Kitchen Installation Sequence: Cabinets, Counters, or Flooring First?

The installation sequence determines project success, affecting everything from material waste to final appearance. Getting the order wrong creates gaps, damage, and costly rework that derails timelines and budgets. Professional contractors follow proven sequences that protect materials while ensuring perfect fits and finishes throughout the kitchen. The Standard Professional Sequence Flooring First (Recommended Approach) Most professional contractors recommend installing flooring before cabinets for several compelling reasons. This sequence creates a continuous surface that extends under cabinets, providing stability and preventing settlement issues over time. It also eliminates the need for quarter-round trim that creates dated , unprofessional appearances. When flooring goes in first, cabinets sit directly on the finished surface, creating cleaner lines and better long-term stability. This approach works best with tile, luxury vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood that can handle...