A kitchen remodel involves many tasks, and redoing kitchen cabinets is one of the most common changes. Contractors can make it easier by providing you with different tips and suggestions, including painting, refacing, design updates, shelf installation, and under-cabinet lighting. Make sure to ask all your questions up front, including one of the most common: Why is putting flooring under the kitchen cabinets unnecessary? Below are some reasons you can avoid this process as well as tips to consider.
More Challenges when Installing Cabinets
The thicker the floor is, the more difficult it will be to install appliances in the right spaces. This can affect base cabinet placement. There are also design limitations when installing flooring under the kitchen cabinets. If you decide to do the flooring last, you can choose material that requires an expansion gap. Doing so allows professionals to install the cabinets over the gap, even if you choose a floating floor or similar design.
Extra Time & Increased Flooring Costs
Installing the cabinets on a bare subfloor will be less time-consuming and reduce the need to make adjustments to ensure a proper fit. The need to remove and reinstall the cabinets is even more likely if the floor is installed first, and that’s no good if you’re on a tight schedule and a limited budget. Keep in mind professionals must work around the cabinets to reduce the risk of dents, stains, scratches, and other floor damage.
Installing flooring before cabinets not only requires more time, but it also leads to additional costs for a variety of reasons, such as requiring more floor material. If you use high-end products, those costs will be even higher. Therefore, you should avoid adding the flooring first. If you want to do so after the project, speak with a remodeling contractor to determine which options suit your project best.
Longevity
By following the correct order of steps, such as installing cabinets before flooring, your remodeling project has a higher chance of achieving success and longevity. If you’re fearful the cabinets will be unstable, don’t worry, because professionals have the materials, tools, and hardware necessary to achieve the balance your cabinets need. Most of the time, professionals will create space around the cabinets, allowing enough room for natural movement without compromising support.
In some situations, contractors add support blocks, but this will vary from project to project. Remodeling contractors will ensure an even distribution of weight across the floor, which is crucial for stability. Different mishaps could happen if you install the floor before the cabinets, such as temperature changes that lead to contraction and expansion difficulties in the future.
Speaking with Professionals First
If your home is up for sale or the current flooring has become outdated, it may be impossible to avoid installing new flooring. However, always check with a full home remodeling contractor before deciding. These professionals will go over the advantages and disadvantages of installing the flooring first, allowing you to select which is more important to your remodeling project.
The team from Forever Builders, one of the top remodeling and flooring companies Orange County homeowners rely on for honesty and impeccable service, will help you choose exactly the right flooring for your needs, and we’ll install it quickly, correctly, and efficiently. From design choices to installation, we’ll help you create the home of your dreams while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our exceptional flooring and remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today.