Get matched with top cabinet contractors in Prunedale, CA

Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.

Walls in good condition with an even surface should be fine for frameless cabinet installation. Older, uneven, or warped walls could create problems. Your studs and their spacing are especially important, since frameless cabinets rely so much on wall attachments. Call in a professional installer for a consultation if you aren’t sure.

As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your cabinet installer. Once the cabinets are ready for your home, you can do the following:

• Ensure pets are safely in another room, out of the way of open doors and large moving objects.

• Clear countertops for removal.

• Tidy the floor the installers will walk through and around. 

• Prepare to have the installers in your home for the entire day, for multiple days, until the project is done. Expect to have a noisy environment, especially if they will remove old, existing cabinets.  

It is typically cheaper to buy stock or semi-custom cabinets than to build custom ones. The price difference is significant:

• Custom Cabinets: Cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. This price is affected by materials, size, design complexity, and door styles. For instance, a simple slab door's materials might cost $60-$70, while a decorative mullioned glass door could be $100-$200.

• Semi-Custom Cabinets: Cost between $150 and $700 per linear foot.

• Stock Cabinets: Cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot.

While buying pre-built cabinets is more cost-effective, building custom cabinets allows for full modification to fit unique spaces, such as rooms with high ceilings or unusual layouts, which stock options cannot accommodate.