When Remodeling a Kitchen, What Comes First: Cabinets or Floors?
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, you've probably asked one of the most common—and surprisingly complicated—questions:
Should the floors or cabinets be installed first?
At Prestige Home Remodeling, we guide homeowners across Maryland through this decision every day. From traditional homes in Towson to newer builds in Hunt Valley, the answer depends on the flooring material, design goals, and long-term plans.
In this article, we’ll explain when floors should come first, when they shouldn’t, and how our team helps Maryland homeowners make the right call for their project.
Why the Order Matters
The sequence of flooring and cabinet installation affects:
Visual appeal and finishing details
Appliance fit and cabinet height
Project cost and material waste
Future remodel flexibility
Risk of damage to finished surfaces
Choosing the right approach avoids costly mistakes and ensures a kitchen that functions well and looks beautiful for years.
When to Install Floors First (Most Common Scenario)
In many remodeling projects—especially those involving full gut renovations—it’s best to install the floors first.
Benefits of Floors-First Installation:
Clean, seamless look: Flooring runs wall-to-wall with no gaps or awkward cuts.
Easier layout changes in the future: Cabinets can be moved without needing new flooring.
Cabinets sit level: A consistent flooring plane makes cabinet installation smoother.
Standard appliance fit: Ensures correct height alignment for dishwashers and ranges.
This is especially important in open floor plan homes, where flooring continuity from the kitchen into adjacent spaces is essential—something we see often in homes in Lutherville, Cockeysville, and Owings Mills.
Pro Tip: Hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are almost always installed before cabinets. This creates a more finished and future-proof layout.
When It’s Acceptable to Install Cabinets First
While “floors-first” is the standard recommendation, there are valid reasons to reverse the order—particularly when budget, materials, or layout call for it.
Scenarios Where Cabinets-First May Be Suitable:
Floating floors (LVP or laminate): These floors are not nailed or glued down and need room to expand and contract. Installing them under heavy cabinets can restrict movement and cause damage.
Partial remodels: If you're keeping your existing cabinet layout and only replacing floors, there’s no need to remove cabinetry.
Reducing material waste: In very large kitchens or when using premium materials, some homeowners choose not to install flooring under cabinets to save on cost.
According to Flooring Inc, floating floors should typically be installed after cabinets to allow for proper expansion.
Cautions for Cabinets-First Installation:
Cutting flooring around cabinets is labor-intensive and can result in visible seams.
Height inconsistencies can occur if flooring is added after cabinetry and appliances no longer align correctly.
Future layout changes may require flooring repairs or full replacement.
Careful planning is critical in these situations.
Material-Specific Guidance
Hardwood Flooring
Install first. Wood expands and contracts with humidity. Installing it beneath cabinets prevents buckling and allows for smooth cabinet installation.
Tile (Ceramic or Porcelain)
Install first. A level tile base makes for stronger, cleaner cabinet installations. Installing around cabinets adds complexity and reduces visual continuity.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Laminate
Install after cabinets only if it’s a floating system. These floors must be able to move freely and should not be pinned down by cabinets or islands.
Glue-Down Vinyl or Engineered Flooring
Install before the cabinets. These materials are fixed to the subfloor and do not need to float, making them compatible with standard sequencing.
Our Maryland-Based Approach at Prestige Home Remodeling
At Prestige, we evaluate each kitchen remodel individually, factoring in:
Flooring type and manufacturer guidelines
Full renovation or partial update scope
Age and condition of the home
Long-term layout flexibility and budget
In most Baltimore County kitchen remodels, we recommend flooring before cabinetry—especially in full gut renovations. But we tailor our approach based on the project’s unique needs and goals.
Explore our kitchen remodeling services in your area:
Head over to our kitchen remodeling in Maryland page to view all the cities we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should flooring go under appliances?
Yes. Flooring under appliances ensures consistent height and allows for easier removal or replacement down the road.
Can new floors be installed around existing cabinets?
Yes, but the installer must carefully trim flooring to fit and use transition pieces to maintain a clean appearance.
What about radiant heated floors?
Radiant heating is installed first, followed by flooring and then cabinetry. Proper sequencing is essential to avoid disrupting the heating system.
Does flooring under cabinets really waste that much material?
The difference is usually minor and well worth it for the flexibility and cleaner look it provides.
Can you help me decide the best order for my kitchen remodel?
Yes. We assess each project individually and provide clear recommendations based on materials, layout, and your long-term goals.
Visit our FAQs page for more answers.
Best Practices for a Seamless Kitchen Remodel
Decide on materials early. Knowing whether you’re using floating or fixed flooring makes sequencing decisions much easier.
Choose a contractor who handles design and build. Coordinated planning reduces errors and miscommunication.
Account for appliance specs. Ensure flooring and cabinet heights align with appliance dimensions.
Protect surfaces during the install. Use drop cloths, felt pads, and floor protection after installation to avoid scratches and dings.
Final Takeaway
In most Maryland kitchen remodels, installing flooring before cabinetry is the best choice for durability, finish quality, and future flexibility. However, exceptions do exist—especially when working with floating floor systems or doing partial upgrades.
Prestige Home Remodeling helps homeowners make confident, informed decisions based on best practices and what’s right for their home.
To get personalized advice or start planning your kitchen remodel, reach out to our team today.
