Put flooring under new kitchen cabinets or not?

Question

Hey BP nation! I'm doing a complete rehab of a rental property. I am not planning on putting the flooring under the new kitchen cabinets. I will be using LVP flooring over the existing ceramic tile.

Do you typically put flooring under the kitchen cabinets or not? Why?

Taylor L. · Answer

No, because you'll eventually want to change the flooring and it's easier to do if the flooring only goes up to the toe kick. Plus, the floor will need to expand and contract with temperature. Having the weight of the cabinets on the floor will restrict the floor's ability to move.

Dave Charron · Answer

the new vinyl floors are what they call "floating floors"   they are intended to expand and contract a little bit, thats why you cut them 1/4" short or so on the ends to leave room to expand.  You would not want that type of flooring under your cabinets.

Max T. · Answer

@Caryn Seifert

It depends on the flooring material.

Tile, yes.

Vinyl, no.

Jeff S. · Answer

No @Caryn Seifert because when you go to replace the flooring it is best to have it butt up to the cabinets then replacing is easier.

Allan Smith · Answer

More importantly, LVP can't be placed under cabinets. You can read it in the product specs. It has to move and breathe with humidity and temperature.Hardwoods, people generally do install new and then cabinets on top

Theresa Harris · Answer

The only benefit of having the flooring under the cabinets is if you move the cabinets later, you don't have to replace the flooring.   Most flooring people use these days isn't going to outlast the cabinets, so add it after the cabinets are in.

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Caryn,

No....

Why pay for it.

When it's time to change and another color is popular what then.

Cabinets in, then flooring on once it won't get damaged by sliding cabinets.

Here's a website you might enjoy. it's all about kitchen flooring: https://www.armstrongflooring.com/residential/en-us/inspiration/kitchen-flooring-guide.html

Good Luck!

John Underwood · Answer

Waste of money to put it under the cabinets.

Caryn Seifert · Answer

Thanks for all your replies! I appreciate your input.

Put flooring under new kitchen cabinets or not?

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