I have installed cabinets on laminate many times with no problem and vinyl plank should not be a problem either I have never in 9 yrs had mine give me any problem. I always like the cabinets installed on the floor for a much cleaner look at the base.

We were told it can be done both ways. We opted to put the cabinets in first and put the flooring in afterwards.

If the cabinets will outlive the flooring, which is usually the case with vinyl plank, then put the cabinets in first. That way the flooring can be changed down the road without trying to get it out from under the cabinets. Pay attention to Cancork's advice.

Facing this issue and am surprised that some people are still recommending installing floor first. My understanding is almost any floor can go in first, but click n lock floating floors MUST be done after in case of expansion and contraction, especially if using granite or quartz countertops. How did yours turn out?

Our cabinets were installed first. Then came the CoreTec. Fridge, range, and dishwasher were installed after the floor was put in. I was concerned there would be a problem installing the cabinets first since we have decorative feet on the sink and pantry, and I wondered how the flooring would get under those feet, but the contractor obviously knew what he was doing.

I guess my question, in response to those saying click and lock vinyl plank should absolutely should never go under the cabinets, is what's the difference between cabinetry and heavy pieces of furniture placed all over the flooring. We have vinyl plank in our dining room (and whole first floor) and I'd like to install a few base cabinets instead of traditional China cabinet. The China cabinet right now is solid wood and weighs a ton. I doubt the floor moves under it. In fact, when base cabinets are secured to a stud, seems like that would help bear some of the weight, unlike furniture. Or should I just get rid of all furniture because- vinyl plank.

@patricia petro ... did you install the tiles under the appliances? also, it seems you have no moulding to cover the gap of your tiles to cabinets. (i thought it was necessary because a gap is suppose to left for tiles to contract and expand)

@kkmusso the difference is that base cabinets are secured to the wall, so you are "pinching" the Floor in place. With furniture, it is just sitting on the floor and can have some movement.

The flooring only expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes so I disagree with the need to put the cabinets in before the flooring. Who subjects their house to drastic changes in temperature? Precisely...no one. Manufacture CYA, in my opinion.

The change in humidity from summer to winter in climates with seasons is enough to buckle wood flooring that is not installed with room to move.

2 yr old home. Our floor is vinyl lock plank and was laid 1st then cabinets on top. Minor water leak became HUGE issue. Water got between lvp and subfloor, Yea, kitchen island and cabinets with concrete countertops had to be removed to remove vinyl lock plank flooring...900 sq ft of it. Major PIA.

Now time for repairs and old flooring was 5mm thick and new flooring is 6mm thick. Installation company has installed island/cabinets but not shimmed them so they are lower. Frustrated.

Guys I install laminate all the time. Today like many times before I was ask this: "if you should not install laminate under cabinets. Why are you able to place a frig or stove on top? They weigh much more then cabinets and are free floating. Where cabinets are screwed to the wall.

It's a really good question and I never know what to say.

After reading all reviews above I can tell you all one thing. If a home is lived in and maintains even moisture levels, heat and cold consistently. You probably will never have an expansion contraction issue. However, I deal with vacant properties. I had a guy install flooring for me. It looked amazing. It was put in tight to cabinets and walls. I know this is a problem based off manufacturer specs. I mentioned it to installer and the answer I got was its vinyl you will never have a problem. Well I left and returned to property because my client said we had some sort of issue. I got to property and the entire floor was lifted. As you walk on it the flooring waved out in front of you. We had to rip it up and replace.

The reason I tell you this us regardless of its components or material. Always follow manufacturer specs. Don't put under cabinets.

@Scot St Hilaire, that's interesting and is definitely the scenario everyone wants to avoid. Did the vinyl flooring have a SPC core or WPC?

I would also like know if I ever change the layout of my kitchen that has vinyl planks not installed underneath my existing cabinets, shall I be able to patch the exposed areas with new planks?
I have plenty of flooring left over from the original installation.
Or do I have to redo the whole flooring again?

@katya I can only tell you about what I did...which was install all cabinets n appliances first. It's been 2.5 years...everything has been flawless looking since.

If we put vinyl after cabinets, what protects plywood under sink from water?

I am not a professional nor do I know proper answer... But seems to me my furniture is very heave solid wood...just as heavy as the cabinets ...kinda no brainer because cabinets are like furniture

Someone out there know about this?

We b. N &8

We have a tile floor in kitchen we had a flood and tile floor needs to be pulled out and vinyl planking put in so the problem is will we need to take cabinets out because tile was laid under the cabinets or can we leave tile in under cabinets & cut along the toe kick and lay the new vinyl planking floor from toe kicks out? i would appreciate an expert advice! thanks

How bad was the flood (amount of water, how long was the water standing for)? did water get under the cabinets?

I’d think if the damage was enough to warrant removing the tile then you’d also need to remove the tile under the cabinet. I’m not a professional though.

How bad was the flood (amount of water, how long was the water standing for)? did water get under the cabinets?

I’d think if the damage was enough to warrant removing the tile then you’d also need to remove the tile under the cabinet. I’m not a professional though.

Why install cabinetry over flooring? The flooring won't be seen and will just be a wasted expense.

I would personally like to install flooring under cabinets for a finished look. I do not want to apply molding to the edges. I would rather pay a little more money for a clean look.