Solid walnut flooring in kitchen under cabinets?

11 years ago

We are in the middle of renovating our kitchen and are trying to get it finished before Christmas (or at least enough finished so that there can be a Christmas!). Our dilemma is that the solid walnut flooring which we have ordered is now going to be delayed in its delivery for some reason. We had intended to lay the floor first and then lay the cabinets. If the floor is delivered as per the new delivery date then the kitchen cannot be installed before Christmas. So the alternative option is to install the cabinets first and install the floor after (and not go under the cabinets). Anyone got any ideas on this? Will I kick myself for not waiting or is it it not such a big deal either way? Any experts who have a string opinion feel free to wade in. I have read plenty of opinions either way on the Web but I cannot find a good debate o Houzz.

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PRO

Al Fortunato Furnituremaker

11 years ago

Put plywood the same thickness of the walnut, under the cabinets trimmed to match the cabinet footprint.

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Comments (7)

PRO
JudyG Designs
11 years ago
Do not install the cabinets first. I can't begin to tell you how everything else will be soooooo wrong.
PRO
Ellsworth Design Build
11 years ago
Wait. It will be the memorable take out Christmas.

We had one Christmas where my kitchen was a white drywall box where we had a fridge and a stove. Cooked for 60 party guests (we had a butlers pantry with running water)
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PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
11 years ago
I've seen both installs. The "under cabinet" is much easier on the installers of the floor AND the cabinet makers AND the counter top installers. If you choose to install kitchen first, please remember to order "other" trim from the cabinet makers for around the bottom of the cabinets.

The floor will run upto the cabinets...with the 1/4" - 3/8" expansion gap in place!!!! That means you will need SOMETHING (baseboard trim...shoe or quarter round moulding) in the same colour as the cabinets to HIDE the expansion gap. For some cabinets, this is no biggie because all sides have "toe kicks" which makes this easy as pie.

For more modern cabinets, that have a flush face to the floor, this moulding can be problematic...because it ruins the esthetic of the design. If you choose to install flooring last, then you will want to contact the cabinet makers to ORDER/PAY FOR the extra trim to hide the ugly expansion gaps. This would be an extra fee. Most cabinet makers know what this is about and would be able to accomodate your request...for a fee.

Chat with the cab makers first and find out more about the process. And make sure the floor height is accounted for re: dishwasher and counter tops. Nothing like doing all this work and SOMEONE forgot to raise the counter top (ie. someone forgot to inform the cab makers) to allow for the extra floor height...I've seen counter tops have to be cut to remove a damaged dishwasher...it isn't pretty.
Leslie Brooks
11 years ago
We put cabinetry in first. In fact, our flooring guys said it would be easier for them.
PRO
User
11 years ago
My man @Al Fortunato was all over it before I got here. There are a few other things to consider. You can also use cabinet levelers, one of my favorite tricks. this would allow the flooring installer to slide the flooring a bit under the cabinets. If you are thinking about resale and someone ripping out the cabinets someday and say "What were they thinking, make sure you have "attic stock" i.e., an extra pack or so enough to fill in later. Of course a new owner might change the flooring too.
Captain B
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for everyone's comments. Judy - just wondering what disasters have befallen you in this regard! Update on the floor delivery... There is a chance it can come on time. It all depends if it makes a van from Portugal on time... What My American Walnut is doing in Portugal is another question but I will leave the masters of global economics to answer that one!