Cabinet installation

ranmar · 05-19-2007, 03:08 PM

I am nearing the end of some additions on our home. I added a family room and relocated kitchen on one end and a master bath and increased the master bedroom on the other. I am getting ready to install the cabinets in the kitchen and bath. I am going to put down 3/8" particle board and linoleum flooring in the kitchen and Hardi-backer and tile in the bath.
The question is: Should I install the cabinets directly on the subfloor or should I install the particle board and hardi-backer first and put the cabinets on top?
I was told that in the kitchen, I should put the particle board down because if I don't, it may make it difficult to install the dishwasher (since I would loose 3/8"). I will probably put the particle board down first.
I don't know about the cementboard in the bathroom.
Thanks for any help! Randy

Sammy · 05-19-2007, 03:22 PM

Putting down the entire finished floor before cabinets in either room would mean less cutting but especially in the kitchen more expense since you'll be finishing floor that will just have cabinets set on top of it.

Unless the bath is large I would do all of it on the outside chance you want to remodel later.

In the case of the kitchen, I would subfloor all of it and linoleum only the visual areas after the cabinets are installed plus the alcove for the dishwasher to make it easier in/out for service.

ranmar · 05-19-2007, 03:38 PM

Sammy, I am going to install the cabinets before I put down the tile or linoleum. I think I will put down particle board in the kitchen and install the cabinets on top of the particle board.
In the bathroom, I am not sure if I should cover the entire floor with the hardi backer and install the cabinets on top of the hardi backer, or install the cabinets on the plywood sub floor and cut the hardi backer around them.
I think I should put the hardi backer down, install the cabinets on top, then install the tile. I just don't know if there is any reason not to install the cabinets on top of the cement board.
Thanks again, Randy

Sammy · 05-19-2007, 05:33 PM

I dont think there is any reason not to put the cement backer across the whole bath floor and then cut the tile around the cabinets. But if you ever decide to change cabinets in the bath you'll have to fill in the void so save the extra tiles.

I actually like the bath vanity a little taller and normally make risers for them since I am a little tall.

As long as the cement board is down tight the cabinets should be fine.

Zero Punch · 05-19-2007, 07:28 PM

ranmar, What sheet flooring do you plan on for the kitchen? I know of no flooring manufacture that recommends particle board as a substrate.
I would recommend installing your substrate before installing your cabinets the sheet goods can be done before or after though before will be easier if you have not worked with sheet goods. Just take care to cover the floor.

With the bath I'd tile the whole floor or mark your vanity space and at least cut over the line it just makes it easier.

Unless your using gold plated tile your not saving by not tiling under the vanity.

Floorwizard · 05-20-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

I actually like the bath vanity a little taller and normally make risers for them since I am a little tall.

hmm... good point....

Quote:

I know of no flooring manufacture that recommends particle board as a substrate.

I was thinking the same thing... Plywood..sanded...smooth.

Quote:

Unless the bath is large I would do all of it on the outside chance you want to remodel later.

Wouldn't then the cabinets need to be attached to the wall instead of the floor?
not a bad idea.
Although I doubt the tile and grout will look the same as the rest of the floor after 5 years of action.

ranmar · 05-23-2007, 09:50 AM

Thank you all for the advice. The advice about not using particle board helped a lot. I talked to a local supplier who carries "Solid underface" plywood, so that will be my underlayment for the kitchen flooring. I am planning on putting down linoleum, but I think I will let a pro do that since there is an island in the kitchen. I don't do seams.
Thanks again, Randy