When Remodeling a Kitchen, What Comes First — Floors or Cabinets?

March 25, 2020 | Andy Shafer

In most kitchen remodels, cabinets should be installed first, followed by flooring. This sequence ensures proper cabinet alignment, reduces flooring waste, and protects floors from damage during heavy installation. Certain flooring types, such as large-format tile, concrete, or premium hardwood, may benefit from being installed first to achieve a seamless finish.

Should Cabinets or Floors Be Installed First in a Kitchen Remodel?

Cabinets define layout, countertop height, and appliance placement. Installing flooring afterward minimizes waste, prevents scratches, and allows precise leveling.

Exceptions: If using continuous materials, such as polished concrete, large-format tile, or engineered hardwood with visible seams, install the flooring first to maintain a seamless look.

Factor	Cabinets First	Floors First
Layout Definition	High cabinets set the kitchen footprint	Medium–floor may guide cabinet alignment, but not precisely
Flooring Waste	Low – only visible areas need flooring	High–cutting around cabinets creates extra waste
Floor Damage Risk	Low floors installed after heavy work	High – flooring can be scratched or dented
Seamless Appearance	Medium – gaps possible at edges	High – continuous flooring finish
Leveling Ease	High – can shim cabinets	Medium – floor must be perfectly level for cabinets

Why Install Cabinets First?

1. Cabinets Define Layout

Cabinets determine countertop height, appliance spacing, and storage placement.
Installing them first avoids cutting into newly installed flooring, which can create gaps or irregularities.
Example: In a 12×15 ft kitchen, placing 10 base cabinets after flooring could waste ~15 sq. ft. of tile.

2. Cost Efficiency

Only install flooring in visible areas to reduce material costs by 10–20%.
Cabinets-first installation avoids trimming expensive tiles or hardwood under base units.

3. Easier Leveling

Uneven subfloors are corrected with shims under cabinets.
Level cabinets ensure countertops are flat and appliances function properly.
Case study: Remodeling a 200 sq. ft. kitchen with an uneven subfloor, shimming saved 2 hours of countertop leveling.

4. Floor Protection

Heavy cabinets can scratch or dent the flooring.
Installing cabinets first protects high-end materials, such as hardwood, natural stone, or bamboo, from damage.

Why Some Homeowners Choose Floors First

1. Seamless Flooring Appearance

Continuous tile, hardwood, or luxury vinyl planks create a visual flow without gaps at cabinet edges.
Recommended for kitchens using large-format tiles or polished concrete.

2. Flexibility in Cabinet Placement

Making slight adjustments to the layout is easier without cutting into pre-installed flooring.
Example: Moving a base cabinet by 2–3 inches does not require removing flooring if it’s already in place.

3. Moisture Protection

Sealed flooring installed first can act as a moisture barrier for engineered hardwood, vinyl, or laminate.
Essential near sinks, dishwashers, or plumbing modifications.

4. Reference for Cabinet Height

Standard base cabinets have a height of 34.5 in (without countertops).
Installing floors first ensures the correct final height, taking into account the floor thickness.

Hybrid Approach: What Many Professionals Recommend

Most experienced contractors recommend a hybrid approach that combines the best of both methods. This involves:

Assess Subfloor – Check levelness, squeaks, or water damage.
Install Cabinets on Subfloor – Shim as needed for leveling.
Install Flooring Around Cabinets – Ensures protection, reduces waste, and maintains a seamless finish.

This method is prevalent with tile, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood, where precision cutting around cabinets is easier than repairing or adjusting pre-installed flooring.

Considerations for Different Flooring Types

The decision between floors or cabinets often depends on the type of flooring you choose. Let’s break it down:

Flooring Type	Cabinets First	Floors First	Recommendation
Tile	Reduces cuts & protects tile	Continuous surface	Large-format: cabinets first; small mosaics: floors first
Hardwood	Protects from heavy cabinets	Seamless look	Many contractors: cabinets first, flooring around edges
LVP/Laminate	Waste reduction & height flexibility	Easy cutting & seamless	Both work; floors first, typical for water resistance
Concrete/Polished	Limited	Continuous surface critical	Install flooring first for a seamless finish

Practical Tips for a Smooth Remodel

Whether you choose cabinets first, floors first, or a hybrid approach, consider these practical tips:

Plan Your Layout Carefully: Measure multiple times to ensure accuracy. Confirm dimensions for cabinets, appliances, and flooring materials. Minor miscalculations can be costly.
Account for Floor Thickness: Standard cabinet height doesn’t include the flooring. Ensure you calculate the final countertop height after the flooring installation is complete. For example, if you install a thick tile after the cabinets, your countertop height may be lower than planned.
Protect Floors During Cabinet Installation: Use cardboard, foam, or plywood sheets to shield newly installed flooring from scratches and dents. Heavy cabinets can damage even durable flooring materials.
Communicate with Contractors: If hiring a remodeling team, clearly discuss the installation order. Experienced contractors often have a preferred method based on materials, kitchen size, and design complexity.
Consider Future Repairs: Installing cabinets first allows for easier access to flooring for future repairs or replacements without disturbing the cabinets.
Consider Resale Value: High-quality, seamless flooring often appeals to buyers, so think about the visual impact of your installation method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Subfloor Preparation: Uneven or damaged subfloors can compromise both cabinets and flooring. Always prep the subfloor properly.
Skipping Measurements for Countertops: Failing to account for flooring thickness may result in countertops that are too low or appliances that don’t fit properly.
Underestimating Waste: Cutting flooring around cabinets can create unnecessary waste—plan for extra material to avoid delays.
Choosing the Wrong Flooring Material: Not all floors are suitable for kitchen environments. Consider durability, water resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Rushing the Process: Sequencing mistakes can lead to costly rework. Take the time to plan and execute carefully.

Choose the Right Sequence for a Successful Kitchen Remodel

For most kitchens, installing cabinets first, then flooring, provides the best balance of precision, protection, and efficiency. This approach ensures that cabinets are level, countertops are installed correctly, and floors remain undamaged. Exceptions exist—continuous materials, such as polished concrete, large-format tile, or premium hardwood, can be installed first to achieve a seamless finish.

Ultimately, the correct sequence depends on your flooring type, kitchen layout, and long-term goals. Careful planning, accurate measurements, and expert guidance will make your remodel smoother, reduce waste, and deliver a kitchen that is both functional and visually stunning for years to come.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

Don’t leave your remodel to guesswork. Contact our expert team today to plan your layout, select the perfect materials, and determine the ideal installation sequence. Protect your investment, save time, and create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional.