Thinking about a kitchen remodel? One of the biggest headaches is figuring out when to put in the fridge, oven, or dishwasher. The secret most people miss is to install the appliances before the cabinets. Doing it first can stop a lot of extra work, costly mistakes, and cramped spaces.
Here’s why the order matters. Appliances are heavy, need power and water hookups, and often dictate where cabinets can go. If you hang cabinets first, you might end up cutting into a stove vent or blocking a dishwasher pipe. By fitting the big pieces first, you get a clean map for the cabinets, and you’ll see exactly how much clearance you have.
1. Make a rough floor plan. Sketch your kitchen shape, note doors, windows, and where the plumbing and electricity are. Don’t worry about exact dimensions yet – just get a feel for the flow.
2. Measure your appliances. Grab the width, depth, and height of every major item: fridge, oven, dishwasher, and any built‑in coffee maker. Write those numbers down next to the spots where you think they’ll live.
3. Check clearance. Most manufacturers recommend at least a few inches of space on each side for ventilation. Put those gaps onto your sketch. If a fridge needs 24" of clearance on the sides, draw that in now.
4. Mark the utility lines. Note where the water line, drain, and electrical outlets will be. This is the stage where a plumber or electrician can tell you if you need to move anything before the walls close up.
5. Lay out the cabinets. With the appliance footprints locked in, you can start placing the cabinets around them. Use the gaps you drew to decide cabinet widths and heights. You’ll see instantly if a tall oven will clash with a cabinet base.
6. Order and install. Order the appliances first, because they have longer lead times. Once they arrive, install them and hook up water and power. After they’re securely in place, seal the gaps and then install the cabinets around them.
Skipping the measurement step. It’s tempting to eyeball the space, but a half‑inch off can cause a door to jam or a drawer to stick. Spend a few minutes with a tape measure – it saves hours later.
Installing cabinets before checking vent paths. Range hoods need clear airflow. If a cabinet blocks the vent, you’ll have to cut a hole or move the hood, and that’s extra work.
Forgetting about door swings. Open the fridge and oven doors on your sketch. Make sure there’s room for them to open fully without hitting a cabinet or a wall.
Overlooking future upgrades. If you think you might add a wine cooler or a second dishwasher later, leave a little extra space now. It’s cheaper than tearing out a wall later.
Remember, the goal is to keep the big, heavy jobs out of the way before the finish work starts. When appliances are set, the cabinets become a simple framing job, not a guessing game.
Follow this order, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that works well, looks tidy, and saves you money on labor. Ready to start? Grab that tape measure, pull out a sheet of paper, and map out where each piece will live. Your future self will thank you.
Wondering if you should buy kitchen appliances before or after installing cabinets? Get a detailed guide on planning, measurements, and renovation timing to make the right choice.