Replies

1. 
   wrick2003 | Sep 10, 2003 03:45pm | #1

         I install the tile first whenever possible. It eliminates most of the cuts.

         If your tile has a very uneven surface though, you might want to install it after the cabinets. Ensure that the cabinets are shimmed to the height of the tile, or your dishwasher won't fit.

         If you don't mind a few little gaps between the baseshoe and the top of the tile surface, do the tile first and save a lot of work.  

        rg

1. 
   Remodeler | Sep 11, 2003 10:06pm | #8

   >>If you don't mind a few little gaps between the baseshoe and the top of the tile >>surface, do the tile first and save a lot of work.  

   What in the world did they invent caulk for?  Production builders here use it for finish trim and wall plates, much less a little cabinetry.

   hehehe

   remodeler

1. 
   honeydoos | Sep 12, 2003 02:46am | #11

   Got to agree with ya hun. That what they invented caulk for, and now it comes in colors to match the grout ot the toe board of the cabinets.....Trim or not it makes things simpler!

2. 
   TLJ | Sep 10, 2003 03:52pm | #2

   I believe there are advantages and disadvantages to either procedure.

   Because you are installing on concrete, tile could be considered to be much more permanent than are cabinets. Thus, if anyone should want to change the cabinet layout, tile first would allow for that. However, a disadvantage to that is the extra cost of tile buried under cabinets. Your concerns about fitting cabinets over tile only present a slight problem as you can mark a level line around the perimeter for the tops of the cabinets measured from the highest point in the floor. Then shim the rest of the cabinets to that mark. You then only have to scribe the toeboard.

   So, I guess, if the cost of the extra tile were no problem, I would tile then install cabinets.

   BTW, I've cut porcelain tile with a cheapo tile cutter from Sears (score and break) and made inside cuts and trim with a diamond blade on a Rotozip.

   Another BTW, you may find grouting easier if you use a grout bag and strike tool, rather than floating the grout over the whole surface.

3. 
   jagwah | Sep 10, 2003 04:27pm | #3

   I've always liked to have it both ways.

   I install the cabinets without the finished toe kicks installed. I plan on using at least 1/2" thick material so it covers most cut imperfections.

   Besides the next time you might change your kitchen configuration will likely be over 5 years in the future and then you might be tired of the old tile as well.

1. 
   Scooter1 | Sep 10, 2003 06:22pm | #5

   Tile First.

   Easier to install cabinets.

   You or a future homeowner might change kitchen layout.

   Easier to install tile, too.

   This is a no brainer.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

4. 
   Frankie | Sep 10, 2003 05:19pm | #4

   Tiling the floor first will save a lot of time. You'll have more room to do the floor installation without risking scratching the cabinets and the installation will require less cuts.

   Grouting the edge of an open ended tile is a PITA.

   Also, when there is a flood in the room (sooner or later sh_t happens) the water will stay on the surface rather than flow under the cabinets, pool and soak into the concrete. Less drying time.

   Frankie

1. 
   FrankRizzo | Sep 11, 2003 06:22am | #6

   OK then - I'll tile first.

   Thanks for your help

5. 
   migraine | Sep 11, 2003 06:30pm | #7

   I guess that I'm outvoted here but as a cabinetmaker/installer for 20+ years, I prefer to have the cabinets installed first and then set the tile after.  I also do tile work and from tilers point of view, tile first.  If I'm doing both jobs, I would still do cabinets first.  This would especially be true if I was laying an expensive porcelain tile

   As to having to repair a broken tile, Murphy's law will always have the broken tile going under the toe kicks or base.

   I also HATE scribing the base to the top of tile and grout joints and that gap always drives me nuts.  I can't remember the last time that slab floors were flat/level enough to make shimming of cabinets unneeded

   One other thing, make sure you keep a extra box or two of tile for future repairs/remodels.  It will drive you nuts tying to find a matching pattern or matching sheen/dyelot

   Cut my last floor job with a 4" diamond blade on a Makita grinder. With no problems

6. 
   stonebm | Sep 12, 2003 12:18am | #9

   I'm redoing my kitchen and chose to do tile after the cabinets.  My thinking was that of either item, I (or the next homeowner) would be more likely to replace the flooring before the cabinets.  Removing tile is bad enough but if it went underneath the cabinets, the removal would be a nightmare.  If you put cabinets in first, remember to shim them by the tile thickness (think someone already mentioned it here).

1. 
   jagwah | Sep 12, 2003 01:02am | #10

   Great point!

   Been there, sucks big time!

7. 
   FrankRizzo | Sep 12, 2003 05:45am | #12

   Dishwasher is a great point!

   Caulk comment is good also. (Ever been in those cheesey hotels where they have 1" wide caulk joints around the shower/tub enclosure?)

   Thanks all - I'm gonna tile first!!