

Hardwood (Glue-down or Nail-down)

Hardwood floors that are nailed or glued can be safely installed before cabinets. This includes both solid and engineered wood options. Installing flooring first creates a clean, continuous surface and avoids the need for filler strips around cabinet bases. To maintain a consistent look, any stain or finish applied should be done before cabinet installation to cover the entire floor.

Floating Floors (LVP, Laminate, Click-lock Engineered)

Floating flooring is not suited for installation under kitchen cabinets. It needs to expand and contract with humidity. Installing cabinets first ensures the floating floor remains flexible, avoids cracking, and protects long-term performance. Laminate, vinyl, and floating engineered wood all fall into this category.

Concrete, Epoxy, or Other Specialty Floors

These flooring types are often poured directly over the subfloor and must be in place before cabinetry. Their thickness and surface hardness make them an ideal foundation for permanent fixtures like cabinets and islands.

Common Scenarios: What Comes First?

Full Kitchen Remodel

During a complete remodel, the flooring order depends on the type of material used. For tile or hardwood, installing flooring first is generally preferred. For floating floors, cabinets are installed first. Planning the right order helps maintain cabinet height, proper alignment, and long-term integrity.

Flooring Replacement Only

If you are replacing your old floor while keeping existing cabinets, the new floor is typically installed around them. This approach saves money and reduces labor, but it may create visible lines or inconsistencies if the cabinet layout changes in the future.

Cabinet Replacement Only

When replacing cabinets but keeping the existing floor, cabinet installation must be planned carefully to match the footprint. Any changes in cabinet size or position could expose unfinished flooring or subfloor. If the old cabinets were installed after the flooring, there will be a complete surface underneath, making the process easier.

New Construction or Gut Remodel

In new builds or full gut renovations, you have full control over sequencing. If using tile or glued hardwood, installing flooring before cabinets offers a clean finish. For laminate or floating vinyl flooring, install kitchen cabinets first to avoid performance issues.

Key Considerations Before Making a Decision

Appliance Fit and Countertop Height

Thicker flooring materials can change cabinet height and interfere with appliance fit. Dishwashers in particular can be tricky if there’s not enough vertical clearance. Always factor in flooring thickness when setting cabinet height and planning countertop installation.

Floor Protection During Renovation

If flooring is installed before cabinets, it must be protected throughout the rest of the remodel. Cardboard, thick paper, or commercial-grade floor protection products are essential to prevent scratching or impact damage during cabinet installation or appliance placement. Also, be sure to cover the floor carefully during any painting or staining work to avoid unwanted marks.

Future Remodeling Flexibility

Installing flooring throughout the entire space allows more flexibility for future kitchen updates. If cabinets need to be replaced or reconfigured, having flooring underneath means you won’t need to lay a new floor or patch exposed areas.

Cost and Budget

Installing flooring before cabinets usually requires more material, especially under appliances and base cabinets. However, it may save money in the long run by avoiding complex cuts and transitions. Installing cabinets first may reduce flooring waste but limits layout changes later.

Expert Recommendations: What the Pros Suggest

Most contractors follow a material-based rule when deciding whether to install cabinets or flooring first. If the flooring is glued, nailed, or secured to the subfloor, like tile, hardwood, or engineered hardwood, install flooring before cabinets. If it’s a floating system like laminate or vinyl, install kitchen cabinets first to allow room for expansion and movement.

This ensures the longevity of the flooring, avoids unnecessary gaps, and prevents damage during renovation. Experts also stress the importance of knowing your flooring’s thickness, especially when choosing dishwashers, refrigerators, or ranges that fit beneath countertops.

FAQs: Flooring vs. Cabinets First

Can you install vinyl plank flooring under cabinets?

No, vinyl plank flooring is usually a floating system and should not go under kitchen cabinets. Heavy cabinets resting on vinyl can restrict movement, cause damage, and void the flooring warranty.

Should you remove cabinets to replace flooring?

If you’re doing a full flooring replacement and want to change the layout, it’s best to remove the cabinets. However, if you’re installing flooring around existing cabinets and keeping the same footprint, they can remain in place.

What happens if you install floating floors under cabinets?

Floating floors like laminate or LVP need to expand and contract. Installing them under cabinets traps them in place, which can cause warping, lifting, or joint separation.

Will installing flooring first raise the height too much?

It can, depending on the thickness of the material. Tile and hardwood are thicker flooring types and may raise the floor by half an inch or more, which could affect cabinet height and appliance clearance.

How do you protect new floors during a remodel?

Use thick protective coverings like builder board or layered cardboard. Avoid plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture. Tape only to safe zones and avoid dragging cabinets across the surface.

Final Thoughts: Which Comes First — Cabinets or Flooring?

So, can flooring be installed before or after cabinets? The answer depends on the material. Installing flooring first is ideal for tile, hardwood, or glued engineered wood. If you’re working with floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl, install cabinets first. Always consider appliance fit, cabinet height, and the thickness of your flooring before making a decision.

Proper planning during your kitchen remodel ensures lasting results. Whether you’re laying a new floor, installing kitchen cabinets, or starting fresh, following the right order gives you peace of mind and a space that functions beautifully for years to come.

Ready to start your remodel? Work with a professional team who understands flooring, cabinetry, and installation inside and out. Get it right the first time, choose the right materials, the right order, and the right results.