Kitchen Floor Replacement Without Cabinet Removal

Replacing worn or outdated kitchen floors can breathe new life into the heart of your home without undergoing a full kitchen remodel. By keeping existing cabinets in place, you can transform the look of your kitchen in less time and with less expense than a complete overhaul.

Reasons to Keep Your Cabinets

Taking the time to remove kitchen cabinets before installing new floors may seem logical, but keeping cabinets in place offers several advantages:

• Avoids cabinet damage that can happen during removal and reinstallation
• Prevents having to patch holes or repaint walls after removing cabinets
• Saves hours of labor for removal and rehanging cabinetry
• Maintains original cabinet positioning and alignment
• Less risk of impacting nearby appliances, electrical or plumbing

Unless you're planning a full kitchen remodel with layout changes, keeping your cabinets intact means fewer headaches down the road.

Prep Work for New Floors

While the cabinets stay put, some demolition and prep work is still required before installing new floors:

• Remove existing flooring as needed - lift vinyl, peel up laminate, etc.
• Take out old subfloor if required by new flooring choice
• Detach and remove kitchen appliances and fixtures
• Clean thoroughly under cabinets and around edges
• Fill any low spots or cracks in subfloor area

Prepping the subfloor provides a smooth, even surface for your new flooring installation.

Protecting Cabinets During Installation

With cabinets remaining in place, take steps to keep them protected:

• Use painter's tape to seal cabinets and avoid damage
• Cover cabinet fronts with plastic sheeting or cardboard
• Detach doors and drawers if possible to keep intact
• Use caulk to seal gaps between floors and cabinet sides
• Cut flooring carefully around cabinets for tight seams

Taking precautions keeps cabinets unharmed and minimizes post-install repairs or touch-ups.

Choosing a Flooring Material

Certain flooring types are better suited for cabinet-in-place installation:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) - Waterproof, durable, and installs as a floating floor
• Vinyl Sheet - Seamless, flexible, and moisture-resistant
• Laminate - Floats over subfloor making for easier install
• Engineered Hardwood - Prefabricated for stability yet looks like real wood
• Peel-and-Stick Tiles - Budget option that's easy to cut and install

Always check that product specs work for cabinet-in-place installation. Thicker, heavier materials like natural stone or solid hardwood often require demolition.

Installation Process for New Floors

With cabinets staying put, you'll need to work carefully during the installation process:

• Undercut bottom cabinets to slide flooring underneath
• Cut flooring to fit tightly against cabinets or appliances
• Use filler pieces to fit flooring around plumbing or irregular spaces
• Add transitions between rooms or at doorways
• If floating floor, ensure no cabinets sit atop flooring

Take your time making clean cuts, using spacers and shims, and sealing edges to get a seamless finished floor.

Finish Details for A Complete Look

Finishing touches take your new kitchen floors from installed to complete:

• Caulk along edges and back wall of bottom cabinets
• Reinstall appliances and fixtures
• Add matching quarter round or base trim pieces
• Touch up existing baseboards to blend with new floors
• Clean floors thoroughly and seal if necessary

Attention to edges, transitions, and details gives your kitchen a unified, professional look.

Budget Factors

Keeping costs down is often a priority. Consider these factors when budgeting:

• Material prices vary - LVP is often most affordable
• Labor for installation if unable to DIY
• No demolition costs since cabinets remain
• Need for subfloor repairs or backer board
• Transition pieces between rooms
• Rental fees for floor removing tools

Leaving cabinets makes the project less expensive than a full remodel. But materials, labor, and finishing touches still add up.

Hiring a Professional

A licensed flooring contractor handles the heavy lifting but adds cost:

• Find experienced installers familiar with cabinet-in-place jobs
• Check reviews and examples of past kitchen floor projects
• Get quotes from 2-3 well-rated professionals
• Confirm they pull permits and handle inspections
• Agree on a timeline for project completion

An experienced kitchen flooring company can make the process smooth while delivering beautiful results.

DIY Considerations

Doing it yourself saves money but requires some skill:

• Watch tutorial videos to gain experience
• Safely remove appliances without damage
• Rent an oscillating tool for cutting flooring
• Have help lifting heavy cabinets for under-cabinet work
• Prepare for a learning curve and extra install time

DIY isn't for everyone, but careful planning and patience can result in a successful flooring upgrade.

FAQs

How long does the project take?

With cabinets staying put, expect 1-3 days depending on square footage. Prepping subfloor adds time. Hiring a pro speeds up installation.

What about removing island or peninsula cabinets?

It's best to keep them in place too. Removing risks damage, alters alignment, and requires extra install work.

Can I install new cabinets after the new floor?

Yes, new flooring can be extended under new cabinet installations. Just leave proper expansion space.

What if my cabinets aren't secured to walls?

Temporarily brace or secure cabinets so they don't shift when working underneath them during flooring install.

How long should I wait to move appliances back?

Follow the floor manufacturer's recommendations for curing time before heavy appliances can go back into place, often 24-48 hours.

Installing new floors without removing kitchen cabinets allows you to refresh your space without the cost and work of a full renovation. Careful prep work, protective steps during installation, and finishing touches help the project go smoothly while keeping your cabinets securely in place. While DIY is possible, many homeowners opt to hire professional installers to handle the details. Whether you want to add warmth with hardwood, enjoy waterproof luxury vinyl plank, or simply update dated vinyl or linoleum - installing new floors can make your kitchen feel fresh and beautiful without prying your cabinets off the wall.