Are your kitchen tiles old and outdated? Are you looking to upgrade your old kitchen floor without removing the cabinet? When it comes to changing anything without taking off the furniture, it is challenging. In this article, I will discuss how to replace kitchen floor tiles without removing the cabinets.
Replacing tile flooring can be tiresome. Together with the thought of removing the cabinets altogether makes the task cumbersome. You just feel like giving up. Let’s not even talk about the cost. Any chance you get of saving up on tile purchases, you should take it. This is one of those scenarios.
I have often encountered this puzzle while working with a tile installation agency. I have harnessed the skills required to tile around the cabinets. If you want to know how, stick with me to the end.
Table of Contents
- 5 Steps To Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing Cabinets
- Step 1: Materials Required
- Step 2: Creating Work Space
- Step 3: Remove The Old Tiles Around The Cabinets
- Step 4: Cleaning The Floor
- Step 5: Tile Installation
- 4 Reasons Why You Would Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles
- 1. Outdated Tiles:
- 2. Worn Out Tiles:
- 3. Whole Kitchen Upgrade:
- 4. Damage To The Subfloor:
- 4 Tips To Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing Cabinets
- Tip 1: Create Space For Working
- Tip 2: Wear Protective Gear
- Tip 3: Always Mark The Area You Are Cutting
- Tip 4: Choose The Right Equipment
- Related Questions:
- Can You Replace The Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing The Cabinets?
- How Do You Remove Flooring From Under Cabinets?
- Do You Put Tile Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?
- How Much Does It Cost To Change The Kitchen Floor?
- Final Verdict:
5 Steps To Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing Cabinets
Depending on the quality of the subfloor, this task can vary. If your subflooring is intact and free from damage, you can tile around the cabinets. On the other hand, if the subfloor is damaged, the best choice should be to remove the cabinet and do a complete floor repair.
Step 1: Materials Required
You should prepare adequately for this task. Make sure you have the right tools and equipment for effective working. This step contributes to the success of your mission. Get the materials you don’t have before you start working.
- Earplugs;
- Gloves;
- Eye Protector;
- Masking Tape;
- Tiles;
- Grout;
- Chisel;
- Hammer;
- Putty Knife;
- Tile Adhesive;
- Vacuum;
- Toe Kick Saw;
- Masonry Cutting Disc.
Step 2: Creating Work Space
Clear out any unnecessary kitchen appliances on the flooring. Remove what is not fixed on the floor from the kitchen to get enough working space. Cover other appliances to prevent them from getting dust.
Working in a spacious room helps you have an easy time working and also in the movement of equipment. It makes your work fast and easy. Always create enough working space.
Step 3: Remove The Old Tiles Around The Cabinets
Break a piece of tile, maybe on the center or either end, to get a working grip for the chisel and hammer. Place the chisel between the subfloor and the tile by knocking the hammer on the tile.
After it has gone some inches in between, pry up the tile. Repeat the process for the remaining tiles. Once you reach the tiles near the cabinets, use masking tape to protect the cabinet’s edges from damage.
Next, use a toe-kick saw with a masonry disc to cut the tiles along the edge of the cabinet. Tilt the cutter away from the cabinet just a little to access most of the old tile and cut it out. This is if the cabinet is fixed on the tiles. If not, then continue using the chisel and hammer.
Step 4: Cleaning The Floor
Once all the tiles are off the floor, it is time to start cleaning. Using a scrubber and soap, wash the subfloor and mop it dry. This is after you have vacuumed the dust. Remove any adhesive that has remained utilizing a sander. Ensure the floor is leveled as you prep for new tile installation. Give enough time for the floor to dry completely.
Step 5: Tile Installation
Choose a small area to start working on. Apply the adhesive to the tile and stick it in place. Leave a small distance between tiles to allow for expansion. Do these for the whole kitchen floor.
Once you reach the cabinets, measure the distance from the cabinet to the adjacent tile and mark with a pencil. Use a tile cutter to cut the tile to fit that size. Leave a small distance between the tile and the cabinets to allow for expansion. Apply the adhesive to the tiles and stick them to the subfloor.
Do this until all the area near the cabinets is tiled. Allow the tile to be set in place by leaving them dry for 24 hours. Later come and feel the spaces using grout and allow them to dry. And that’s how you do it. With a simple tile cutter, you just tile around the cabinets.
4 Reasons Why You Would Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles
Tile flooring is the best when you like a cooling surface and aesthetic. They give a nice look to your kitchen, and the tiles are durable. They can serve you for several years. Tiles are also easy to install and replace, making them ideal for someone who likes new designs. Despite all these facts, sometimes you have to replace them.
1. Outdated Tiles:
Technology keeps advancing, so there will always be new modern designs for almost everything. No one wants to be left out. If you have outdated tiles and want to upgrade, this can be reason enough for replacing your tiles. Always consider the tiles that are budget-friendly and that serve your flooring purpose.
2. Worn Out Tiles:
Tiles, like other floorings, are also not a permanent solution. Decolorization and cracking are possible. It is even possible for some of them to start to stick out.
When this happens, you have no choice but to replace the flooring. Always consider the nature of your kitchen and choose the suitable materials for the replacement.
3. Whole Kitchen Upgrade:
A full kitchen upgrade is not complete minus a flooring update. It would be absurd to have a lovely cool blue on your walls and an old orange on your floor. Always upgrade the tiles for that classy look for an excellent kitchen design. If you decide to go big, go all the way.
4. Damage To The Subfloor:
Tiles often act as a protective layer for your subfloor. Sometimes, they may fail to do this task. Water damage to your subfloor leaves you with only one option. The best way to prevent further damage to your floor is to replace it.
Usually, this happens when the subfloor is open. Always ensure you use intense heat and waterproof adhesives. This adds a protective layer to your subfloor and helps the tiles to stick in place for quite some time.
4 Tips To Replace Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing Cabinets
Replacing a tile floor can be challenging if you are a beginner. For a successful replacement, you have to know some tips. These tips are what pros use to give your kitchen floor that excellent finish.
Tip 1: Create Space For Working
Creating enough room to work is crucial for replacing tiles or home improvement. This should always be your first move. Remove all the unfixed equipment from the kitchen and cover the rest with dust proof paper.
Ensure you have an easy time working on the floor. Removing anything that is not fixed to the tiles ensures you have an easy time. You can move around easily and bring tools in and out with ease.
Tip 2: Wear Protective Gear
Tiles break up easily. Doing so leaves sharp edges that can cut your exposed skin. They also can break into tiny fragments that can jump into your eyes while cutting. The whole installation process is also a dusty and noisy one. Always wear protective gear.
Tip 3: Always Mark The Area You Are Cutting
Once you measure the length of the tile required to work around the cabinets, mark all the tiles and carry them to go and cut. Cut an eighth of an inch away from the line and grind it to reach the line.
It ensures minimal wastage of the tiles. You can always tone down, but you can not tone up. Once you cut beyond the line, then the tile is damaged.
Tip 4: Choose The Right Equipment
Various tile cutters are specific to certain tiles. Always choose the tool specified for use on the tiles you want to replace. Always ensure high-quality blades for effective cutting. This will ensure you have a quality finish on your floor. You can do the same thing for the rest of the tiling process. Choose the suitable adhesive and grout.
Related Questions:
Can You Replace The Kitchen Floor Tiles Without Removing The Cabinets?
The answer can vary depending on the flooring and the subfloor around the tile. If the subfloor beneath the cabinet is damaged, you must remove the cabinets. If the tiles are placed around the cabinet, you can work without removing them. You will also have to work around them.
To cut the tiles along the edges of the cabinets screwed to the tiles, you will need a cutter. With that, you can work around the cabinets with the new tiles. Always choose the suitable cutter for your specified type of tile.
How Do You Remove Flooring From Under Cabinets?
If you want to access the flooring under cabinets, you need to get a screwdriver. Unscrew all the screws that are holding the cabinet in place. Later, get a hammer and a putty knife. Remove the grout that was placed between the cabinet and the floor.
Do this for all the edges of the cabinet and then lift. If it has drawers, then remove them first before lifting. Also, for ease of movement, you can remove the cabinet doors. This will ease the energy used to lift. Once the cabinet is up, you can use the same method you have been using to remove the tiles in that area.
Do You Put Tile Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?
It all depends on how you view it. To protect the subfloor, you can put tiles on the kitchen floor. This, however, is not recommended. It takes up too many tiles and also gives you a hard time when you want to replace tiles in the future. Plus, it doesn’t make any difference because the cabinet covers the area.
It is recommended you tile around the cabinets if they are already installed. This will ease the next time’s task. It also saves on cost since you spare some tiles. I would recommend not tile under kitchen cabinets, but you also have a voice in the matter.
How Much Does It Cost To Change The Kitchen Floor?
Depending on the materials you want to use, the cost can vary. The average cost for replacing tile flooring is $1500-$2000. This includes the labor and materials. If you do the replacing, which is easy, on your own, you can reduce the cost drastically. Replacing tiles is a simple DIY task.
Also, you can opt to use cheap materials but of good quality. Never strain to replace your flooring. Other affordable ways are budget-friendly and give you a quality finish. Always choose what you can work with.
Final Verdict:
From the above, it is possible to replace kitchen floor tiles without removing cabinets. You just have to follow the guidelines above, and you will quickly complete this DIY task. I recommend you take your time when working around the cabinets for a quality finish.
Remember to tape the edges of the cabinets to prevent the cutter from damaging them. It’s time to upgrade your kitchen floor without worrying about your cabinets.
