Should flooring be fitted before or after a new kitchen?

If you're planning a new kitchen, one of the most common questions we hear is:

"Should I have the flooring fitted before or after the kitchen is installed?"

The answer isn't always straightforward. While there are benefits to both approaches, the best choice depends on the type of flooring you're choosing, your budget and your long-term plans.

Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

‍

Option 1: Fit the Kitchen First, Then the Flooring (Our Recommended Approach)

For most homeowners, installing the kitchen before the flooring is the best option.

Once the kitchen units are securely fitted, your flooring can be installed neatly up to the plinths and end panels, creating a clean, professional finish.

Benefits

Saves Money

Kitchen units cover a significant portion of the floor that you'll never see. By fitting the kitchen first, you're only paying for flooring in the visible areas.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, this could save several square metres of material.

Less Waste

Installing flooring only where it's needed means less material is used, making it a more economical and environmentally friendly option.

Easier Future Repairs

If a section of flooring becomes damaged, it's often easier to repair or replace when it hasn't been trapped underneath heavy kitchen units.

Better for Floating Floors

Laminate and many engineered wood or click LVT products are designed to expand and contract naturally. Installing kitchen cabinets on top of these floors can restrict movement, potentially leading to buckling, gaps or damage over time.

Manufacturers of floating floors generally advise against fixing heavy units directly onto the flooring.

‍

Option 2: Fit the Flooring Before the Kitchen

There are occasions when installing the flooring first is the right decision.

This is most common with fully adhered luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), sheet vinyl or tiled floors.

Benefits

Future Kitchen Changes Are Easier

If you decide to change the layout or replace your kitchen years down the line, you'll already have flooring underneath the existing cabinets, making alterations much simpler.

Consistent Floor Height

Installing the flooring first ensures the entire room sits at one level, which can simplify appliance installation and reduce awkward height transitions.

A Cleaner Finish Around Islands

Kitchen islands can sometimes look neater when installed on top of a continuous floor covering, particularly with tiles.

Does the Flooring Type Matter?

Absolutely.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

If you're choosing glue-down LVT, fitting the flooring before the kitchen can work well because the flooring is securely bonded to the subfloor and won't move.

However, if you're choosing click LVT, we generally recommend fitting the kitchen first. Click flooring needs room to expand and contract, and trapping it beneath heavy cabinets can cause problems.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate should almost always be installed after the kitchen. As a floating floor, it requires expansion space around the perimeter.

Engineered Wood

The answer depends on whether it's glued or floating. Floating engineered wood should not have kitchen units installed on top of it, whereas fully bonded engineered wood may be suitable.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl can be installed either before or after the kitchen, depending on the installation method and the manufacturer's guidance.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

Tiles are often laid before the kitchen because they create a durable, continuous surface capable of supporting heavy cabinets without affecting the floor.

‍

What About Integrated Appliances?

Another factor to consider is your integrated appliances.

If the finished floor height isn't taken into account, replacing a dishwasher or washing machine in the future can become surprisingly difficult.

Good planning ensures appliances can be removed without dismantling worktops or cabinets.

Our Advice

Every kitchen renovation is different, which is why we always recommend considering:

• The type of flooring you've chosen.
• Whether the floor is glued or floating.
• Your future renovation plans.
• Your budget.
• The manufacturer's installation guidance.

Getting this decision right before work starts can save time, money and potential headaches later.

‍

The Aztec Recommendation

At Aztec Carpets & Flooring, we'll help you choose not only the perfect flooring for your kitchen but also the best installation method for your home.

Whether you're installing luxury vinyl tiles, laminate, engineered wood or sheet vinyl, our experienced team can work alongside your kitchen installer to achieve the best possible result.

Planning a new kitchen? Get in touch with Aztec Carpets & Flooring for expert advice, a free measure and quotation, and flooring that's designed to last.