Can New Flooring Be Installed Around Existing Cabinets?
Installing flooring around existing cabinets is possible but presents challenges. After decades of installing flooring in Oklahoma homes, we explain when it makes sense and when flooring should be installed before cabinetry.
The Short Answer
Yes, new flooring can be installed around existing cabinets — but it is not always the best choice. The decision depends on the room, the type of cabinetry, and your remodeling goals. Here is what you need to consider.
Kitchens
Flooring Around Kitchen Cabinets
Installing flooring around existing kitchen cabinets is common in remodels where cabinets are staying. Challenges:
- Toe kicks — the recessed area under cabinets; flooring must be cut to fit precisely.
- Transitions — height differences between the cabinet area and the new flooring require transition strips.
- Appliance access — dishwashers and stoves must fit under the cabinets; new flooring height may prevent appliance removal.
- Dishwasher clearance — if new flooring raises the floor height, the dishwasher may not fit or may be trapped.
- Island installation — flooring around islands requires precise cutting and may create seams.
When to Install Flooring Before Cabinets
For new kitchens or full remodels, install flooring before cabinets:
- Seamless appearance — flooring extends under cabinets for a clean look.
- No toe-kick cutting — no precision cutting around toe kicks.
- Appliance access — appliances can be removed and replaced easily.
- Future flexibility — cabinets can be replaced without replacing flooring.
- No transitions — no height differences or transition strips.
Bathrooms
Flooring Around Bathroom Vanities
Installing flooring around existing bathroom vanities:
- Vanity toe kicks — same challenges as kitchen cabinets.
- Plumbing access — flooring must be cut around plumbing connections.
- Transitions — height differences may require transitions.
- Water damage — if the vanity has water damage, it should be removed and replaced before flooring.
When to Install Flooring Before Vanities
For bathroom remodels, install flooring before the vanity:
- Seamless appearance — flooring extends under the vanity.
- Water protection — flooring under the vanity protects the subfloor from leaks.
- Future vanity replacement — the vanity can be replaced without flooring complications.
Islands
Installing flooring around kitchen islands:
- Seam placement — seams around islands may be visible.
- Cutting precision — flooring must be cut precisely to fit the island base.
- Height transitions — if the island is on a different level, transitions are needed.
For new islands or full remodels, install flooring before the island for a seamless appearance.
Dishwashers and Appliances
Dishwashers are a common problem when flooring is installed around cabinets:
- Height clearance — new flooring may raise the floor height, making the dishwasher too tall to fit.
- Trapped dishwashers — if the flooring is installed after the dishwasher, the dishwasher may be trapped under the countertop and cannot be removed for service.
- Solution — ensure the dishwasher can be removed before installing flooring; if not, the countertop may need to be raised or the dishwasher replaced.
Always check dishwasher clearance before installing flooring in a kitchen with existing cabinets.
Toe Kicks
Toe kicks installation challenges:
- Precision cutting — flooring must be cut precisely to fit under toe kicks.
- Height matching — the flooring height should match the toe kick height to avoid gaps.
- Securing — toe kick flooring must be secured to prevent movement.
- Finish — toe kick flooring may require trim or molding to finish.
Transitions
When flooring is installed around cabinets, transitions may be needed:
- Height differences — if the new flooring is higher than the cabinet flooring, a transition strip is needed.
- Doorways — transitions at doorways between rooms with different flooring.
- Transition types — reducer strips, T-molding, or end caps depending on the height difference.
Remodeling Considerations
- Cabinet replacement — if you plan to replace cabinets in the future, install flooring before cabinets.
- Appliance replacement — ensure appliances can be removed after flooring installation.
- Water damage — if cabinets have water damage, replace them before flooring.
- Budget — installing flooring before cabinets uses more material but provides better results.
- Timeline — installing flooring before cabinets may extend the timeline.
When Flooring Should Be Installed Before Cabinetry
- New construction — always install flooring before cabinets.
- Full kitchen remodel — install flooring before cabinets for seamless appearance and appliance access.
- Full bathroom remodel — install flooring before the vanity for water protection.
- New island installation — install flooring before the island.
- Future cabinet replacement planned — install flooring before cabinets.
When Flooring Can Be Installed Around Existing Cabinetry
- Budget constraints — flooring around cabinets saves material and labor.
- Cabinets in good condition — no need to remove cabinets that are staying.
- Appliance clearance is adequate — dishwashers and appliances can be removed.
- Height compatibility — new flooring height is compatible with cabinet height.
Oklahoma Considerations
Oklahoma homes with foundation movement may have uneven floors that affect cabinet installation. Always assess subfloor conditions before installing flooring around cabinets. Oklahoma's humidity can also affect flooring expansion and contraction — leave proper expansion gaps around cabinets.
Key Takeaways
- Flooring can be installed around existing cabinets but presents challenges.
- For kitchens and bathrooms, install flooring before cabinets when possible.
- Check dishwasher clearance before installing flooring around cabinets.
- Toe kicks require precision cutting and height matching.
- Installing flooring before cabinets provides seamless appearance and future flexibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing flooring around cabinets without checking dishwasher clearance.
- Not addressing water-damaged cabinets before flooring installation.
- Not matching flooring height to toe kick height.
- Skiping transitions where height differences exist.
- Not leaving expansion gaps around cabinets for wood-based flooring.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Should I install flooring before or after my cabinets?
- Can my dishwasher be removed after flooring installation?
- What transitions will be needed around my cabinets?
- Should I replace water-damaged cabinets before flooring?
- How much extra material is needed to run flooring under cabinets?
Maintenance Tips
- Keep transitions clean and secure.
- Check toe kick areas for gaps or damage.
- Ensure dishwasher and appliance access remains unobstructed.
- Address any water leaks promptly to protect flooring around cabinets.
When to Speak with a Flooring Professional
A flooring professional can evaluate your kitchen or bathroom and recommend whether to install flooring before or after cabinets. They can assess appliance clearance, transitions, and subfloor conditions to ensure the best result.
Bottom Line
Flooring can be installed around existing cabinets, but for kitchens and bathrooms, installing flooring before cabinets is usually the better choice. It provides a seamless appearance, appliance access, and future flexibility. Check dishwasher clearance, address water-damaged cabinets, and use proper transitions. For new construction or full remodels, always install flooring before cabinets.
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Still have questions? Visit your nearest Premier Carpet & Tile showroom to speak with an experienced flooring professional who can help you plan your project with confidence.
Key considerations
- Flooring can be installed around existing cabinets but presents challenges
- For kitchens and bathrooms, install flooring before cabinets when possible
- Check dishwasher clearance before installing flooring around cabinets
- Toe kicks require precision cutting and height matching
- Installing flooring before cabinets provides seamless appearance and future flexibility
A common misconception
Many homeowners assume flooring can be installed around existing cabinets without issue. While possible, installing flooring around cabinets creates transition issues, toe-kick complications, and makes future cabinet replacement difficult. For kitchens, installing flooring before cabinets is usually the better approach.
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