Why the Order of Selection Matters in a Kitchen Remodel
One of the most overlooked questions during a kitchen remodel is this: should I choose cabinets before countertops? The answer is more important than most homeowners realize. Making the wrong decision early on can affect not only the overall design, but the timeline, budget, and quality of the final installation.
When planning a kitchen remodel, there are many details to think about, layout, lighting, flooring, paint color, and the finishes that bring everything together. But the core design and functionality of the space rely heavily on two major elements: your kitchen cabinets and your countertops. Knowing which one to choose first can set the entire tone for the rest of your kitchen project.
Let’s walk through the reasons designers, expert installers, and industry pros nearly always start with cabinets, when countertops first might make sense, and how to plan a flawless sequence.
Kitchen Cabinets: The Essential Foundation
Cabinets Set the Foundation
Your kitchen cabinets are the backbone of the space. Not only do they take up a large portion of the visible area, they also shape the workflow, storage, and layout of your kitchen remodel. Cabinets influence where your appliances go, how you move through the space, and how much counter surface you’ll ultimately have for your workspace and equipment.
This is why designers advise choosing cabinets first. They define the footprint, establish key dimensions, and make it easier to find a countertop material that works with the design and function you need. Without selecting your cabinetry up front, it’s nearly impossible to visualize how your kitchen countertops will tie in with the rest of the room.
Structural Logic – Countertops Sit on Cabinets
From an installation standpoint, the answer to “should I choose cabinets before countertops” is a definite yes. Countertops must be measured and templated after your cabinets are fully installed. That’s because the countertop installation relies on the precise height, shape, and level of your cabinets.
Skipping this sequence can lead to incorrect measurements, forcing you to replace countertops or risk poor fitting. Whether you’re installing granite, quartz, butcher block, or natural stone, accuracy matters. And accuracy only comes after your kitchen cabinets are in place.
This is especially important when doing a countertop replacement to remove old countertops and ensure the new surface fits perfectly.
Style Cohesion Starts With Cabinetry
Your cabinet color, door style, and finish establish the overall style and personality of the kitchen. Once you’ve made that decision, you can select a countertop material that fits within the look, whether it’s a subtle quartz with soft veining or a dramatic marble slab.
Choosing the right cabinetry first allows you to build a cohesive palette. Trying to choose countertops first can box you into color schemes that may not align with your paint preferences, backsplash, or tile options.
Paint Cabinets: Timing and Technique for Best Results
When Countertops Might Come First (Rare, but Real)
Designing Around a Statement Slab
There are unique situations where choosing countertops first makes sense. If you’ve already found a standout slab of marble, quartz, or granite that you love, you may decide to build your entire kitchen design around it. This could include paint cabinets in complementary tones or opting for neutral finishes that let the counter shine.
Statement countertops with bold veining, color movement, or special finishes can be the focal point of the entire kitchen. In this case, your cabinets and even backsplash become supporting elements in the overall style.
Matching Cabinets to a Unique Material
When you’re working with rare or custom materials, choosing your countertop material first might help narrow down your options for cabinets. Let’s say you have a piece of reclaimed wood or exotic natural stone, you’ll want to find a cabinet color and finish that won’t clash.
This method works best with help from a professional designer who can match two colors or pull undertones from the countertop into your paint cabinets, flooring, or walls.
The Ideal Process: How to Sequence Cabinets and Countertops Together
Planning your kitchen remodel the right way doesn’t just avoid problems, it helps you make smart design choices from the start. Here’s how our team recommends you approach the process:
Step 1: Finalize Layout and Cabinet Style
Before selecting any finishes, decide on the layout and functionality of your kitchen. Define the size and shape of the island, the height and depth of cabinets, and where your sink, appliances, and drawers will be located. Once the layout is confirmed, move on to choosing the cabinetry style that fits your vision.
This is where you’ll consider things like paint cabinets, hardware, trim, and whether you want a modern or traditional look.
Step 2: Shortlist Countertops That Complement Your Cabinet Choice
With the cabinets selected, you can now narrow down your countertop material options. Look for finishes that either contrast or complement your cabinet color and paint palette. For example, white kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with gray-veined quartz or classic black granite.
Think beyond just color. Consider how your countertops will work with the tile, backsplash, and walls. Will the counter have a matte or glossy finish? Is durability more important than visual impact? This is crucial for both kitchen and bathroom spaces where function and beauty must coexist.
Step 3: Review Samples Together
Gather physical samples of your chosen cabinets, countertop material, and other finishes like tile, backsplash, and paint color. Lay them out together in your space to ensure everything matches under your home’s lighting conditions.
This step prevents surprises and helps you confidently move into the installation phase.
Step 4: Confirm Cabinet Installation Before Measuring for Counters
Once your kitchen cabinets are installed, it’s time to measure for your new countertop. Never begin countertop installation before the cabinets are in place. Expert installers use laser templating or detailed measurements to ensure your counter fits perfectly around the sink, corners, and appliance cutouts.
This is where installing countertops out of order can lead to serious issues. You risk having to replace countertops, redo parts of the installation, or deal with unsightly gaps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Cabinets and Countertops
Choosing Based on Isolated Samples
Seeing a countertop slab in a showroom without your other materials in mind can lead to mismatches. Always review your choices side by side in your actual kitchen or a 3D rendering. The lighting, walls, and layout of your space can dramatically change how materials look.
Focusing Too Much on Trends, Not Lifestyle
It’s tempting to follow trends, but remember to choose materials that suit your daily life. A beautiful marble counter may stain easily in a busy household. If you cook often, you’ll want something low-maintenance like quartz or sealed granite.
Focus on long-term functionality and how much maintenance you’re willing to do before making a big investment.
Not Using a Professional Designer
Trying to design your kitchen without expert input can lead to costly mistakes. Working with a professional ensures your cabinets, countertops, tile, and paint all come together smoothly. They’ll also help manage timelines, coordinate with expert installers, and keep your project on track.
Real Customer Example: A Modern Kitchen Remodel with Cabinets First
A client recently came to us for a full kitchen remodel. Their goal was a clean, modern space that maximized storage and improved flow. We started by finalizing their cabinet layout and chose a warm gray paint finish to complement their flooring.
Once the cabinetry was installed, we helped them select a white quartz new countertop with soft gray movement that balanced the space. The backsplash featured subway tile in a glossy finish to reflect light. Every element came together flawlessly because we followed the correct sequence.
The result was a modern, welcoming kitchen that reflected their lifestyle and design preferences.
FAQs: Choosing Cabinets vs. Countertops First
Can I choose both at the same time?
Yes, but be strategic. Finalize your cabinet style and layout first, then explore countertop material options that coordinate. Choosing everything at once can be overwhelming unless you’re working with a pro.
What if I already bought a countertop I love?
If you’ve already invested in a new countertop, don’t worry. A designer can help you find paint cabinets or custom finishes that bring out the tones in your slab and balance your kitchen.
Should flooring come before or after cabinets and countertops?
It depends on the type of floor. For tile or vinyl, flooring is usually installed first. For hardwood, cabinets may go in first to reduce weight on the planks.
Do I need to install cabinets before measuring for countertops?
Yes. This is an industry standard. Your countertop installation team will only take final measurements after your cabinets are fully in place.
What if my cabinets and countertops don’t match once installed?
This usually happens when selections are made without reviewing materials together. Always compare paint, countertop, and cabinet samples before ordering. Working with a designer can help you avoid mismatches.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smarter, Remodel Confidently
So, should you choose cabinets before countertops? In nearly every case, the answer is yes. Starting with kitchen cabinets gives you the control, accuracy, and flexibility you need to select the perfect countertop material, avoid delays, and ensure a flawless installation.
There are exceptions, of course, like when a unique stone slab steals your heart, but even then, professional guidance can help you sequence everything the right way.
From choosing the right paint finish to coordinating your tile, backsplash, and new countertop, planning matters. And more importantly, having the right team makes all the difference.
Whether you’re looking to replace countertops, paint cabinets, or start a full kitchen remodel, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to start your next project with confidence.
