When remodeling your kitchen, you may wonder about the best order in which to accomplish different tasks. Installing countertops on cabinets first or doing so in the opposite order is a common concern from homeowners. That’s why we’re here to help. Our professionals have years of experience designing kitchen cabinets in Baltimore, MD, and know how best to approach these tasks. Learn more about the cabinet and countertop installation order and other countertop installation tips.
Installing Kitchen Cabinets First
In most kitchen remodeling jobs, our experts would recommend installing countertops on cabinets first. This is one of the best practices for countertop installation for a few different reasons.
Creating a Foundation
When you install kitchen cabinets, the lower units serve as a foundation to support the weight of the countertop. You want the countertop to be perfectly level when you install it, and the support of properly installed cabinets helps with this. Plus, if the countertop doesn’t have the proper support, the heavy material could suffer structural stresses that lead to cracks.
Essentially, when you have an excellent base for the countertop installation, everything goes smoother.
Making Accurate Measurements
When you install the countertop after the cabinets, the contractors can make more accurate measurements. For a custom-fit countertop, which is common, you need precise work.
If you install the countertop before the cabinets, you could have issues with taking these measurements. This means that you may find that the cabinets and countertops don’t fit properly when you try to put both of them together later.
Plumbing and Wiring
If your electrical and plumbing contractors must do work inside the cabinets, it’s easier for them to work without a countertop in the way. Try to have the cabinets finished and any utility work done before installing the countertop.
Installing Countertops First
Although installing countertops on cabinets that are already in place is the preferred method, it isn’t always possible. Perhaps the countertop installer simply can’t wait until the cabinets are in place before needing to start work. That said, you may face unexpected challenges, and it’s important to be aware of them.
Challenging Cabinet Installation
It’s far more challenging to install cabinets after the countertop. A custom cabinet maker will construct the cabinets at a certain height and size to fit the space. If the countertop is in place already, it can be difficult to squeeze the cabinets into place.
The countertop installer could cut the slab based on the expected measurements of the cabinets, but the two items might not fit together as intended. Even a mistake of an inch or two in the measurements can lead to a major problem. Trying to install the cabinets under a mismeasured countertop can leave your contractor unable to finish the job.
Creating an Installation Plan
Ultimately, you, as the homeowner, can decide in which order to work on cabinets and install countertops. If at all possible, you should try to install the cabinets first, but our professionals understand this isn’t always possible.
We can provide advice on steps to take when you must do the work backward. Our experts can explain what you should know before choosing kitchen cabinets and create beautiful custom designs that will work with just about any type of countertop. Reach out today to learn more.
Cabinet Refinishing and Countertop Installation
If you are refinishing cabinets and installing a new countertop as part of the kitchen remodeling project, the installation order isn’t as important. The cabinet structure remains in place during the refinishing process, allowing the countertop installer to take accurate measurements.
Although you may think that installing the countertop after refinishing the cabinets could damage the new finish, this shouldn’t happen. As long as you hire a professional, the countertop installation process should go smoothly. The professionals will use significant care in adding the countertop to prevent damage to any part of the kitchen, including the newly refinished cabinets.
Trust Our Cabinet Experts for Help Getting Beautiful New Cabinets
At Current Cabinetry, we help you understand the intricacies of installing countertops on cabinets and why it’s helpful to install the cabinets first. We have years of experience crafting beautiful custom cabinets and will go above and beyond to provide you with something you’ll love.
Whether you need help selecting the best kitchen cabinet colors in 2025 or picking the right style of cabinets, our expert designers are ready to serve you. To set up a consultation, call us today at (410) 609-7077.