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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.

The depth of your pantry shelves should range between 12 and 24 inches, depending on how high it sits on the wall and your pantry size. Higher shelves should fall on the thinner side since it is harder to reach deep shelving areas the higher you go.

The Janka Hardness Scale rates wood species according to their hardness levels or density. On the scale, hickory ranks as the most dense hardwood that is common for use in making cabinets. While there are woods that are harder, they're uncommon in cabinetry. Maple, oak, and walnut also rank relatively high on the scale and are excellent for use in cabinetry. 

There are some tips when hiring a cabinet installer that’ll help prepare you to create a new space. When installing new cabinets, keep the following in mind:

• Hire the same cabinet installer professional to measure, design, and install the cabinets, as opposed to jumping between companies. 

• Discuss what types of cabinets the installer offers, including stock, semi-custom, and custom, to give yourself options.

• Discuss financing options with your installer, as this project can be expensive depending on your chosen cabinets.

• Discuss your cabinet installer’s prior experience, including asking for photos of previous projects.