lay travertine floor or install kitchen cabinets first? - Page 2 - DIY Chatroom

ccarlisle · 03-07-2009, 08:54 AM

I've not seen a consensus on this matter, ever, (and I probably never will) so it really comes down to what each installer feels comfortable with, whether or not they do the job themselves - or sub it out (the only person who tiled last was one who wanted to make sure the cabinets guys didn't mess up his floor, so he always tiled last). So, this ain't no 'NO BRAINER...'

More often than not, DIYers have the same intentions as pros do in matters such as this; I mean, they both want the best 'look' possible, they want the most ease of use, perhaps lowest maintenance, they want it done as efficiently as possible and at the lowest overall cost. Here, there are certain problems I'd be more concerned with than saving a few bucks on tiles under a cabinets...put another way, "saving money" has never dictated the way to go over "proper install". And the reason is that the pro usually has a better grip on a long term vision, whereas the DIYer only see his/her own situation. For example, there are certain plumbing fixtures we recommend, because they have a better track record for repairs. More expensive yes, but worth it in the long run. A DIYer might think that saving $35 on a cheaper faucet is $35 in his pocket - until a year later he has to fork out $150 to have someone come in and replace it...

That's why IMO it is better in the long run to tile first and forget about saving a few bucks. You'll probably pay that back in the end.

We like to put tiles down in relation to the cabinets... not "just up to the wall" as we don't like cabinets sitting on grout lines. It has to look good and be done (what we think is) "right". So watch it for 12 inch tiles under 24" cabinet bases...

At the same time, ironing out upper cabinet height problems is easy for us, as compared to tiling problems. Plus, we like to let people know all the pitfalls of the way we do things after we leave. I don't want a call-back in three years time asking us why we didn't tell them that our job makes remodelling of their kitchen impossible because the appliances are stuck in...

So, sure you'll get pro and DIY opinions on this - and everything. There's no "right" way, I guess, just the most-used way amongst people who do this for a living.

One thing I would address long before we debate over the tile situation is whether or not your floor is suitable for tiling - a matter no-one has thought to address with this poster...I'd spend my time there first

**Floorwizard** · 03-07-2009, 02:11 PM

The fact is you can do whatever you want. We are all right.

I think at 10-15 bucks a square foot x 40 sq ft of cabs = $400 bucks.
If the installer will charge more for existing cabs then weigh that option.
If your appliances wont fit than weigh that option. (however they come with adjustable feet friends....)
Installers want it as easy as possible and that's fine...as long as they charge less...you will find that not a whole lot will do so-
Forget future remodel...you cannot remove cabs, move them, and still have a great looking floor without alot of work....so forget that option.

You are the boss. you know your home...so weigh all this great advice and make a good choice.

good luck.

Quote:

Yup I agree!

So the "No brainer" score is; The 2 tile guys say tile before when ever possible, and the vinyl & laminate guy says cut around the cabinets!

Oopps, sorry it's 4 to 1 I think?

Figures you would count.
Doesn't matter anyway....
Best choice is not always the majority on any specific thread.

JazMan · 03-07-2009, 04:42 PM

All kidding aside, either way is right. Just that it's easier to tile first, and as long as the next group of workers do not trash the floor, I recommend it.

There is no way you're gonna save 40 ft. in the typical kitchen though. Cabinets' footprint is 21", so you'll save one ft. per lin. ft. and take more time doing the job. You're cheating yourself if you charge the same per ft. for doing it either way. Less sq, ft. = more time. Not too smart.

Jaz

fixrite · 03-07-2009, 04:48 PM

right on JAZMAN

gma2rjc · 03-08-2009, 06:50 AM

A few years ago I had to remove my dishwasher. The existing flooring was only brought up to the front of the dishwasher instead of under it. It was not a built-in (under the counter) type, it was just sitting next to the cabinets. When the dishwasher came out, there in all it's glory was a massive eyesore. I wasn't putting a dishwasher back in that space, so I built-up the area where the dishwasher had been and replaced all of the flooring in the kitchen. Just for kicks-n-grins, I put the new flooring under the stove and fridge also, as well as under one cabinet that could be pulled away from the wall. I didn't know how to pull out all of the base cabinets or I would have run the new flooring under them as well because some day all of the cabinets have to be replaced. It would be nice to not have to replace all of the flooring again when that day comes.

Because of the kitchen floor experience, when I gutted my bathroom 2 years later, I made sure that I tiled the full floor before installing the cabinet.

IMHO, you should just spend the few extra dollars and the few extra minutes and tile the full floor before installing the base cabs. Anyway, the wood cabinets shouldn't be coming in direct contact with the cement floor.

palacenil · 03-09-2009, 10:36 PM

Thanks for all the responses guys.
Called the floor guy. He is going to lay the floor first - wall to wall.

vsheetz · 03-10-2009, 01:22 AM

A thought for cabinets first, floor second - if you want to change the floor later, you can do so without disturbing the cabinets.

ccarlisle · 03-10-2009, 10:41 AM

Don't think laying $6/sq ft travertine is something you'd be changing your mind about. 30-cent vinyl tiles maybe, but not natural stone.

Best not to install in the first place rather than say: "Oops! don't like it... take it out. I've changed my mind"

drtbk4ever · 03-10-2009, 12:08 PM

To carry this question one step further when redoing the floor in an existing kitchen.

Would you guys remove the existing base cabinets, install a new floor wall to wall and then reinstall the base cabinets?

I know this would solve my dishwasher height problems and ensure the cabinets are level for the installation of granite countertops. But is the juice worth the squeeze?

ccarlisle · 03-10-2009, 12:16 PM

Not if they were the old style, built-ins - but we'd consider it for the newer screwed-into-studs base cabinets.

**Floorwizard** · 03-10-2009, 01:36 PM

I wouldn't remove cabs just to install a new floor.

fixrite · 03-10-2009, 01:56 PM

Removing the base units it exactly what I did in my last house and was glad I did. I found some rotten flooring from a long ago leak, not to mention the young couple that purchased the house from us was glad because they had plans for the kitchen but loved the tile flooring.

cheers

palacenil · 04-01-2009, 05:25 PM

just to finish this thread off.
Flooring installed first, great, wall to wall.
Wall cabinets went in without any problems. tops all lined up well with tall pantry.
Base floor cabinets went in without any problems. Floor very even, very few shims required.
Thanks for the help, comments, opinions.

gma2rjc · 04-01-2009, 05:48 PM

I'm glad it all went well for you, enjoy your new kitchen! Thanks for letting us know how it turned out.

**Floorwizard** · 04-01-2009, 06:25 PM

Right on.....