Hi All,
I am starting a kitchen remodel and was wondering if it is better to backerboard and tile the entire floor surface and then install the base cabinets on top of the tile (seems like it would make sliding dishwasher and fridge under the countertop and upper cabinets easier) or if it is better to install the base cabinets first and then tile up to them? Or should I install backerboard in whole room, then install cabinets and then tile to the cabinets? Or install cabinets on the existing subfloor and backerboard and tile up to the cabinets?
It will be ceramic tile (proabably a 1/4 inch thick or so) over backer board (not sure what the backerboard thickness is off the top of my head, maybe 1/2 inch)
Replies
What is the subfloor construction?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
tile up to the cabinet bases uses less material/labor sometimes hard to shim/level out base units on tile
I like option "A". Do the whole floor then put in the cabinets. For the reasons you stated. Plus, you don't have to work carefully around finished cabinets. Plus, if there is a change down the road - moving cabinets, for instance, there will always be a finished floor that won't need patching, especially if the tile style or color is discontinued.
Set your base cabinets first. I make a sub base to set the cabinets on, then after the tile is done I install a base made from solid 5/4 wood matching the cabinets and slide that over the tile. Do tile the area for the dishwasher and refrigerator and make the sub base higher so that the finish height of the base cabinets plus countertop is 36"; that will allow the dishwasher to slide right in
Bing
---"Set your base cabinets first. I make a sub base to set the cabinets on, then after the tile is done I install a base made from solid 5/4 wood matching the cabinets and slide that over the tile. Do tile the area for the dishwasher and refrigerator and make the sub base higher so that the finish height of the base cabinets plus countertop is 36"; that will allow the dishwasher to slide right in"---
That is what they just did in our house, but it is on a slab. They put the cabinets in, then tiled the floor and where the refrigerator and dishwasher go. Then slid the dishwasher right in on top of the tiles and it fits very well and tight. It did need a little leveling on one foot. The dishwasher came with leveling screw feet.
Countertop height is 36".
tile the whole thing ...
just how much materials are ya "saving" anyways ...
at the very least ... run it to the last full row of tiles back there .. and cover everywhere else it's gonna show ...
as both a tile and cab/trim sub ... I say it's easier/quicker/better to have a whole floor down ... then install the cabs.
usually lots less cutting and fitting ... plus ... when the cab's set over the tile ... it's a tight joint, huh?
time is money ...
Jeff
Buck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
I prefer to do it Jeff's way; easier to remodel and set tile and base cabinets. Also, it might not seem like much but 1/4" tile plus mortar and backerboard raises floor height considerably compared to countertops (if tiled around base cabs).
There was recently a huge discussion on this topic--put floor in first or base cabinets. The one argument that had validity for me for tiling (or whatever finish floor) up to cabinets is for later remodeling (easier to get the old floor out if not under cabinets). But in a later remodel, you may be changing the cabinets anyway.
Put down your backer under the cabinets first. You will need 34 1/2" from the finish floor to the lip, (laminate counters), or bottom, (stone or no overhang counters) for under counter appliances such as dishwashers and compactors. You will have to build up under the cabinets to compensate for the tile thickness unless the counter top has an overhanging front lip. In this case you can shim on top of the cabinets. Watch out for clearance on top of the refrigerator. The top mounted hinges often will not fit under a full depth top cabinet. For some reason the kitchen design programs don't see this coming. Floors get replaced more often than cabinetry. Never put down floors before cabinets or baseboard.
One consideration would be if there is an island in the kitchen. I have heard some say that it can be a problem laying ceramic tile around an island, and getting the pattern to match exactly on the other side. That's what I heard ... it's never happened to me ... all my tile jobs are perfect ...
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt