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Contractors commonly install floors before cabinets during a kitchen remodel. It’s the standard option when installing hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring. Installing flooring first helps prevent height misalignment, ensures a seamless appearance, and saves extra flooring work and costs if you plan to replace or remove any cabinets later.

Since there are many methods of repairing your cabinets, including refacing and refinishing, it can be tricky to know when to replace or fix your existing cabinets. Generally, it’s best to repair your existing cabinets when the cabinet boxes are in good condition. Additionally, this option is best when you’re being budget-friendly or remodeling. 

Replacing your cabinets is best when you’re changing the layout of the room or when the cabinet boxes are in rough shape. It’s also best to replace your cabinets if you need more storage space, as this will remove the existing cabinets for new ones.

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.

On average, it costs about 30% to 50% less to reface than to replace custom or semi-custom cabinets. However, the most affordable cabinet replacement projects tend to cost about the same amount as the average cabinet refacing project. These are replacement projects that involve pre-made stock cabinet styles rather than custom designs.