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Can I Install Cabinets on Top of My Flooring?

For floating floors, install cabinets first and leave a 1/4" expansion gap. For glue-down and nail-down installs, either order works.

Floating floors need room to expand and contract. Cabinets installed on top pin the floor in place and can cause buckling or joint failure over time. The installation method determines the sequencing.

Appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washing machines, are not a concern and can be placed on any Flooret floor after installation. 

  • Modin LVP (floating): cabinets before floors, leave 1/4" expansion gap
  • Arista Laminate (floating): cabinets before floors, leave 1/4" expansion gap
  • Silvan Hardwood (floating): cabinets before floors, leave 1/4" expansion gap
  • Silvan Hardwood (glue-down): either order is fine
  • Provence Hardwood (nail or glue-down): either order is fine

Modin and Arista

Both are floating floors, install cabinets before the planks and leave 1/4" of expansion space at the cabinet base. Most modern cabinetry won't cause immediate issues if installed after, but it introduces risk over time. Installing first eliminates it.


Silvan

Floating install: cabinets before, with 1/4" expansion space.

Glue-down install: either order is fine, a fixed floor doesn't need the same 1/4" expansion space.


Provence

Nail or glue-down by a certified installer. Cabinets can go in before or after flooring.

 

Common Questions

What happens if I install cabinets on a floating floor?

The cabinet weight pins the floor. Seasonal humidity changes cause expansion with nowhere to go, buckling, gapping, or joint failure. 

How much expansion gap do I need?

For floating installations, leave at least 1/4", the same gap used at walls. Covered by the toe kick, quarter round, or baseboard, so it's not visible after installation. 

What about kitchen islands?

Freestanding islands not anchored to the floor are fine on top. Built-in islands bolted to the subfloor should be treated like cabinets and installed before the floating floor with a 1/4" gap.

 

 Questions? Email support@flooret.com or call 1-800-700-8122. M-F, 8 AM–7 PM CST.