23 Jan 2024

Flooring or Kitchen First? Unraveling the Home Imporovement Conundrum

Navigating home improvement decisions involves a common dilemma: “Should I lay my flooring first or install the kitchen?” We’re here to simplify this choice. In this exploration, we’ll break down the complexities of flooring versus kitchen installation, empowering you with insights for a confident decision.

Think of it as decoding your home’s transformation blueprint. By peeling back the layers and considering the strategic implications, we aim to guide you through this decision-making process. We’ll discuss the merits of both approaches, weighing the advantages and challenges of laying the groundwork before assembling the heart of your home.

Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or a targeted upgrade, our goal is to provide clarity and expert perspectives. Join us on this journey as we help you make informed choices for a successful home improvement project.

In the world of home renovations, deciding whether to start with flooring or the kitchen is a crucial choice. Let’s simplify this decision. Beginning with flooring sets a meticulous foundation, creating a seamless transition into the heart of your home—the kitchen. This approach ensures a clean canvas, safeguarding against potential damage from kitchen activities during floor installation. It’s also an easier option, as the room can be clear ready for the install. So there you have it, this must be the right choice… perhaps.. or perhaps not. This really does depend on the choice of flooring you go for.

The decision to lay flooring before the kitchen isn’t always straightforward, especially when dealing with certain types of flooring materials. In the case of floating floors, such as laminate flooring or click vinyl flooring, it’s crucial to exercise caution. These flooring types rely on a “floating” installation method, meaning they are not glued or nailed down but rather interlock with each other. Placing the heavy load of kitchen cabinets and appliances directly on top of a floating floor can impede its ability to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This restriction may lead to buckling, warping, or gaps in the flooring, compromising both the aesthetics and functionality of the installation.

Similarly, engineered wood flooring introduces its own set of considerations. While engineered wood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood, it is not immune to the impact of moisture and weight. Placing kitchen elements directly on top of engineered wood may result in compression and distortion over time. Understanding the potential repercussions of such decisions is vital for preserving the longevity and integrity of your flooring investment.

There are indeed options that lend themselves more favorably to being installed before the kitchen takes its place. Luxury vinyl flooring, particularly the glue-down variety, as well as ceramic tiles, emerge as prime candidates for this scenario.

The key distinction lies in the installation method. Luxury vinyl tiles or planks that are glued down create a stable, immovable foundation. Unlike floating floors, these types of luxury vinyl remain firmly in place, resisting the urge to expand or contract significantly. This characteristic makes them more tolerant of the weight and pressure exerted by kitchen cabinets and appliances. The glue-down method eliminates the risk of movement and ensures a seamless, durable flooring surface, making it a practical choice when considering a coordinated installation with kitchen elements.

Understanding best practices is crucial when planning your kitchen and flooring installation strategy. If you aim for a hassle-free, seamless look and want to simplify the work for the kitchen fitter, opting for glue-down luxury vinyl or tiles is a solid choice. However, a potential drawback is the risk of flooring damage during the kitchen installation process. Additionally, for aesthetic reasons, having the kitchen in place first can be vital to center the flooring correctly in necessary areas, ensuring a symmetrical appearance where needed.

Below is what we believe to be the best procedure when choose what to do with the floor when having a new kitchen.

1. Kitchen Rip Out:

   – Kickstart your renovation by removing the existing kitchen. This initial step clears the space and tackles the mess upfront, providing a clean slate for the upcoming changes.

2. Floor Prep:

   – Before diving into kitchen installations, address any necessary floor preparations. This may involve leveling or applying a smooth compound screed, especially crucial for luxury vinyl flooring. A level subfloor ensures consistency, preventing variations in kitchen leg heights and avoiding potential issues during flooring installation.

3. Install Kitchen Carcasses:

   – With a level surface in place, proceed to install the kitchen carcasses. However, strategically leave off the end panels and kickboards for now. This allows for a visually seamless transition, creating the illusion that the flooring extends fully under the kitchen. Additionally, leaving out appliances at this stage ensures they can later rest directly on the finished flooring.

4. Flooring Installation:

   – Now, have the flooring installed. This step allows the flooring installer to work up to the kitchen legs, achieving a meticulous and integrated result.

5. Install Worktops, Kickboards, End Panels:

   – Complete the transformation by installing worktops, kickboards, and end panels. This final touch not only provides the very best finish but also ensures a cohesive and polished appearance.

This method not only prioritizes aesthetics but also brings practical benefits. By installing the flooring after the kitchen, you optimize the use of flooring products, saving money on materials that would be hidden beneath the kitchen components, emphasizing both visual appeal and cost efficiency.

 

Why not read another one of our blogs and what flooring to choose with a shaker style Kitchen