When dealing with TILE, there is an advantage, and sometimes necessity to running the tile BEFORE installing the cabs.
IF you are using a tile backer board, and the tile is about 3/8″ thick, then you have added approx. 1″ floor height (backer board + tile + thinset). This 1″ height will make the cabs approx 1″ shorter if you do the cabs first. Also, the area where the dishwasher will be installed will have to be tiled. If not, you will not be able to get the dishwasher out (if needed) later. If you install the cabs first, then tile, AND tile the dishwasher cubby hole, then the dishwasher won’t have enough clearance between the cab top and dishwasher top.
Save yourself some grief and tile the floor first. Or at the very least, add the backer first before you install the cabs.
Just a thought…
James DuHamel
J & M Home Maintenance Service
“Southeast Texas”
Replies
The GC for our kitchen remodel had the cabinet sub put in the toe kicks first, then the tile (including the dishwasher alcove), then the cabinets. They added the ~1" to the toe kick to account for tile thickness. One more visit for the cabinet sub I guess, but we needed to do that was as the toe kick has a granite base on it. If you are running tile up the toe kick, you will probably need to do something similar.
Don
craigb,
Typically I will run my DUROCK or tilebacker first under cabinet base units, then tile to same unit and grout/caulk the joint. It is easier for the installers and allows future tile change with less tearout of cabinets. If heigth of cabinet counter is critical, I will add another piece of DUROCK fitted under cabinet before install of cabinet. That has never been an issue however.
James makes a good point about dishwashers. The easiest way I have found to handle that is to continue the tile into the dishwasher bay.
Depending on tile and grout, I may run my base before tile and butt tile to it again with grout/caulk joint.
Wood floors I like installing before cabinets because it is easier to sand and finish before cabinet install.
david
walk good
Edited 4/8/2002 10:49:39 AM ET by DTHODAL
Craig
I suggest you install any and all flooring before cabinet installation and that the flooring continue beneath the cabs. Unless you have a tremendous amount of cabinets the flooring saved will be minimal. Leveling the cabinets on top of a finished floor is always easier. Laying out the flooring will take longer if your trying to avoid areas that wont be seen. Stove, refridge and dishwasher should always be on top of tile. What happens if for some reason (although unlikely yet possible) a cabinet needs to be removed? Finally installing the cabinets pryor to the finished floor is asking for trouble. Damage to cabinets is a very real possibility. Do it right, and you`ll only have to do it once.
Thanks...there seems to be a consenses. Follow-up... if I have 1.5" subfloor ( double 23/32 sturd-i floor) do I need a second tie backer?
cb
Craig,
I may just be old school but I never install tile directly to wood subfloor. Wood reacts too greatly to changes in humidity for me to feel comfortable with a plywood base. I either put down the cement board (assuming framing is close to level), or I do a mud job. Just my opinoin, everyones got one!
Jay
My company uses hardwood flooring in many of the kitchens we renovate. I like to run the flooring before we install any of the cabinets. This provides you with a consistant substaite to work off of when setting your cabinets. By having the floor installed first, you have futer options with relocating cabinets (in particular islands). I also find your floor installer will work more efficiently, while causing no damage to newly installed cabinets. When finishing the floor, it's usually a good idea to protect or remove base cabinet doors and apliance fronts.
As for tile floors, the tile should be installed after the cabinets. However, the cabinets should be blocked up the thickness of the tile underlayment and tile. This is most important at a under the counter appliance. Although, most appliances provide around 1/2" height adjustment. Toe kicks can be installed before or after depending on the grout look you want to achieve.
good luck with your project.
sincerely sullico