"Is it necessary to install flooring beneath kitchen cabinets? Insights from professionals"
Installing flooring under kitchen cabinets can offer a clean, uniform aesthetic and potential benefits for future renovations, but it also comes with some drawbacks that homeowners should consider.
Advantages of Installing Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets
A key advantage of installing flooring under kitchen cabinets is the uniform appearance it provides, offering a seamless, consistent look throughout the kitchen. This can be especially appealing in open-plan kitchens.
Another advantage is future-proofing. If you remodel or replace cabinets later, having flooring underneath means you won't need to remove and reinstall floors, saving effort and cost. Additionally, the subfloor supporting cabinets also benefits from continuous flooring, potentially improving overall floor strength.
Disadvantages of Installing Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets
However, installing flooring under kitchen cabinets does come with some drawbacks. For instance, it increases material cost as more flooring material is required, and the installation process can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for precise cuts and fitting.
There is also the potential for waste if cabinet plans change or cabinets are removed later, as flooring under them might be damaged or wasted.
When Not to Install Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets
In some cases, it is more appropriate not to install flooring under kitchen cabinets. For example, floating floor installations, such as some engineered wood or laminate floors, are often installed around cabinets and appliances rather than underneath to allow for easier installation and movement.
If cabinets are expected to be replaced or remodeled soon, leaving flooring out beneath them saves cost. In certain glue-down or tile installations, flooring sometimes stops at cabinet edges to reduce complexity.
Considerations for Different Flooring Materials
The decision also depends on the flooring material. Hardwood or engineered wood flooring often is installed under cabinets for longevity and future refinishing benefits, while some vinyl or laminate flooring might be installed around cabinets due to water resistance or ease of repair issues.
Expert Advice
Magda Callery, an experienced interior designer in the UK, specializes in creating beautiful, functional spaces. She advises that a consistent level throughout the kitchen makes installing cabinets and appliances easier. However, if budget is a concern, it may not be necessary to pay for flooring under kitchen cabinets.
It is crucial to note that luxury vinyl plank or any other type of floating flooring system is not recommended to install under kitchen cabinets. Instead, it is preferable to install them underneath the cabinets for all types of flooring systems, apart from a floating system like a luxury vinyl plank.
Always put flooring under floor appliances like dishwashers and ovens to make installation and removal easier. Soft materials such as cork flooring or rubber might compress over time, leaving your cabinets slightly lopsided. It is allowed to install kitchen cabinets directly on plywood or concrete floors, but it is important to ensure the surface is level and sealed to avoid future issues with moisture or uneven cabinets.
In conclusion, putting flooring under kitchen cabinets is usually recommended for long-term home value and appearance when budget and installation complexity are manageable. However, homeowners should carefully consider the pros and cons and the specific requirements of their kitchen design and flooring material before making a decision.
- Achieving a clean, uniform aesthetic throughout the kitchen can be facilitated by installing flooring under kitchen cabinets, particularly in open-plan kitchens.
- Future renovations may be eased by installing flooring under kitchen cabinets, as the effort and cost associated with removing and reinstalling floors will be bypassed.
- An increased material cost and labor-intensive process are potential disadvantages of installing flooring under kitchen cabinets.
- Waste can occur in the process if cabinet plans change or if cabinets are removed later, damaging or rendering the flooring beneath them useless.
- In some cases, it is more appropriate not to install flooring under kitchen cabinets, such as in floating floor installations like engineered wood or laminate floors for easier installation and movement.
- Any flooring material selection must be carefully considered, as hardwood or engineered wood flooring benefits from being installed under cabinets for longevity and future refinishing possibilities, while vinyl or laminate flooring might be installed around cabinets due to water resistance or ease of repair issues.
- Magda Callery, an experienced interior designer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent level throughout the kitchen when installing cabinets and appliances, but advises that if budget is a concern, it may not be necessary to pay for flooring under kitchen cabinets.
