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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 average cost to install hardwood flooring is $4,700. While this is more than double the average cost of installing a new carpet and removing your old one, it has some significant advantages. Hardwood flooring might not be as cozy or soundproofing as carpets, but it's lower maintenance and way more durable. With the right care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, whereas the average lifespan of a carpet is 10 years.

Carpet stretching can be a worthwhile investment to increase the lifespan of your carpet and eliminate unsightly wrinkles, ridges, and ripples. For an older carpet that is in relatively good condition aside from some wrinkling or bubbling, restretching can make it look like new and extend its life by at least a couple of years. You should consider restretching when you notice looseness or other related issues.

However, it's important to note that stretching will not fix issues like stains, wear in the pile, or discoloration. Consider replacing the carpet instead if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new one. Additionally, if your carpet is past its expected lifespan of five to 15 years, or if it has been stretched multiple times already, replacement is likely a better option.

In most cases, you do not need to put padding or underlayment under carpet tiles. Unlike traditional carpet, which requires a separate pad, carpet tiles are designed to be installed directly onto a firm subfloor like plywood, concrete, or tile. Many carpet tiles come with a built-in underlay and attach with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or glue. For a more comfortable, cushioned feel, especially in residential settings, you can opt for padded carpet tiles that have a thicker underlay attached. While it's generally not recommended to install a separate pad, a compact underlayment might be used in some situations, though this typically requires professional installation. An acoustic underlay may also be considered in commercial spaces or multi-level homes where noise reduction is a priority.