Can You Install Kitchen Cabinets On A Floating Floor?

Installing kitchen cabinets is one of the bigger home improvement jobs homeowners face. Something that needs to be considered before installation begins is what type of flooring you’re working with. Yes, flooring is a big deal when installing kitchen cabinets.

Technically, you can install kitchen cabinets on a floating floor. However, that does not mean that you should. Floating floors are not designed to handle the extra weight of cabinets, because the floor cannot expand and contract as it needs to. This is why it’s best to steer clear of the idea altogether.

Don’t let this discourage you. Today we’re going to dive into the topic of flooring and how it affects cabinets. The detailed step-by-step cabinet installation section will have your kitchen looking incredible in no time.

Installing floating floors can be fantastic for many homeowners. You can install them over existing flooring and will save you money on adhesive. There are a few reasons where floating floors aren’t the best option available.

Any area in your home that will have heavy things on the floor isn’t an excellent place for a floating floor. Also, any room where things will be bolted down is a no-go for this type of flooring. I like to use floating floors for things like entryways, hallways, and dining rooms.

Hardwood flooring is one of the more classic options available. It can be incredibly expensive and harmful for the environment, but thankfully there’s now engineered hardwood flooring. This style of flooring makes any room look more elegant and can add value to your home.

Unlike natural hardwood flooring, engineered won’t warp or expand due to the heat of your oven. There’s no concern for the moisture in your kitchen affecting the floor.

Pros:

It can seem intimidating to install your own kitchen cabinets. If you don’t feel comfortable completing the task yourself, you can always hire a licensed professional. If you’re up to the challenge, you’re in the right place.

No matter what type of flooring you’re installing on top of, putting in cabinets is essentially screwing wood into the wall. Making sure everything is level and adequately measured is vital. Let’s get into the step-by-step installation guide.

Before you start installing cabinets into your kitchen, there are a handful of things you’ll need to do. For example, you’ll want to ensure that the walls and corners are plumb, square, and straight.

You’ll want to take note of any dips, bubbles, or angles that require alterations. If you’re starting from scratch, installing electrical lines for appliances should be done before putting in the cabinets.

Find all of the receptacles that will be above the countertop backsplash. These should be every four feet or so, depending on where you plan on placing portable appliances. Don’t forget to rough in cabinet lights and any wall-mounted switches, supply, and drain lines.

Using a level, mark off a line on the walls around 48 inches off the ground. Take a piece of chalk and place a line at these marks all around the kitchen. Also, make a mark where the shortest measurement is, as well as the highest point.

Under the mark for the high point, make a spot for where your base cabinets will reach. This is usually around 34 inches above the flooring. Then, extend a layout line that goes along every wall, ensuring that it’s level.

Don’t forget to mark the locations for studs and drill a small hole to remember the location. Also, make notes of where any appliances will be going and if you need any wiggle room for them.

Next, take one of the corner cabinets and put it into position until the back edge meets the layout line. If there is plumbing, mark the locations on the back panel before installing. Drill holes through the back of the cabinet.

Take a level and ensure that the face of the cabinet is plumb. Add shims underneath if you need to. Drive two ½-inch deck screws through the back of the cabinet into the studs.

Then, counterbore and fasten the wood to the floor by using deck screws. Be sure to take off the washers when doing this. It should be done at all of the shim locations to ensure maximum stability.

For the third step, you’ll be installing the rest of the base cabinets. Follow the same directions as above, making sure the top levels are even with the layout lines. Align each cabinet individually, so the face is flush with the cabinet next to it.

Clamp them together and the counterbore through the edge of the face frame. Take a two-inch screw and fasten both of the cabinets together. Then use deck screws with the washers on and drive them through the back of the cabinet.

If you have any leftover shims that are protruding, you can use a utility knife to take them off or cut them down. It’s almost time to insert the drawers and finish up the installation.

Related Questions

Do you put a floating floor under appliances?

Floating floors are available in a variety of different materials. Not all of them are suitable for kitchen flooring due to the weight of appliances. They can stress or even break the tongue-and-groove fasteners. For this reason, it’s best to use snap-together flooring for your kitchen. This will ensure that not only is your floor sturdy, but it’s also durable. If you’re working with a larger kitchen, this is a must. 

Can you glue down a floating floor?

Yes, you can glue down a floating floor. You also have the option to staple it down if you’re looking for some extra security. If you’re working with a click-together floor, gluing it down can be a bit more difficult. 

Do kitchen cabinets sit on the subfloor?

Because cabinets often come before flooring, they can temporarily sit on the subfloor. Once the flooring is installed, the cabinets will no longer be in contact with the subfloor. For homeowners that aren’t installing flooring and leaving it all-natural, the cabinets will permanently be sitting on the subflooring.