AndrewR

We'd like to replace the kitchen flooring in our kitchen, built in 2002. It's the original vinyl, and it is torn in a few places and just generally worn out. I'd like to put ceramic tile in there, but I'm open to other suggestions. We have nice oak flooring in the entryway and then carpet in the dining room, which are the two adjoining rooms.

The first problem I see is that the vinyl flooring extends underneath the cabinetry. How would I rectify the cabinet heights and/or remove the vinyl when putting in ceramic? I understand from reading a few threads on here that I would not want to remove the cabinets and then reinstall due to probable damage occurring in the process. Could I take out the appliances (underneath the range and fridge, too), take out the toe kicks, tile what I need, then replace? How would that affect the dishwasher with the countertop?

The second problem I've deduced from reading here is the subfloor. I gather I would need to put down something like Hardibacker over the subfloor. How big of a job is that? Also, if part of the floor is somewhat buckled (board underneath is sagging a bit), I would have to tear out that board, replace, then install the Hardibacker, right? Any other things to consider with regard to the subfloor?

Next, we want to do the countertops as well (laminate to granite), but would it be better to do the floor first and then the countertops or vice versa?

Lastly, how much would such an installation cost for a professional installer? I realize that there are regional variations, and it depends on the cost of the tile; however, what's a ballpark for lower grade tile? This isn't our "forever home", but the upgrade would be nice while we have it. Plus, it'll help resale since most of the homes in our neighborhood, judging from listings we've seen, have the original flooring. We're in northern Maryland, if that matters for the pricing.

Be gentle -- my first post here.