Tile Floor First: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Renovation
When you're remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, tile floor first, the practice of installing flooring before cabinetry and fixtures. It's not just tradition—it’s a practical move that saves time, money, and headaches down the line. Skip it, and you risk damaging your new tiles during cabinet delivery, plumbing work, or appliance installation. Most pros agree: lay the floor before anything else gets installed.
Why does this matter so much? Because bathroom renovation, a project where moisture, weight, and precision collide demands a solid, uninterrupted base. If you put down cabinets first, then tile around them, you end up with uneven edges, gaps that collect dirt, and tiles that crack under pressure from heavy fixtures. And when you’re dealing with kitchen renovation, where appliances sit directly on the floor and water leaks can happen, a full, unbroken tile surface makes cleaning easier and protects your subfloor from rot.
It’s not just about the floor itself—it’s about how everything else connects. Installing tile first lets you cut around cabinets and toilets with precision. You get a clean, seamless look. You avoid having to cut tiles awkwardly around legs or feet. You also protect your investment: if a pipe bursts or a dishwasher leaks, you won’t have to tear up expensive flooring because it was installed over a base that wasn’t ready.
Some people think they can save time by doing cabinets first. But in reality, they’re just trading short-term convenience for long-term trouble. We’ve seen too many jobs where homeowners tried to cut corners—only to end up paying twice as much later to fix uneven floors, damaged tiles, or moisture issues hidden under cabinets.
And if you’re planning a full home makeover? Tile floor first isn’t just smart—it’s standard. Whether you’re updating a 1970s bathroom or building a new kitchen from scratch, this step sets the foundation for everything else. It’s the quiet, boring part of the job that makes the rest look good.
You’ll find posts here that break down real costs, show you how pros handle tricky corners, and explain why some tiles crack after a year (spoiler: it’s rarely the tile’s fault). You’ll see how to pick the right underlayment, what kind of grout lasts, and why a level floor isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re lessons from actual jobs done across the UK, with photos, measurements, and mistakes that cost people thousands.
Don’t let a rushed decision ruin your new floor. Start with the base. Do it right the first time. The rest will follow.
Do You Do Walls or Floor First in a Bathroom Remodel?
Learn why installing walls before the floor is the only correct order in a bathroom remodel. Avoid costly mistakes, water damage, and wasted materials with this proven step-by-step guide.
