Can you replace kitchen flooring without removing cabinets?

For many homeowners, one of the most daunting tasks when completing your kitchen remodel is installing the flooring.

Naturally, you might be looking for shortcuts to make the process easier.

You might ask yourself: Can I replace kitchen flooring without removing cabinets?

Keep in mind that this limits the flexibility of your kitchen design. Make sure you’re satisfied with the current layout of your kitchen cabinets. You wouldn’t want to replace the flooring, remove the cabinets, and then put more flooring down.

Remember, everyone’s kitchen is different. So we recommend consulting a contractor before replacing your flooring. They can offer great insights on the best material to use and help you navigate a complex installation.

It can help to talk to your friends and family, too. See if anyone you know has similar flooring in their home. Did they install it themselves? Is it a floating floor or glued down? Was it installed before or after the cabinets?

These are a few questions you can ask before you jump headfirst into your kitchen remodel.

Before you replace your flooring, make sure that you pack up everything in your kitchen. One of the first steps to a successful remodel is getting the space ready so you can work efficiently.

Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can put flooring under kitchen cabinets. Installing flooring before cabinets gives the kitchen a much cleaner look. You don't have to spend time cutting around the cabinetry and you can be flexible with the layout of your cabinets. It costs more to install flooring first, but it’s not required.

Keep in mind that installing flooring first will raise the height of your cabinets and countertops slightly.

You can also install your kitchen cabinets before flooring. This saves you time and money on flooring underneath the cabinetry that no one will see.

If you install cabinets first, you won't damage your new flooring. That’s one of the biggest upsides if you’re doing a full kitchen remodel.

If you install floating flooring, it's best to install kitchen cabinets first. It may buckle or crack under the weight of your cabinetry over time.

Unlike standard flooring which is glued down, floating flooring is not glued. It's like a jigsaw puzzle: several pieces of wood combined together.

Can you install laminate flooring under kitchen cabinets?

While this is possible, it is not recommended. Laminate flooring expands and shrinks slightly depending on the climate, which can cause cracking. Installing laminate flooring under your cabinetry also makes it difficult to repair. You won’t be able to remove strips of flooring if they are installed under your cabinetry.

Can I install vinyl plank flooring under cabinets?

A vinyl floating floor must be installed after your cabinetry. Otherwise, as the floor expands and contracts, it may crack or buckle. If the floor is glued down, it can be installed under your cabinets. Vinyl plank flooring can handle the weight of appliances.

Check our 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Cover Kitchen Countertops.

Can you install a floating floor under cabinets?

Do not install a floating floor under your cabinets. Floating floors are not glued down so they are prone to moving around quite a bit. They will expand and contract as the floor heats up and cools down. This can damage the floor when it's under heavy weight.

Can you install engineered hardwood under cabinets?

In general, if the engineered hardwood floor is not glued down, you cannot install it under cabinetry. If it’s glued down, the floor won’t expand or contract as much, so you can install it under your cabinetry.

Can you install tile flooring before kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can install tile flooring before kitchen cabinets. It gives your kitchen a nice finished look. Putting tile down first gives you some flexibility. If you ever remodel and move your cabinetry, the floor under it will be finished. Tiles can be pretty fragile, though. So you might want to save it until last so it doesn’t get damaged while you’re working on your renovation.

That wraps up our post on replacing kitchen flooring without removing cabinets. Are you looking to install flooring in other areas of your home?

If so, you might like our article, How hard is it to tile a bathroom floor?

Otherwise, check out some of our related articles below. Good luck with your renovation!

10 Kitchen Remodeling Tips for a Successful Project

90 Questions to Jumpstart Your Kitchen Renovation

9 Ways to Modernize Your Kitchen on a Budget