Should Cabinets Be Installed Before or After a Floating Floor?

Always install your cabinets before your floating floor. This is essential to ensure the proper expansion gap is maintained between the flooring and the cabinets. 

Why Cabinets Should Go First

Floating floors—whether hardwood, laminate, or vinyl—are designed to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor; they "float" above it, locking together without glue or nails. If you anchor heavy objects like cabinets directly to a floating floor, you restrict its ability to move. This can lead to serious issues such as:

• Buckling or warping
• Boards separating or popping apart
• Complete floor failure

Warranty Warning

Cabinets cannot be installed on top of a floating floor. Anchoring cabinets—or any permanent fixtures—directly to a floating floor will void your flooring warranty. Manufacturers require that floating floors remain unobstructed to perform as intended.

Best Practice

• Install cabinets and other fixed furniture before laying your floating floor.
• Allow the floor to float freely around these fixtures, maintaining the recommended expansion gap (usually 1/4" to 1/2", depending on the product).

By following these guidelines, you’ll protect the integrity of your flooring and preserve your warranty.