When renovating or building a new house, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether or not you put flooring under kitchen cabinets. While it is possible to skip flooring under the cabinets, it would also cause some inconveniences. Thus, it is always best to install flooring under kitchen cabinets.
Some Factors to consider
Since there is a lot of debate for and against installing cabinets under the kitchen cabinets, there are some factors that should help you determine whether it is the right choice for you:
- Would it be simpler to install flooring under the existing kitchen cabinets than new ones
- What kind of flooring do you have? Underneath kitchen cabinets, some varieties of flooring options will perform better than others.
- The expense to be incurred in terms of workforce and supplies. Will the installation ultimately cost you less money or more?
- Which cabinets are being used? Can you see what’s below them?
Why should you install flooring under kitchen cabinets?
You must be wondering why you should install flooring under kitchen cabinets. It is not even visible to outsiders and can save some money. Right? Well, while there may be some iota of truth in there, the main reason why you should install flooring is that you get a uniform surface.
- Flooring, depending upon the type you install, will elevate the level. As such, if you do not install it under kitchen cabinets, they will be at a lower level.
- Secondly, a uniform appearance will enhance the overall appeal of the home.Â
- As to the point of saving money, it is really not that big of a difference for which you must compromise.
- Floors under the kitchen cabinets would also ease the cleanup process. Raw floor layers of cement would attract more dust and dirt and will make it nearly impossible to clean, whereas solid floors are easier to clean and maintain hygienic conditions in the home.Â
What should you install first?
Flooring versus cabinets? Which should you install first? This is another ubiquitous question, the answer to which varies on the basis of which kind of flooring you are about to use.
If you are installing solid hardwood floors, it is advisable to install the floors first and the kitchen cabinets second. The reasons for this are manifold.
- The height of the cabinets can vary immensely: To ensure adequate space for your floorboards to slide below your equipment, if you put your cabinetry prior to your floors, you must determine the height of the cabinets. To calculate how much additional room will be required between the top of the cabinets and the appliances, some individuals substitute plywood for the floor, which could be better. Instead, you can save the effort of measuring and lower the possibility of error by placing your cabinets over your hardwood floors. Additionally, it spares you the trouble of having to precisely cut the hardwood flooring boards after the cabinets are put in place. The height of solid hardwood floors also varies, which necessitates the process of measuring the planks before installation. To avoid all the hassle, it is simpler to install the flooring first.
- It offers flexibility: By installing the floors first, you get added flexibility to change the layout or design of your kitchen over the years. The exact layout can get boring, and you may need to change it after a few years. Installing the flooring first gives the kitchen a uniform surface upon which you can keep trying new things. It acts kind of like a blank canvas for your kitchen.
- Easier to install: In addition to removing the need for measuring the floorboards, installing the flooring first also offers the benefit of easy installation. If you are using solid hardwood floors, they need to be appropriately attached to the subfloor using a specific adhesive/ nailing solution. When this is done with installed cabinets, the process becomes much more cumbersome and takes longer to be completed than when you have a plain subfloor. It also allows the adhesives to dry and stick more properly and freely.
If you are using laminate, tile, or click flooring options, you can install the cabinets first as these are much simpler to install, and there is not much difference to be felt whether you install them before or after the cabinets. Although, having an obstacle-free surface is always easier. But if you prefer to have some time to install cabinets and then determine which flooring will suit your requirements the best, you can easily install it later.
Whether or not it is logical and feasible for you to install flooring under your kitchen cabinets or not will depend entirely upon your situation. All the above factors must be considered to determine the right move for you. If you need clarification, you can consult a flooring expert near you to get more information and some clarity.
