Do You Put Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?

As a homeowner, I’ve always been curious about whether or not flooring should be installed under kitchen cabinets. After doing some research and consulting with experts, I’ve learned a lot about this topic and wanted to share my findings.

The Short Answer

The short answer is that it depends on the type of flooring you have and the type of cabinets you’re installing.

For Hardwood and Tile Flooring:

Most experts recommend installing hardwood and tile flooring under kitchen cabinets. This is because these types of flooring are more resilient and can better withstand the weight of cabinets and appliances. Additionally, it creates a more seamless look and makes it easier to replace flooring in the future without having to remove and reinstall cabinets.

For Vinyl and Laminate Flooring:

With vinyl and laminate flooring, it’s not necessary to install flooring under kitchen cabinets. This is because these types of flooring are more flexible and can shift or buckle under the weight of cabinets. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective to only install flooring in visible areas and leave the space under cabinets unfinished.

Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve decided to install flooring under your kitchen cabinets, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:

Remove all existing flooring in the kitchen.
Install the new flooring in the kitchen area, leaving a gap of at least 1/4 inch between the flooring and the walls.
Install the kitchen cabinets on top of the new flooring, making sure they are level and secure.
Fill the gap between the flooring and the walls with a flexible sealant to prevent moisture from seeping underneath the flooring.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some top tips and ideas to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to install flooring under kitchen cabinets:

Consider the type of flooring you have and whether or not it can withstand the weight of cabinets.
Think about the long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
Consult with a flooring expert for advice and recommendations.
Make sure the kitchen cabinets are level and secure before installing.
Allow for a small gap between the flooring and the walls to prevent buckling or shifting.
Consider installing a moisture barrier between the flooring and cabinets to prevent water damage.
Choose a flooring color and style that complements the kitchen cabinets and overall design.
Use a flexible sealant to fill any gaps between the flooring and walls or cabinets.
Keep extra flooring pieces on hand in case of future repairs or replacements.
Think about resale value and how installing flooring under cabinets may affect it.

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to install flooring under kitchen cabinets:

Pros:

Creates a seamless look in the kitchen.
Makes it easier to replace flooring in the future without having to remove and reinstall cabinets.
Prevents moisture from seeping under cabinets and causing damage.
May increase resale value of the home.

Cons:

Can be more expensive to install flooring under cabinets.
May require additional installation time and labor.
May not be necessary depending on the type of flooring and cabinets being installed.
May make it more difficult to replace cabinets in the future.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After considering all the information and consulting with experts, I decided to install hardwood flooring under my kitchen cabinets. I love the seamless look it creates and the added durability it provides. However, I do recommend consulting with a flooring expert to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

FAQs

Q: Can I install vinyl flooring under kitchen cabinets?

A: While it’s not necessary to install vinyl flooring under kitchen cabinets, it is possible to do so. Just make sure to use a flexible adhesive and allow for a small gap between the flooring and the walls or cabinets.

Q: Do I need to install a moisture barrier under kitchen cabinets?

A: It’s recommended to install a moisture barrier between the flooring and cabinets to prevent water damage. However, it’s not always necessary depending on the type of flooring and cabinets being installed.