Should you do floors or kitchen first?
Kitchen or floors first? What You Should Know Before Making a Decision
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is whether they should install their wood floors before or after their kitchen cabinets. While both methods have advantages and disadvantages, we generally recommend installing the floors after the cabinets. Here’s why:
Wood floors require space to breathe because they contract and expand as temperatures change and moisture levels rise and fall. Buckling and subsequent damage could occur if the floor is installed too tightly beneath the cabinets. You can avoid this potential problem by installing the floors after the cabinets.
Another thing to consider is that if you plan on doing any type of remodeling or renovation in your kitchen in the future, it is much easier to remove and replace flooring than it is to remove and replace cabinets. If you’re unsure about your long-term plans for your kitchen, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution and install your wood floors later.
When Should You Install the Kitchen First?
There are a few things to consider when renovating your home and deciding whether to install the kitchen or the floors first. The most important factor is the order of construction. If your contractor is doing a complete gut renovation, they will most likely begin with the floors. However, if you are only doing a partial renovation, the kitchen may be installed first.
Another factor to consider is the type of flooring you’re installing. Hardwood floors should be installed before the kitchen to avoid damage during installation. However, if you’re installing tile or vinyl flooring, it doesn’t matter as much because those materials are more durable.
Finally, consider when you’ll be using the kitchen. If you require it right away, it is best to install it first so that you can begin using it as soon as possible. However, if you can wait a few weeks or even months, it may make more sense to do the floors first so that they are finished and perfect before installing the kitchen.
When Should You Install the Floors First?
It can be difficult to decide whether to install new floors or remodel your kitchen first when renovating your home. Here are a few things to think about to help you decide:
-The type of flooring you’re installing: If you’re installing hardwood floors, it’s generally best to do so before doing any work on the kitchen, as there’s a risk of damaging the floors during the remodel.
-The scope of the project: If you’re just doing a minor kitchen update, you may not need to do any work on the floors. However, if you’re planning a major gut renovation, it’s likely that both the floors and the kitchen will need to be worked on.
-Your budget: Because renovating your entire home can be costly, you’ll need to carefully consider your budget before deciding which project to tackle first. If money is tight, you may want to prioritize the kitchen because it is typically one of the more expensive rooms to renovate.
-Your timetable: Are you in a rush to finish a specific room? If so, that should be your top priority. However, if you have some leeway in your schedule, it may not matter as much which project you tackle first.
Finally, there is no right or wrong answer; it simply depends on what works best for you and your project. There are a few advantages to installing the floors or kitchen first. For one thing, if you install the floors first, you won’t have to worry about damaging them when you install the kitchen. Furthermore, by installing the kitchen first, you can ensure that the appliances and cabinets are in the proper locations before installing the flooring.
