Does Hardwood Flooring Go Under Cabinets?

Dear Bob and Betsy,

Does hardwood flooring go under cabinets? I’m building a new house from the ground up. In the kitchen, we plan to have hardwood flooring. What should I install first – the cabinets or the floors? Thanks!

– Elvia C.

Dear Elvia,

Your new house sounds exciting! Putting hardwood floors in your kitchen will look luxurious. Great choice. When building your kitchen using hardwood flooring, we recommend installing your hardwood flooring before adding any cabinetry or appliances. When installing a floating flooring such as vinyl or laminate, we advise installing cabinetry first. This is so the flooring is able to expand and contract properly without the cabinets being pinned down on them. However, since you will be using a hardwood flooring, we give you our full endorsement to install the flooring before the cabinetry. We have compiled more information for you to help to decide what’s best for you. Cheers! Bob & Betsy

1. Cabinets Vary in Height

If you’re installing your cabinets before your floors, you’ll need to measure the height to make sure there is enough room for your flooring to slide underneath your appliances. Some people put plywood in the place of the flooring to give an estimate of how much extra space will be needed between the top of the cabinets and the appliance. This isn’t ideal.

Instead, we suggest installing your cabinets over your hardwood floors. This saves you the hassle of measuring and reduces the risk of error. It also saves you the hassle of cutting the planks of your hardwood flooring in exact measurements once the cabinets are installed.

2. You Want Flexibility

You’re committed to this design now because you’ve thought over it for a long time. Still, you might want some flexibility to change your kitchen’s footprint years down the road.

Hardwood flooring can last for decades, if not centuries with the right upkeep. It would be a shame for you or the future owner to want to change the kitchen footprint and need to replace all of the flooring in the areas where you did not install it. This is especially true if you have a kitchen island with cabinets.

3. It is Secured to Subfloor

Ultimately, hardwood flooring allows you to have the option of installing underneath cabinets. This is because hardwood flooring is secured to the subfloor and does not float like newer vinyl or laminates. Since it is secured to the subfloor, you don’t have to worry about having heavy cabinets on top of the flooring.

With your flooring already installed, you can be sure there are no gaps or awkward edges in the room. Everything will flow together seamlessly giving your new kitchen a complete look.

If you have more questions, please write them in the comments below. We will be glad to help!

Learn More:

• Can Hardwood Floors Get Mold?
• Are Hardwood Floors Waterproof?
• Do Hardwood Floors Need to be Waxed?