Tiles before or after kitchen cabinets?

nipab · 08-20-2009, 10:31 AM

We are changing our kitchen cabinets, counter top, back splash and floor tiles. Cabinets are coming next week, what I want to know is

1. Do we need to remove existing back splash before installing new cabinets? Do I need to install new back splash before cabinets too?

2. Same for floor tiles. Does it have to come off before installing new cabinets and do I need to install new tiles before installing new cabinets?

Which one is easier and economical, installing tiles before or after installing cabinets? Or it doesn't make any difference.

Appreciate any response.

Thanks

Bob Mariani · 08-20-2009, 06:23 PM

Floor tiles first. Then cabinets. Then backsplash tiles.

**Gary in WA** · 08-20-2009, 08:37 PM

A lot easier to get the under-counter dishwasher, refer, compactor, in/out. Be safe, G

Just Bill · 08-21-2009, 07:29 AM

1. Yes, remove old BS reqardless of the type, patch damaged drywall. If new BS will Formica or similar, install first; if tile, it goes on last.
2-3. Mixed thoughts on that, some prefer to tile the whole floor first then do cabinets. I do cabinets first then tile, especially if my customer has selected expensive tile, why waste it under a cabinet. The likelyhood of damage to tile is high during installation. I also tile under appliances.

Scuba_Dave · 08-21-2009, 08:56 AM

I prefer a clean slate for a remodel, wall tiles are last

One note on the floor. If using tiles make sure you dishwasher/undecounter appliances will fit
Many people install the tile & cabinets & then find they can't slip the dishwasher in
OR
They have it all installed & find they can't get the dishwasher out

I usually space my cabinets up off the floor to allow for the height of the tiles
This house getting the new fridge in was a pain due to 2 layers of flooring & the overhead cabinet

bjbatlanta · 08-29-2009, 10:04 AM

Ditto what Scuba Dave said. I had to cut down an existing "over the fridge" cabinet for a friend so his new refrigerator would fit after he had his floor tiled. That was a pain...