Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more. In that time there could be water leaks, appliance failures cabinet damage that requires replacement, electrical problems that require cabinets to be moved, etc...
We often get asked whether it's better to tile wall-to-wall under the kitchen or just up to the kitchen units. The quick answer is wall-to-wall is better, however as with many decisions regarding kitchen layouts there is never a one-size-fits-all.
Avoid installing wood flooring under your cabinets.
So if you install wood flooring under your kitchen cabinets you are essentially restricting this movement which can result in your flooring buckling.
The Flooring Material
The type of flooring material you choose can impact the order of your renovation. We recommend installing hardwood flooring first, while it's OK to install tile after installing your cabinets.
For tiles, the idea would be to have the tiles down first. But it works either way. Just make sure the Durock or tile backer is down first. Then install cabinets, then the tiles can go down.
Do you tile under the cabinet/vanity that is to be secured to the wall on the floor? A: Here again, this is a matter of personal preference. But if the bathroom floor calls for waterproofing, the best choice would be to install tile under the cabinet.
Verdict. There are pros and cons to each installation order. That said, it is standard for the cabinet to go before the flooring, except under special circumstances as mentioned above.
Ceramic, porcelain and stone tile are all common choices for kitchen flooring options. Tile comes in many sizes and colors and can be laid out in a variety of patterns to suit just about any design theme. Tile is incredibly long-lasting but in some instances, the grout needs to be resealed to keep it stain-resistant.
Some people ask the question, “should I lay the floor or install the kitchen units first then lay the floor around them?” This decision is purely down to personal preference. Laying the floor first would appear to be the best option but you are much more likely to damage the floor whilst the kitchen is being assembled.
For example, a built-in range or oven may not require flooring to be installed underneath, as it's not likely to move or shift over time. On the other hand, a large refrigerator or dishwasher may benefit from having flooring installed underneath, as these appliances are more prone to movement and potential leaks.
In most cases, installing cabinets come first before the flooring. Know that floor covering is the surface you see and walk on, where it is usually cut to size and butt up against the cabinets.
Tile and hardwood floors can also be installed without removing cabinets, but it can be much more difficult. These materials are thicker, which can lead to your cabinets being lower after installation. It may also cause access issues for the lower cabinets.
Yes, you should always put flooring under your dishwasher. Since dishwashers are designed to fit snugly under your countertop, this will make it much easier to remove without the need to lift it over a lip of flooring.
Tiles are an amazingly practical surface for kitchens, so consider covering entire walls with your favorite tile, not just around the sink and cooking area. Wall tiles are easy to maintain, hygienic and can create a serious style statement when used in statement block colors.
If you want to do it correctly, tile under it all. New construction always has the flooring under all areas in the kitchen and remodel jobs typically but up to the cabinets. The reason is because usually when you are replacing a floor in a remodel, the cabinets don't always get replaced at the same time.
Porcelain tile is extremely hardwearing so perfect for a high-circulation area like a kitchen. It is very dense and therefore highly water resistant, and it's easy to clean.
A good place to start is at the centre of the cooker or another distinguishing feature that your eye is drawn to as you enter the room. Alternatively, start in the centre of the room; you may like to start slightly off-centre so that you don't end up having to make difficult cuts in the corners.
In most cases, given standard flooring heights, you will install the cabinets or kitchen island before the floor covering. You will also install flooring before appliances.
Go with Light Colors
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Tumbled Effect Porcelain Trend
A big trend for 2023 kitchen floor tiles is tumbled effect porcelain - together with the character and variation from tile to tile, this soft tumbling effect lends itself beautifully to rustic, and modern country-style kitchens.
One of the most durable floors to use in a kitchen is ceramic or porcelain tile. Although cold underfoot, these tiles are incredibly durable and easy to clean having been handmade and baked. They are also available in a range of shapes, styles, and colours, making them perfect for any kitchen aesthetic.
If your gap is larger than a 1/4″, you should probably use trim, like quarter round. It'll look much better and hold up longer than a larger bead of caulk. Pick a color that matches your cabinets. If you can't find one, then picking a caulk that matches the floor might work.
If it doesn't have a quarter round, floor goes under the cabinets, and if it doesn't it is pretty easy to see it doesn't (hence the need for the quarter round). But if you see the quarter round, just assume it doesn't go under. If the kitchen has tile, look at the grout lines.