Should Flooring Be Installed Under Kitchen Cabinets?
Whether to install flooring under kitchen cabinets is one of the most common questions in kitchen remodeling. The answer depends on the project type, flooring material, and your long-term plans. After decades of coordinating kitchen remodels in Oklahoma homes, we explain when flooring should go under cabinets and when it should not.
The Two Approaches
There are two approaches to kitchen flooring and cabinetry:
- Flooring under cabinets — flooring extends wall-to-wall, and cabinets are installed on top.
- Flooring around cabinets — cabinets are installed first, and flooring is cut to fit around them.
Each approach has advantages and trade-offs.
New Construction
For new construction, flooring should always be installed before cabinets:
- Seamless appearance — flooring extends under cabinets for a clean look.
- Structural support — cabinets rest on a solid, level surface.
- Appliance access — appliances fit under cabinets and can be removed.
- Future flexibility — cabinets can be replaced without flooring complications.
- No toe-kick cutting — no precision cutting around cabinet bases.
- No transitions — no height differences or transition strips.
Full Kitchen Remodel
For full kitchen remodels where cabinets are being replaced, install flooring before cabinets:
- Same benefits as new construction.
- Level surface — new flooring provides a level base for cabinets.
- Dishwasher clearance — ensures the dishwasher can be removed for service.
- Future cabinet replacement — cabinets can be changed without replacing flooring.
The additional material cost of running flooring under cabinets is offset by easier installation and future flexibility.
Remodeling with Existing Cabinets
When keeping existing cabinets, flooring is installed around them:
- Toe-kick cutting — flooring must be cut precisely to fit under toe kicks.
- Dishwasher clearance — check if the dishwasher can be removed after flooring raises the floor height.
- Transitions — height differences may require transition strips.
- Seam placement — seams around cabinets may be visible.
If the dishwasher is trapped, the countertop may need to be raised or the dishwasher replaced with a lower model.
Flooring Type Considerations
Floating Floors (LVP, Laminate, Engineered Hardwood Click-Lock)
Floating floors should NOT be installed under cabinets:
- Movement — floating floors expand and contract; cabinet weight pins them down.
- Buckling — pinned floating floors can buckle or gap.
- Manufacturer warranty — most manufacturers void the warranty if floating floors are installed under cabinets.
Install cabinets first, then cut floating flooring to fit around them with proper expansion gaps.
Glue-Down Flooring (LVP, Engineered Hardwood)
Glue-down flooring CAN be installed under cabinets:
- No movement — adhesive prevents expansion and contraction.
- Stable base — provides a solid, level surface for cabinets.
- Manufacturer approval — check manufacturer guidelines.
Tile
Tile is ideal for installation under cabinets:
- Permanent — tile does not move or expand.
- Level surface — provides a solid, level base for cabinets.
- Waterproof — protects the subfloor from leaks.
- Heavy-duty — supports cabinet and appliance weight.
Solid Hardwood (Nail-Down)
Solid hardwood can be installed under cabinets:
- Nail-down installation — fastened to the subfloor; does not float.
- Stable — provides a solid surface for cabinets.
- Caution — not recommended for concrete slabs or kitchens due to water sensitivity.
Appliance Replacement Considerations
One of the most important reasons to install flooring under cabinets is appliance access:
- Dishwashers — if flooring is installed around cabinets, the new floor height may trap the dishwasher.
- Refrigerators — may not fit under upper cabinets if flooring raises the floor height.
- Stoves and ranges — height differences may create gaps or misalignment.
- Future replacement — appliances may need replacement; ensure they can be removed.
If flooring is installed under cabinets, appliance height is consistent and appliances can be replaced without complications.
Cabinet Weight Considerations
- Tile and glue-down flooring — support cabinet weight without issue.
- Floating floors — cabinet weight pins the floor and prevents movement; can cause buckling.
- Hardwood — supports cabinet weight when nailed down.
Comparison: Flooring Under vs. Around Cabinets
| Factor | Flooring Under Cabinets | Flooring Around Cabinets |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Seamless | Cut edges visible |
| Appliance Access | Excellent | May be restricted |
| Future Flexibility | Excellent | Limited |
| Material Cost | Higher (more material) | Lower |
| Installation Ease | Easier (no cutting) | Harder (precision cutting) |
| For Floating Floors | Not recommended | Required |
| For Tile/Glue-Down | Recommended | Acceptable |
When Each Method Is Appropriate
- New construction — always install flooring before cabinets.
- Full kitchen remodel — install flooring before cabinets.
- Keeping existing cabinets — install flooring around cabinets.
- Floating floors — always install around cabinets, never under.
- Tile or glue-down — install under cabinets for new construction and full remodels.
Oklahoma Considerations
Oklahoma homes with foundation movement benefit from flooring that tolerates movement. Floating LVP installed around cabinets accommodates minor movement. For Oklahoma homes, always check appliance clearance before installing flooring around existing cabinets.
Key Takeaways
- For new construction and full remodels, install flooring before cabinets.
- Floating floors must NOT be installed under cabinets — cabinet weight causes buckling.
- Tile and glue-down flooring are ideal for installation under cabinets.
- Installing flooring under cabinets ensures appliance access and future flexibility.
- When keeping existing cabinets, install flooring around them and check appliance clearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing floating flooring under cabinets.
- Not checking dishwasher clearance before installing flooring around cabinets.
- Not following manufacturer guidelines for flooring under cabinets.
- Cutting corners on material to save cost at the expense of future flexibility.
- Not ensuring a level subfloor before installing flooring under cabinets.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Kitchen Remodel
- Should I install flooring before or after my cabinets?
- Can my flooring type be installed under cabinets?
- Will my dishwasher still be removable after flooring installation?
- What is the cost difference between flooring under and around cabinets?
- How will flooring height affect my appliances?
When to Speak with a Remodeling Professional
A remodeling professional can evaluate your kitchen, flooring type, and cabinet plans to recommend the right installation sequence. They can coordinate flooring and cabinetry installation to ensure appliance access and future flexibility.
Bottom Line
For new construction and full remodels, install flooring before cabinets for seamless appearance, appliance access, and future flexibility. Floating floors must NOT be installed under cabinets. Tile and glue-down flooring are ideal for under-cabinet installation. When keeping existing cabinets, install flooring around them and check appliance clearance.
Related Articles
- What Is the Best Kitchen Flooring?
- Can New Flooring Be Installed Around Existing Cabinets?
- How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Usually Take?
- Should You Paint Before or After Installing New Flooring?
Still have questions? Visit your nearest Premier Carpet & Tile showroom to speak with an experienced flooring and remodeling professional who can help you plan your kitchen project with confidence.
Key considerations
- For new construction and full remodels, install flooring before cabinets
- Floating floors must NOT be installed under cabinets — cabinet weight causes buckling
- Tile and glue-down flooring are ideal for installation under cabinets
- Installing flooring under cabinets ensures appliance access and future flexibility
- When keeping existing cabinets, install flooring around them and check appliance clearance
A common misconception
Many homeowners and even some contractors believe flooring should not go under kitchen cabinets to save material cost. In reality, for new construction and full remodels, running flooring under cabinets provides better structural support, appliance access, and future flexibility — often saving money long-term.
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