When renovating the kitchen, you might want to replace the flooring under the cabinet too. Or, the wooden floor may get damaged and requires replacement. But it can be a real headache for many people as they get overwhelmed to hear floor replacement under kitchen cabinets?
Naturally, they ask, “Is it possible to replace floors under kitchen cabinets? Also, ask for tips on how to replace floors under kitchen cabinet?”
Yes, it is possible to replace the kitchen floor under the cabinet. Also, the process will depend on your cabinet type, moveable or stationery. Sometimes the cabinet can be big enough that you may work inside it. For stationary cabinets, you might need to work outside with the flooring and reinstall it inside the cabinet.
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Can You Replace Floors Under Kitchen Cabinets?
This is a big question since most homeowners think replacing the kitchen flooring is impossible. It happens particularly with the flooring under the cabinet. They think that they can’t move the cabinet due to plumbing. So, it’s not possible to redo the floor.
Thankfully, these are all misconceptions. You can easily replace the floor under kitchen cabinets. The process will vary depending on the cabinet type you have. However, that only affects the replacement process of the floor. It won’t stop you from redoing the surface.
You might be worried if your country and local municipality will allow you to replace the kitchen floor and cabinet. It is a legit question since, in most homes, the plumbing system for the kitchen sink and faucets sits right underneath the cabinet.
So, here’s the good news. Municipality and counties won’t restrict you from kitchen floor and cabinet redoing. However, you need to take permission for other redoing works in the kitchen.
How to Replace Floor Under Kitchen Cabinet?
You should now be assured that there’s no harm and restrictions in replacing the kitchen floor. Even if the floor is under the cabinet, it’s possible. So, let’s see the process.
Method 1: Floor Replacement For Stationary Cabinets
Do you have a non-movable kitchen cabinet? Then, you might worry about replacing the kitchen floor without removing cabinets? You need to mount the flooring panels parallel to the base of your cabinet. You will also need to cut and install the boards in the right size.
Step 1: Remove the old flooring
You should start by moving the old floor. If you use a wooden floor with studs and screw-nuts, you can remove them with a wrench or pliers set. Carefully check the condition of the surface and remove it with the pliers set and hammer.
Step 2: Leaving proper gaps
You will need to replace the butt flooring as part of the remodeling process. So, start with leaving proper space around the cabinet. You should leave a ¼ inches gap between the butt flooring and the cabinet.
Usually, the butt flooring runs perpendicular against the cabinet base and toe-kick. So, ensure you have left ample space there for the proper installation.
Step 3: Installing the parallel boards to the base
Before working inside the cabinet to remodel the surface, you need to work outside it. As you install the parallel boards for the cabinet base, ensure ¼ inches of gaps. Use a drill to create 1/8-inch holes for the flooring. If you have existing holes, check if you can use them.
If the holes aren’t usable, you can fill them with plumbing or construction adhesive. Now, place the first board right along the base. Then, use the 1-1/2 inches finish nails to drive through the drilled holes.
Step 4: Fill the gap between the cabinet base and flooring
You will need quarter-round molding to fill the gap between the cabinet base and extended flooring. Find the penetration point of the cabinet base for the quarter-round modeling. Now, drill holes there to drive the finish nails. For this purpose, you will use 1-1/2 inches finish nail and 1/8 inches holes.
Also, ensure that you drive the nails through the molding of the cabinet base, not the floor itself.
Step 5: Install the floor inside
Free up the cabinet by removing the stored items from there. If the water supply lines run through it, you must shut off the supply lines. Then, measure the notched board overlapping. You will start from the cabinet corner and right outside the notched board.
Now, cut the first board for the floor that is unlevel or level with a table saw following the right measurement. Now, use finish nails to mount it. This way, the interior and exterior board will look like a continuation.
Once you have mounted the first board, you can arrange all the other boards. Then, nail all these boards so they stay in their position. You will need 1-1/2 inches finish nails and 1/8 inches holes to drive in the nails.
When you replace the last board, you should cut it appropriately. It ensures the board has the correct width. Then, use a table saw to cut the bottom groove. Finally, use finish nails to secure the board.
Method 2: Replacing the floor inside a movable cabinet
If you have a large cabinet under which you can access and work easily, the floor replacement gets easy. It is similar for the moving cabinets too.
Step 1: Prepare the cabinet for moving it
There will be screws at the back of the cabinet that will hold it to the wall. You will also find two to three strips of cabinet screws along the cabinet side and top. Use a screwdriver and pliers set to remove all the screws.
Step 2: Remove the cabinet
Tilt the cabinet away and position it around 6 inches away from the kitchen wall. Locate the toe kick of the cabinet front. Then, push a dolly underneath it. Now, carefully place the cabinet on the dolly and move it away.
Step 3: Redo the cabinet flooring and place the cabinet properly
Finally, change the old cabinet flooring. You need to measure the floor size and secure them with finish nails. When you have laid the new boards, bring the cabinet in its original position. Screw-in the nuts around its base and sidewalls.
Should You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?
We have shown you ways to replace the floor under the kitchen cabinets when you redo the space. But what if you are installing the kitchen in a new home? Or what if you are completing building a new kitchen in place of the older one?
In these cases, knowing whether the floor or cabinet comes before installation is a million-dollar question. It will help save you time and money.
Experts say that the flooring comes after the cabinet. In a common kitchen space, you should install the cabinet first. Then, you can measure the floor height correctly and finish the flooring. Also, remember that when we talk about floor renovation and covering in the home and kitchen, we usually talk about the surface we walk on. It isn’t the subfloor and underlayment part of the construction.
So, when constructing the kitchen, you should place the cabinet. Then, work with the finished flooring right over the underlayment and subfloor. It helps you accurately cut the floor tiles and place them with the kitchen cabinet walls and at the back. Thus, your cooking space’s entire floor and cabinet installation will be accurate and perfect.
Also, the cabinet and floor will have tinier space between them. You must fill these tiny gaps with shoe molding, glue, or baseboards. It makes the floor and cabinet fittings tighter.
Conclusion
Replacing the kitchen cabinet floor is straightforward. All you need is to find a way to work with the cabinet. Furthermore, ensure that you don’t damage the cabinet during the redoing process. Plus, take care of the plumbing system, so you don’t damage it. Or else kitchen floor replacement costs will increase massively.
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