If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ve probably asked this age-old renovation question:
“Do I install the hardwood flooring before or after putting in new cabinets?”

The answer? It depends—but most flooring professionals recommend installing hardwood floors first, and here’s why.

At Gramer Flooring, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Cincinnati make smart flooring decisions that last. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key considerations so you can feel confident planning your project.

1. Why Install Hardwood Floors Before Cabinets?

This is the most common recommendation by flooring pros—and for good reason.

Key Benefits:

• Clean, Seamless Look: The flooring runs wall-to-wall, giving a high-end, continuous appearance.

• Easier Future Renovations: If you ever change the cabinet layout, your hardwood won’t have awkward gaps or missing planks.

• Better Protection: No cutting around cabinet bases means fewer dust traps and water-prone seams.

• Accurate Cabinet Height: Flooring underneath keeps everything level and matches adjacent areas like dining rooms or hallways.

Do hardwood floors go under kitchen cabinets?
Yes, in most full remodels, hardwood flooring is installed underneath cabinets for a uniform finish and long-term flexibility.

2. When Should Cabinets Be Installed First?

There are a few exceptions where installing cabinets first might make sense:

Ideal If:

• You’re on a tight flooring budget

• Your cabinets are very heavy or built-in (like custom pantries or appliance garages)

• You’re using floating hardwood or engineered flooring that needs room to expand

Important Note:

In these cases, you’ll need exact cabinet footprints and toekicks to hide any gaps. And future layout changes may be limited.

3. Floating Floors? Cabinets Come First.

If you’re installing a floating floor (engineered hardwood or laminate that clicks together and isn’t glued or nailed), install the cabinets first.

Why? Because:

• Floating floors need to expand and contract

• Pinning them under heavy cabinets can cause buckling

Your installer will leave an expansion gap around cabinets and trim it out cleanly with quarter round or baseboard.

Can you install floating floors under cabinets?
No. Floating floors should never be installed under cabinets—they must be able to expand freely.

4. Real-Life Considerations for Cincinnati Homeowners

Our local Cincinnati clients often deal with:

• Older homes with uneven subfloors

• Seasonal humidity changes (yes, even your floors feel our wild weather swings!)

• Budget planning where every square foot matters

Here’s what we suggest:

• Full gut remodel? Do flooring first.

• Cabinet reface or partial remodel? Flooring after cabinets is fine.

• Floating floor? Install cabinets first.

Let the experts at Gramer Flooring help you map it out with precision.

5. Our Pro Tip: Think Long-Term

Installing flooring before cabinets may cost a little more upfront (since you’re covering the entire space), but it can save you thousands later:

• No need for patching when cabinet layouts change

• Uniform flooring height throughout the space

• Better resale value with a seamless floor

And when paired with professional subfloor prep, you get a floor that looks and performs its best for decades.

Let Gramer Flooring Guide Your Remodel—From the Ground Up

Still unsure which route is best for your project? That’s what we’re here for.

The hardwood flooring experts at Gramer Flooring are ready to evaluate your kitchen space, layout, subfloor, and cabinetry plans—so you make the right decision the first time.

Call us at 859-663-7678
Visit gramerflooring.com
Or find us on Google Maps

Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life—flawlessly.