It may be very tempting to demolish your old kitchen and start all over again, but with all the choices available in kitchen remodeling, it can be rather intimidating. One of the first and most crucial choices involve the installation order: Should walls be painted before window treatments are installed? There is no right or wrong answer and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach will assist in deciding as to what is best for the project. Here’s a breakdown based on the information from The Spruce and other considerations:
Floors First
Pros:
Precision Placement: It allows you to plan and install your flooring under cabinets accurately, which will give your floor a professional finish. Great news, there is no need for awkward transitions or scribe molding!
● Floor Protection: Cabinets are installed in such a way that they do not cause damage on the floor since there is always a lot of lifting and sometimes tools may drop on the floor. Dents and scratches are not as big of an issue.
● Appliance Height: The floor must be laid before the appliances are fixed to avoid any height differences hindering their operation.
● Flexibility: This means that if you are thinking of changing the position of your cabinets in the future. Therefore, you will not harm the floor beneath them.
Cons:
● Cutting Around Cabinets: The material has to be cut and fitted around already installed cabinets, a process that takes time and requires extra precision.
● Potential Floor Damage: Despite the best of intentions and precautions, there is always a chance of inadvertently scratching the existing floor during the cabinet work.
● Limited Access to Walls: Some flooring types may require access to the walls for cove base or other wall-mounted details. Moreover, having cabinets installed first may limit access to the walls.
Cabinets First
Pros:
● Faster Installation: Usually, installing cabinets first saves time for floor installers, as they don’t need to work around them.
● Floor Protection During Construction: The floor remains safe from wear and tear from construction traffic and materials.
● Easier Transitions: Installers can cut laminate or vinyl flooring to fit under cabinets, eliminating the need for scribe molding.
Cons:
● Limited Floor Choice: Some floating floors require a small amount of expansion room and may not be suitable for installation under cupboards.
● Uneven Floor Levels: If the flooring is uneven or needs quarter-inch adjustments below the cabinets. Making it better to install the cabinets first because evenness will be slightly off.
● Limited Cabinet Flexibility: Changing the cabinet layout later may require replacing some of the flooring because of damage.
Finishing Touches
Almost there! Before you grab your paintbrush, there are a few finishing touches to ensure a flawless look.
● Caulk Champion: Use a small amount of caulk to fill any nail holes or imperfections in the crown molding. Let it dry completely, then use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. This creates a seamless transition between the molding and cabinets.
Making the Right Choice with Professionals
Ready to transform your kitchen into a space you love? TD Kitchen & Bath Remodel Contractors is your one-stop shop for top-notch craftsmanship and expert design. From flooring to cabinets and everything in between, we handle it all. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for a free consultation! Or visit our website for more information.
