Install Base Cabinets Over Tile Floor

When determing how to install base cabinets on uneven floors check for level and plumb and add shims until the cabinets are at the same level.

Install base cabinets over tile floor.

2 lift and turn the island cabinets on their sides to. The cabinets won t be going anywhere after everything is assembled and the counter will help unitize everything as well. It s usually wise to install kitchen flooring before the base cabinets. One trick i use is to install nylon chair glides on the underside of the base cabinets.

Shim beneath the cabinet to align it with the top of cabinet line you drew on the wall. Screw a strip of the same thickness to the floor next to the wall. The flooring will be able to expand and contract beneath the toekick without revealing a gap. The 2x4 sleeper is scribed level to the floor tie backs 2x4 s that run back and get fastened to the wall sill plate are installed to hold it in place the cabinets are set on top of the sleeper and fastened to the wall and the screw through the cabinet base into the sleeper.

Mark the perimeter or outline of the base of the island on the tile floor with painter s tape. If the tile assembly is installed after the cabinetry perimeter joints must be placed where the tile meets the cabinets. The cuts to the toe kicks and sides of the cabinets must be very neatly cut sanded and filled with rounded backup foam backer rod and a flexible sealant such as 100 silicone or have finish trim applied to cover the clean and open perimeter joints. If there is movement in the flooring the nylon glides will allow it to do so quite freely.

Now install the new flooring but keep it about a inch from the first filler strip. Set the island cabinets in place on the floor. Unless there are severe changes in the relative humidity the floor will not move very much and kitchen cabinets can be installed directly on the flooring. The ragged edge of the flooring is then covered over with quarter round or base molding.

Drive 3 inch screws through the wood and into the tile to anchor the wood frame to the floor. Shim up base cabinets keeping in mind the underlayment and flooring thickness the base cabinets should be raised up to accommodate the thickness after installation of the floor. There are a couple quality items to consider when installing the cabinets before flooring. For one thing working in this sequence means you don t have to modify the floor material to achieve a seamless look.

Otherwise the cabinet toe kicks and countertop will be short. Leave a space between the cabinet and wall as recommended by the cabinet manufacturer. Is your home protected against unexpected repair needs. Finally install the cabinets on both strips and attach the toekicks.