10/12/2026
On multifamily projects, the order of cabinets and flooring is a sequencing decision that should be made early, not on install day.
Cabinets installed first
✔ Less flooring material, since it stops at the cabinets
✔ No risk of damaging new flooring during cabinet install
⚠ Cabinet and counter heights must account for the finished floor height
⚠ Dishwasher openings need to be checked against the final floor
Flooring installed first
✔ A continuous floor under the cabinets
✔ Easier future cabinet replacement during renovations
⚠ More flooring material and more floor protection needed
⚠ Floating floors generally shouldn't be pinned down by cabinets
Neither approach is right for every project. What matters is that the decision is made early and communicated clearly to the cabinet, flooring, countertop, and appliance teams.
At KCI, we coordinate cabinet heights and details with the builder's install sequence, so the kitchen works with the finished floor.
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