Ideally, cabinets should be installed before laying a floating floor. Here's why:
Easier installation: Installing cabinets on top of a floating floor can be more challenging and time-consuming. If the cabinets are already in place, it may require trimming or cutting the flooring to fit around the cabinet bases and ensuring a precise fit.
Stability and weight distribution: Cabinets are heavy, especially when fully loaded with kitchenware or other items. Placing them on top of the floating floor can create pressure points and may cause the floor to buckle or become uneven over time.
Seamless appearance: Installing the floating floor around the cabinets can lead to visible gaps or uneven transitions, affecting the overall appearance of your flooring. Installing the floor first and then the cabinets allows for a more seamless and professional look.
Protecting the floor: Installing cabinets after the flooring can lead to accidental damage to the floor during cabinet installation. Tools, heavy materials, or accidental spills may scratch or dent the newly laid flooring.
However, there are situations where installing the cabinets first may not be practical or possible, such as when you're replacing existing cabinets, or if you want to change the layout significantly. In such cases, here are some tips to minimize potential issues:
Protect the floor: If you must install cabinets on top of the floating floor, use a thick and durable protective material, like plywood or heavy-duty cardboard, between the cabinets and the floor to prevent damage during installation.
Leave expansion gaps: Floating floors require expansion gaps around the perimeter to accommodate natural movement due to changes in humidity and temperature. Ensure you leave these gaps even when installing the flooring around the cabinets.
Trim carefully: If you need to cut the flooring to fit around the cabinet bases, do so with precision and use appropriate tools to achieve clean and accurate cuts.
Professional installation: If you're unsure about handling the process yourself, it's best to consult with a professional flooring installer or carpenter who can handle the job with expertise.
In conclusion, while it's generally recommended to install cabinets before laying a floating floor, there are situations where the reverse may be necessary. In such cases, take precautions to protect the floor and ensure a proper fit to minimize any potential issues.