Install under or around Ikea cabinets?
#1
05-02-07, 08:42 AM
Install under or around Ikea cabinets?
Hi, new guy here. 
I'm remodeling my kitchen - all new cabinets and flooring. We already have the Ikea cabinets purchased (I know there is mixed feelings here on Ikea cabinets). We purchased bamboo flooring from Home Depot. It is the horizontal type with regular tongue and groove.
I'm planning on using a nail gun.
I've read that the generic recommendation when installing flooring and cabinets at the same time, is to install the cabinets first and then the flooring around them. I'd rather install the flooring first -wall to wall.
The Ikea cabinets have adjustable legs, so nothing is bolted to the floor. I think that the cabinets do not weigh enough to hinder expansion/contraction of the floor. If so, can't I install the flooring wall to wall before the cabinets?
I'm remodeling my kitchen - all new cabinets and flooring. We already have the Ikea cabinets purchased (I know there is mixed feelings here on Ikea cabinets). We purchased bamboo flooring from Home Depot. It is the horizontal type with regular tongue and groove.
I'm planning on using a nail gun.
I've read that the generic recommendation when installing flooring and cabinets at the same time, is to install the cabinets first and then the flooring around them. I'd rather install the flooring first -wall to wall.
The Ikea cabinets have adjustable legs, so nothing is bolted to the floor. I think that the cabinets do not weigh enough to hinder expansion/contraction of the floor. If so, can't I install the flooring wall to wall before the cabinets?
#2
05-03-07, 09:05 AM
I spoke to an installer yesterday, who said that, in the above scenario, he always installs wall to wall bamboo flooring first, and then he installs the cabinets. He's not had any trouble or complaints so far.
#3
05-03-07, 02:40 PM
I am doing the exact same - bamboo with ikea cabinets. I am also going wall to wall with the bamboo and placing the cabinetry on top. Other saving a couple bucks not covering some of the floor, I don't see what advantage it would be not doing it wall to wall. Maybe if you had 500 SF of cabinetry you might save some money, but if you can afford that much cabinetry...
Plus, if the layout ever changes, you do not need to drastically patch the floor. Anyway, it seems to make sense to me to do it this way.
Plus, if the layout ever changes, you do not need to drastically patch the floor. Anyway, it seems to make sense to me to do it this way.
#4
05-03-07, 06:43 PM
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If you have the misfortunate leak, or you let the humidity skyrocket for a couple of days, and the flooring buckles, it takes the cabinets with them. Upwards
#5
05-14-07, 03:04 PM
I don't know about other people's situations, but I should be OK. I never had that type of problem before.
Besides what goes up, must come down (I'm kidding, of course - there could be real damage).
Besides what goes up, must come down (I'm kidding, of course - there could be real damage).
#6
05-17-07, 12:29 PM
I would always recommend flooring installed on the whole floor, then the cabinets. If you have things like a dishwasher it could be difficult or impossible to remove once the countertop is in place. It also looks nicer, it is less cuts, and it allows you to change the cabinets if you want down the line to one that may not have the same foot print.
