The Best Order for Home Renovations
One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting a renovation is, “When should I install my new flooring?” It sounds like a simple question, but the answer depends on the type of flooring you’re choosing and the scope of your remodeling project.
Installing your floors too early can expose them to damage from construction, while waiting too long can make installation more difficult or even more expensive. Planning your renovation in the right sequence helps protect your investment, avoids unnecessary repairs, and keeps your project on schedule.
At Builders Flooring, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota plan flooring installations for everything from single-room updates to complete home renovations. Here’s what you need to know about the best remodeling order.
Why Renovation Order Matters
Every remodeling project involves multiple trades working together—demolition crews, electricians, plumbers, cabinet installers, painters, flooring installers, and finish carpenters. Each step affects the next.
Installing flooring at the wrong time can lead to problems like:
• Scratches from ladders and heavy equipment
• Paint or drywall compound spills
• Moisture damage
• Difficult cabinet installation
• Extra labor costs
• Needing to replace damaged flooring before you’ve even enjoyed it
Planning ahead helps every contractor work more efficiently while keeping your new floors looking their best.
Should Flooring Go in Before Cabinets?
This is probably the most debated question during a kitchen remodel, and the answer depends on the flooring material.
Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is commonly installed before cabinets.
Doing so creates one continuous floor throughout the room and provides flexibility if you ever decide to change your kitchen layout in the future. Since hardwood can be refinished many times over its lifespan, having flooring beneath the cabinets also creates a cleaner finished appearance.
However, installing hardwood under cabinets does increase material costs because you’re covering areas that won’t be visible.
Advantages
• Easier future kitchen remodels
• Continuous appearance
• No flooring height issues
• Better flexibility for cabinet changes
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank is a floating floor in most installations, meaning it expands and contracts slightly with changes in temperature and humidity.
If you are installing a glue down luxury vinyl plank, the process will be similar to hardwood. Install your glue down luxury vinyl plank prior to installing your cabinets.
Builders Flooring always follows the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to ensure your flooring performs as intended.
Laminate Flooring
Like floating LVP, laminate flooring is typically installed after cabinets for the same reason. Floating laminate needs room to expand and contract without being pinned down by heavy cabinetry.
Tile Flooring
Tile often goes in before cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Installing tile wall-to-wall provides:
• Cleaner appearance
• Better waterproofing
• Easier future renovations
• Greater design flexibility
Because tile doesn’t expand and contract like floating floors, placing cabinets on top isn’t usually an issue.
Should Flooring Go in Before Painting?
Many homeowners wonder whether they should paint first or install flooring first.
The answer depends on what type of painting is being done.
If You’re Completely Remodeling,
A common professional sequence looks like this:
• Drywall
• Primer
• Final Wall Paint
• Ceiling paint
• Flooring
• Trim
• Final wall paint
• Touch-ups
Painting before flooring reduces the chance of paint dripping onto new floors.
However, painters almost always need to perform minor touch-ups after flooring and trim are installed.
If You’re Only Updating Floors
If you’re simply replacing flooring without major remodeling, installing flooring first and then touching up paint afterward often works well.
Either order can be successful as long as your contractor protects finished surfaces.
The Ideal Kitchen Remodeling Timeline
Every project is different, but most professional remodels follow a similar sequence.
1. Planning and Design
• Measure the space.
• Choose flooring.
• Order cabinets.
• Select countertops.
• Coordinate timelines.
2. Demolition
• Old flooring removed.
• Cabinets removed.
• Fixtures disconnected.
• Walls opened if necessary.
3. Plumbing and Electrical
• Any wiring or plumbing changes happen before surfaces are finished.
4. Drywall Repairs
• Walls are patched, sanded, and primed.
5. Cabinets or Flooring?
• Depending on your flooring type:
• Hardwood, Glue Down LVP, or Tile
• Flooring first.
• Cabinets afterward.
• Floating LVP or Laminate
• Cabinets first.
• Flooring afterward.
6. Countertops
• Once cabinets are secured, countertops are installed.
7. Appliances
• Appliances return after flooring and countertops are complete.
8. Final Trim and Touch-Ups
• Baseboards
• Quarter-round
• Transitions
• Paint corrections
• Final cleaning
Bathroom Remodeling Timeline
Bathrooms present unique challenges because waterproofing is essential.
A typical sequence includes:
• Demolition
• Plumbing updates
• Waterproofing
• Tile shower installation
• Floor installation
• Vanity installation
• Toilet installation
• Mirrors
• Trim
• Final paint
Luxury vinyl and tile are both excellent bathroom flooring choices because of their moisture resistance.
Protecting New Floors During Construction
Even when flooring is installed at the right stage, protecting it during the remainder of the project is critical.
Professional contractors use products designed specifically for floor protection.
These include:
Floor Protection Paper
Heavy-duty paper protects against dirt and light traffic.
Ram Board
One of the industry’s favorite products.
It protects against scratches, dropped tools, and heavy foot traffic while still allowing the floor to breathe.
Protective Plastic
Useful in certain situations, although it should never trap moisture beneath it for extended periods.
Furniture Pads
Even after construction is complete, felt pads help prevent scratches from chairs, tables, and couches.
Common Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid
Installing Flooring Too Early
Brand-new flooring can easily be scratched by other trades working in the home.
Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines
Every flooring manufacturer has installation requirements regarding expansion gaps, moisture testing,adhesives, and underlayment.
Ignoring these recommendations can void warranties.
Forgetting About Floor Height
Changing from vinyl to hardwood or tile changes the finished floor height.
This affects:
• Doors
• Appliances
• Cabinets
• Trim
• Stair transitions
Planning ahead avoids expensive surprises.
Skipping Subfloor Repairs
A beautiful new floor is only as good as the subfloor beneath it.
Professional installers inspect for:
• Squeaks
• Moisture damage
• Uneven areas
• Loose panels
Fixing these issues before installation ensures a longer-lasting floor.
How Builders Flooring Helps You Plan
Choosing flooring is only part of the remodeling process. Planning when to install it is just as important.
At Builders Flooring, we work closely with homeowners, contractors, and remodelers to coordinate installation timing that fits the overall project schedule. Whether you’re updating a single room or renovating your entire home, we’ll recommend the best installation sequence for your flooring material and help ensure your investment is protected from day one.
From hardwood and luxury vinyl plank to laminate, tile, and carpet, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step—from selecting the right product to professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should hardwood flooring go under kitchen cabinets?
In many cases, yes. Installing hardwood before cabinets creates a continuous floor and makes future renovations easier. However, the best approach depends on your project and budget.
Should floating floors be installed before cabinets?
No. Most floating floors, including luxury vinyl plank and laminate, should be installed after cabinets to allow proper expansion and contraction.
Is it better to paint before installing flooring?
For full remodels, yes. Painting before flooring helps reduce the risk of damaging new floors, though final touch-ups are usually completed afterward.
Should flooring be installed before trim?
Yes. Flooring is typically installed first, followed by baseboards and trim for a cleaner finished appearance.
How long should I wait before moving furniture onto new floors?
The answer depends on the flooring type. Many floating floors can handle light furniture immediately after installation, while glue-down products or newly finished hardwood may require additional curing time. Always follow your installer’s recommendations.
Final Thoughts
The best time to install flooring depends on the type of flooring you’re choosing and the scope of your renovation. Solid hardwood and tile are often installed before cabinets, while floating products like luxury vinyl plank and laminate usually go in afterward. Coordinating your flooring installation with the rest of your remodel helps protect your investment, minimizes delays, and creates a smoother renovation experience.
If you’re planning a remodeling project in Wisconsin or Minnesota, the team at Builders Flooring can help you choose the right flooring and determine the ideal installation timeline. Contact us or stop by our showroom to explore your options and get expert guidance before your project begins.