Flooring Before or After Kitchen Cabinets? Burlington & Hamilton Renovation Guide

Whether flooring goes before or after kitchen cabinets depends on the flooring system, installation instructions and renovation plan. The critical issue is not a universal sequence: it is knowing the final floor build-up before cabinet and appliance heights are locked. Burlington and Hamilton renovators should coordinate the flooring manufacturer’s requirements with the cabinet installer before work begins.

Why finished floor height matters

Cabinets, counters and appliance openings interact with the finished floor. Changing floor thickness after measurements can affect the relationship between a range and countertop, dishwasher removal clearance, toe-kick appearance and transitions into adjoining rooms.

Floating floors need special attention

Many floating-floor systems require expansion space and are not intended to be trapped by fixed cabinetry. Follow the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions rather than assuming cabinets should sit on top. If the floor terminates at the cabinetry, plan the finished edge and toe-kick coverage.

When flooring runs beneath cabinets

Some projects use flooring continuously through the room. That can simplify future layout changes, but suitability depends on the actual flooring product and installation method. Confirm the floor manufacturer permits the intended installation.

Coordinate appliances before installation

A dishwasher is particularly important because the finished floor in front of it can affect removal. Refrigerator and range openings also need to reflect the finished floor elevation. Use manufacturer appliance documentation for opening and clearance requirements.

Cabinet planning checklist

• Record the existing subfloor or finished-floor elevation.
• Confirm the new flooring type and total installed thickness.
• Check whether the flooring is floating, glued, nailed or otherwise installed.
• Read the flooring manufacturer’s instructions around fixed cabinetry.
• Verify appliance opening heights after accounting for the finished floor.
• Tell the cabinet installer where flooring will start and stop.
• Plan toe-kick and transition details before installation.

How this affects the cabinet order

The cabinet list itself may not change, but installation conditions can. Review base cabinets, appliance cabinets and cabinet components and trim only after the room dimensions and finished-floor assumptions are documented.

Common mistakes

Avoid measuring from one floor condition and installing on another without updating the plan. Do not trap a flooring system that requires movement, and do not assume an appliance can always be removed after counters and flooring are complete.

FAQ

Do kitchen cabinets always go before flooring?

No. The correct sequence depends on the flooring product, its installation requirements and the renovation design.

Why does floor thickness matter for cabinets?

It changes finished elevations and can affect appliance openings, toe-kick relationships and countertop alignment.

Should I install flooring under a dishwasher?

Coordinate the appliance and flooring instructions so the dishwasher can be installed and removed as intended.

When should flooring be selected?

Before final cabinet installation planning, so the finished-floor thickness and installation method are known.

Next step: mark the finished-floor condition on the kitchen plan before finalizing the cabinet order or installation sequence.