Tiling before cabinets installed?

ShannaLK · Sep 17, 2015 11:38 am

Can anyone tell me if it's standard practice to tile BEFORE installation of the kitchen? If so, why? As I always thought the kitchen went in before tiles went down but, I'm no builder.

We are having timber-look tiles throughout the living and kitchen area. When I spoke to the cabinetmaker who is doing our kitchen he said it was ready to go but if we were having tiles throughout he wouldn't be installing the kitchen until after tiles were laid.

rebuilder86 · Sep 18, 2015 12:53 am

certainly not standard practice.

ShannaLK · Sep 18, 2015 7:02 am

Thanks. I didn't think so either, just wish I knew why they are doing it that way, must be a reason. I was avoiding talking directly to my builder again but I'm going to have to to find out.

bluesteel · Sep 18, 2015 7:09 am

Unless the slab is really uneven and they want to screed it flat first so may as well tile?

ShannaLK · Sep 18, 2015 10:49 am

I'd actually already spoken to our flooring guy when we were deciding on vinyl planks, tiles or bamboo and he said our builder has a good reputation (we are in a regional town) with regard to slab quality and vinyl planks would be fine to go with if we so chose, so I don't think it's that. It seems like it's just the way the builder does it for some reason.

rebuilder86 · Sep 18, 2015 6:55 pm

oh sorry, if ur using vinyl it shouldn't be an issue.

ShannaLK · Sep 18, 2015 7:57 pm

we didn't go with the vinyl planks, we decided we preferred the wood-look tiles but it was just something that we discussed early on and the flooring guy said our builders slabs are always spot on for evenness in his experience. That's the reason I don't think thats an issue. My OH tried to call the builder today but he didn't return our call so we still have no answers.

timbo43 · Sep 18, 2015 10:31 pm

No not standard on project homes as they try and save every cent.
Other than that no problem,would be easier for the cabinet maker

ShannaLK · Sep 18, 2015 11:23 pm

Thanks Timbo43, that's good to know at least. The only problem I can see is that if ever we wanted to change the tiles in the kitchen we'd also have to rip out all the cabinets as well to do it....not that we actually have plans to do that though lol

rebuilder86 · Sep 19, 2015 3:28 pm

the issue is with permanent cabinetry weight on a tile.
No cabinets should be installed on to tiles.
Not to mention the fact you would be payign for tiles you dont need.