Should flooring go under cabinets? Tuesday, February 14, 2023

When it comes to remodeling or building a kitchen, one question that often arises is whether flooring should go under cabinets or not. Some people believe that it is necessary to install flooring under cabinets, while others think it is not necessary. So, should flooring go under cabinets? Let's explore the pros and cons of each option.

Installing Flooring Under Cabinets

Pros:

Seamless appearance: Installing flooring under cabinets creates a seamless look in the kitchen. If you ever decide to change the layout of your kitchen or remove cabinets in the future, you won't have to worry about any unfinished areas of flooring.

Better protection: Flooring under cabinets provides better protection against moisture, spills, and leaks. Cabinets can be removed for cleaning or repair without damaging the flooring.

Easier installation: Installing flooring before cabinets can be easier because you don't have to work around the cabinets. You can install the flooring up to the edges of the cabinets, making the process quicker and more efficient.

Cons:

Higher cost: Installing flooring under cabinets can be more expensive since you will need more flooring material. If you are on a tight budget, this may not be the best option for you.

Time-consuming: Installing flooring under cabinets can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are doing it yourself. You will need to remove and reinstall the cabinets, which can add time and labor costs to your project.

Limited design options: If you decide to install the flooring under the cabinets, you may be limited in your design options. For example, if you choose a floating floor that requires an expansion gap, you may not be able to install cabinets over the gap.

Not Installing Flooring Under Cabinets

Pros:

Cost-effective: Not installing flooring under cabinets can be a cost-effective option since you will need less flooring material. This can help you stay within your budget.

Easier installation: Installing cabinets first can be easier because you don't have to work around the flooring. You can install the flooring up to the edges of the cabinets, making the process quicker and more efficient.

More design options: Not installing flooring under cabinets provides more design options. For example, you can choose a flooring material that requires an expansion gap and install the cabinets over the gap.

Cons:

Unfinished appearance: Not installing flooring under cabinets can result in an unfinished appearance. If you ever decide to change the layout of your kitchen or remove cabinets in the future, you will have to deal with unfinished areas of flooring.

Moisture damage: Not installing flooring under cabinets can make your flooring more susceptible to moisture damage. If you have a leak or spill, water can seep into the subfloor, causing damage.

Difficult to repair: If your flooring is damaged under the cabinets, it can be difficult to repair or replace. You may have to remove the cabinets to access the damaged area, which can be costly and time-consuming.

The decision of whether to install flooring under cabinets or not ultimately depends on your personal preference, budget, and design goals. While installing flooring under cabinets provides a seamless appearance and better protection against moisture damage, it can be more expensive and time-consuming. Not installing flooring under cabinets can be cost-effective and provide more design options, but it can result in an unfinished appearance and make your flooring more susceptible to damage. Consider all the factors and choose the option that works best for your needs and goals.