While the provided reference describes a method for installing flooring before cabinets, understanding this technique offers valuable insight into how flooring and cabinets interact during installation, particularly regarding expansion and contraction. The reference details a process where the flooring is laid before the cabinets are permanently set, using specific techniques to manage expansion beneath the cabinet toekick.
This method is often preferred because it allows the flooring to expand and contract freely under the edge of the cabinets, hidden by the toekick. Trying to install flooring after cabinets requires precise cuts around the cabinet base and can make managing the expansion gap more challenging, often relying on quarter round or shoe molding trim which may not provide as clean a look as the integrated toekick.
Here is the method described in the reference, explaining how flooring can be installed before cabinets to achieve optimal results:
Method: Installing Flooring Before Cabinets Using Filler Strips
This technique ensures the flooring has space to move underneath the cabinet toekick.
Steps for Installation:
- Prepare the Base: Begin by securing a filler strip to the subfloor along the wall where the cabinets will be placed. This strip should have the same thickness as your new flooring.
- Tip: Ensure the strip is firmly attached to provide a stable base for the cabinets and flooring.
- Install the New Flooring: Lay your new flooring material.
- Crucial Detail: Keep the edge of the flooring approximately a ¼ inch away from the filler strip you just installed. This intentional gap is critical for accommodating the natural expansion of the flooring material due to changes in temperature and humidity.
- Install the Cabinets: Once the flooring is laid (up to the ¼-inch gap from the filler strip), you can install the cabinets.
- The cabinets are installed directly on top of the combination of the initial filler strip and the adjacent new flooring.
- Attach Toekicks: Finally, attach the toekicks to the base of your cabinets.
- The toekick should extend down and cover the small gap between the flooring edge and the initial filler strip.
Why This Method Works:
By installing the cabinets on top of the flooring and leaving the small expansion gap, the flooring material can expand and contract beneath the cabinet toekick without exposing any gap along the visible edge. The toekick effectively hides this necessary movement space, providing a clean and finished look.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Base Prep | Screw a filler strip (same thickness as flooring) to the floor near wall. | Creates a stable base and reference point. |
| 2. Lay Flooring | Install new flooring. | Covers the main floor area. |
| 3. Leave Gap | Keep flooring edge ~¼ inch from filler strip. | Allows for flooring expansion/contraction. |
| 4. Install Cabinets | Place cabinets on top of filler strip and adjacent flooring. | Secures cabinets in position. |
| 5. Attach Toekicks | Install toekicks along cabinet base. | Hides the expansion gap, provides finished look. |
While the reference describes this specific method of installing flooring before cabinets for expansion management, it highlights the important consideration of flooring movement relative to fixed cabinets. Understanding this relationship is key when planning any flooring and cabinet project.
