Floor Covering before Instalation of new kitchen???

Style-Sack
by Style-Sack
I have ripped out the kitchen cabinets and am soon replacng them with a flat pack kitchen from IKEA. (Doing it myself.)

My question, of which I have done some reserach on already but can't come to a conclution, as some say yes and others say no, "sigh" so I thought I would ask people who have actually done this DIY.

Is it better to install the floor covering eg. tiles vinyl or hardwood floor boards, or linoleum, before installing the new kitchen or after putting in the kitchen cabinets??

Thanks....



  11 answers
  • Style-Sack Style-Sack on Dec 17, 2017

    OOOPs!!!!! sorry about the spelling It wont let me edit :(

  • We always put the flooring in first if the space was a total gut job. Makes for a better "level playing field" so to speak. Then install cabinets (carefully), and then cover the the floors and finish the rest of the installation. My ex hubster makes a fortune rehabbing homes and ripping out all the "Harry Homeowner" botched "improvements" that people make. One house he bought was a real winner. Kitchen had been updated at various times and none of the base cabinets and appliances were level or at the correct height due to 3 different flooring installations. That house was b a d - not even flippers wanted it . . .

    • See 1 previous
    • You are most welcome! And remove the baseboards, install the flooring then replace the baseboards. And doubtful you will make mistakes, as you are asking good questions and getting help before errors can be made. Several neighbors have installed Ikea kitchens and they turned out beautifully! Just take your time and do it right. Since you are not moving any plumbing or electrical, it is much easier and you will do just fine! Please post when complete, would love to see what you did.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 17, 2017

    My personal opinion would be that it is easier to install the flooring before the other stuff. Just like it is easier to paint before putting appliances in.

    • Style-Sack Style-Sack on Dec 19, 2017

      Yes Mogie, I tend to agree.

      I really appreciate your suggestion Thank you.

  • Wendy Wendy on Dec 17, 2017

    Floor first. I had my floor tiled afterwards and now can't budge the kick boards. I need to move them for access to fill in rodent entry points in the outside wall. Also if mice die under there you can't get to them.....then the flies arrive.... Definitely floor first!

    • Style-Sack Style-Sack on Dec 19, 2017

      Thank you Wendy... that is something I hadn't thought of ..


      Thank you for that.

  • Judy Judy on Dec 17, 2017

    I would insulate the walls, before the floor. You don't want to miss any areas, that need this insulation. Best wishes, J. When you find the wisdom, you want, or that really agrees with you, be sure to copy it, with printer, and this will help guide you thru the process. Be wise and save money. J.

    • Style-Sack Style-Sack on Dec 19, 2017

      YES!! Thank you Judy.... I will check if there is already insulation behind the walls... I am on a limited budget as it is a small Cabin on the coast about 1 and half hours drive from my place When it is all finished I will make a post abotu my so called achievement :D


      Thanks heaps.

  • Judy Judy on Dec 17, 2017

    Just don't get too confused with other folks opinions, for one person may not agree with the next , and you will get more confused, ok?

    • Style-Sack Style-Sack on Dec 19, 2017

      Thanks again Judy... I have read so many opinions from other bloggers as well and everyone sees it differently... see if I put in the floor "covering" first before I install the kitchen cabinets, it will cost me around $200 more... and don't wish to sound cheap but I have to count my pennies for everything I spend on the place.. it will be my weekender and my sons, and their family, vacation place.. And I have to pay for any heavy work that needs doing.


      I have had and electrician do half the job of rewiring and only done half the job and disappear LOL...


      My motto is : Slow and easy does it.


      Hometalk has helped me heaps with ideas and 'how to"..



  • Judy Judy on Dec 20, 2017

    I know how the limited budget is, wow, what a pinch, in needs. Upon the insulation question, it is better to have the insulation, in this area, rather than to WISH it was there, and have COLD WALLS !! Right. Just feature a bath tub, with cold walls. . . this is how the contractors do homes now days, for their time, is saving work, and money. But - wow, when we were in the tub, and touched the walls, it was bitter cold, even tho the garage was right there, tho that area, is NOT insulated. We replaced the tub, and insulated the area. Be safe, and Be WISE. This bit of INSULATION, really saves money, and heat escape. Thank you for your reply. Have a lovely holiday, best wishes, J.

    You may also want to check and see, IF there is insulation, or if there is insulation there, check on what grade of insulation is there. There is one main insulation, that is great, but you will have to check with the hardware store, to make sure of the BEST GRADE of insulation. . or what is the passable grade, which would NOT be too good, just for a money saver, ok? Use wisdom, and be safe, ok? Keep warm, and cozy. J.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Dec 20, 2017

    Do the floors first and set the cabinets ON TOP. Otherwise you have to cut the flooring flush to the cabinets and this is not only more work but may look sloppy if not done very carefully.

  • Joletta Rachael Joletta Rachael on Dec 16, 2020

    Were you successful in staining your lvp flooring? Did it turn out well ?

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 28, 2021

    YOu always want to have your flooring under your cabinets especially when all is out now

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Mar 16, 2021

    Flooring first, but it doesn’t have to be fully the high end flooring under the backs of the cabinets, as long as the toe space is covered and the cheaper flooring is the same thickness.