Best cabinet contractors near Arlee, MT

In a kitchen installation, starting with the foundation and structural elements before moving on to the finishing touches is essential. Framing, plumbing, and utilities should go first, followed by cabinetry and countertops, then plumbing fixtures and new appliances. Flooring, paint, tile backsplashes, and similar finishing touches should get installed last.

Installing cabinet toe kicks after installing flooring is common, as this produces a sleek, streamlined appearance along the cabinetry bases. The toe kick is a cabinetry term for the covered, recessed areas at the cabinet’s base that let you stand closer to the counter more comfortably by making room for your toes.

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.

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.