Tile over, or tile under?

jeffyisfive

I'm planning on replacing the lineoleum in my kitchen with tile or natural stone. The existing linoleum is atop luan, and the luan extends beneath the kitchen cabinets. I see two possible approaches:

1) Only remove the luan where its currently exposed, put down hardibacker, and install tile. The problem here is making clean cuts at the cabinet edges, and the tile will effectively "lock in" things like the dishwasher and range.

2) Remove the cabinets, pull up ALL of the luan, lay down tile everywhere, and reinstall the cabinets on top of the tile. The only problem there that I see is added expense and added work.

I assume option #2 is is the proper approach? Any suggestions when it comes to putting cabinets on top of tile?

~ Will

Bonus

Option 3- Pull the range and d/w, remove all exposed luan, put down cbu, tile, seal, replace range and d/w. Make sure you're not going to have height issues with the d/w fitting under the counter.

troubleseeker

Agreed, this is the way to go. Do not even entertain the idea of locking appliances in position with the new floor. The range, either slide in or free standing should pose no problem. And unless the dw is a newer tall tub or totally sound enclosed case model, it should also have enough adjustment to fit. Slide the dw out, lower the leveling feet to their mininum and check the height to be sure.

Krichton

Make sure the linoleum doesn't have asbestos in it before doing anything.

jeffyisfive

Thanks for the input, guys!