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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.

Many cabinets use “J-pulls” or other handless designs. However, frequent use also gets these areas very dirty over time. A simple household cleaner and a soft washing cloth is usually enough to clean these areas when grime builds up. Adding a layer of lemon oil or beeswax can help prevent finishes from wearing off.

Before making any big plans, climb up a step ladder and closely examine the top of your cabinets. You’ll get to see what sort of clean-up work needs to be done, but you can also check for any unexpected obstacles. Sometimes this space holds electrical boxes, wiring, or even plumbing components. Those will affect plans to install a new layer of cabinets or shelves.

It is generally more cost-effective to purchase stock or semi-custom cabinets than to have them custom-built. The best option depends on your budget and customization needs.

Here is a breakdown of the average costs per linear foot:

• Custom Cabinets: $500 to $1,200. The final price is influenced by factors like materials, size, and design complexity. For example, a basic slab cabinet door might cost $60 to $70 for materials, while a more intricate mullioned glass inset panel door can range from $100 to $200 per door.

• Semi-Custom Cabinets: $150 to $700.

• Stock Cabinets: $100 to $400. These are pre-built and the most affordable option, but they offer limited customization and may not be suitable for rooms with unusual shapes or high ceilings.