Get matched with top cabinet contractors in Penhook, VA

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.

It is generally more cost-effective to purchase stock or semi-custom cabinets than to have them custom-built. The best option depends on your budget and customization needs.

Here is a breakdown of the average costs per linear foot:

• Custom Cabinets: $500 to $1,200. The final price is influenced by factors like materials, size, and design complexity. For example, a basic slab cabinet door might cost $60 to $70 for materials, while a more intricate mullioned glass inset panel door can range from $100 to $200 per door.

• Semi-Custom Cabinets: $150 to $700.

• Stock Cabinets: $100 to $400. These are pre-built and the most affordable option, but they offer limited customization and may not be suitable for rooms with unusual shapes or high ceilings.

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.  

Solid wood is the most common material for cabinet bases. It’s a popular choice because it’s durable and will hold up over time. Oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and pine are all types of solid wood that can be used to build cabinet bases. Other options include plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and other types of manufactured lumber, but they need to be sealed properly to avoid swelling, separating, and delamination from moisture.