Installing Hardwood Floors in Your Kitchen: The Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re thinking about installing hardwood floors in your kitchen, you might be wondering if you should install the floors before or after putting in your kitchen cabinets. The answer is that, in most cases, you should install the hardwood floors after the cabinets. Keep reading to learn more about why this is the case and what exceptions there are to the rule.
Do’s and Don’ts of Installing Hardwood Floors in Your Kitchen
Installing hardwood floors in your kitchen is a big decision. Not only do you have to choose the right type of wood for your needs, but you also have to decide whether to install the floors before or after putting in your kitchen cabinets. In most cases, it’s best to install the hardwood floors after the cabinets. The reasoning is that the weight of the cabinets will compress the underlying subfloor, potentially buckling or ripple the floating floor.
Furthermore, you’ll want to avoid having to cut around the cabinets when installing the flooring, so it’s easier to install them first. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule: if your cabinets are especially light, or if you’re installing an underlayment between the subfloor and the floating floor, you can install the cabinets before the floor. Otherwise, the general rule is to install your hardwood floors after your kitchen cabinets.
Installing hardwood floors in your kitchen can be a challenging project. However, by following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your project goes off without a hitch! And remember, in most cases it’s best to install the hardwood floors after putting in your kitchen cabinets.
