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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.

Most built-in bookshelves are custom-made to fit the available space and meet a homeowner's needs. This level of customization allows you to design the exact look and functionality you desire. However, you can buy cheaper, prefabricated bookshelves to slot into your desired space. However, prefabricated designs might not slot in as snuggly or need to be adjusted to fit.

The cost to install soft-close drawers professionally typically ranges from $40 to $100 per drawer. If you prefer a DIY approach, you can purchase the necessary hardware yourself. Soft-close inserts usually cost between $15 and $25 per drawer, while soft-close drawer slides can range from $5 to $230 each, depending on factors like quality, quantity, and type (e.g., heavy-duty, side mount, under mount, or self-closing). Investing in soft-close mechanisms can be worthwhile as they eliminate slamming and may help extend the lifespan of your drawers.

Most assemblies take 1-3 hours, but larger units or those requiring wall mounting may take longer.