The debate over whether to install tile before or after cabinets often comes down to the scope of your remodeling project. Installing tile throughout the entire room before placing cabinets (the 'full-floor' method) ensures that your appliances, islands, and cabinets sit on a level, consistent surface. This is particularly advantageous if you plan to change your kitchen layout in the future, as you won't have to deal with a missing section of flooring under the cabinets. It also simplifies the installation by eliminating the need to cut tiles precisely around every cabinet toe-kick. On the other hand, installing cabinets first (the 'cabinet-first' method) is common for budget-conscious projects. It requires less tile and less labor, as you aren't tiling the area beneath the base cabinets. This approach also prevents potential damage to expensive tile during the cabinet installation process. However, if you choose this route, you must use a 'shoe molding' or 'quarter-round' to hide the expansion gap between the cabinet and the floor. Consult with your installer to determine which method works best for your layout, material choice, and timeline, as both are industry-accepted practices.
Key considerations
- tile installation
- cabinets
- floor tile
- remodeling
- tile before or after cabinets
- kitchen installation order