What to Put Under Metal Cabinet on Carpet

Having metal cabinets installed directly on top of carpeting can cause a number of issues over time. The weight and hard surface of the cabinets can crush and damage the carpet fibers underneath. Plus, any moisture that gets under the cabinets has no way to evaporate, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Fortunately, there are several good options for protecting your carpet and providing a more stable base for metal cabinets.

Use Cabinet Floor Pads

One of the simplest solutions is to place floor pads underneath the metal cabinets. These pads go between the cabinet bottom and the carpet, providing a protective barrier. Here are some benefits of using cabinet floor pads:

• Cushion and compress the carpet so fibers don’t get smashed.
• Allow the carpet underneath to breathe better.
• Absorb moisture and prevent mold/mildew growth.
• Level out minor floor unevenness for a more stable cabinet base.
• Come in various materials like felt, rubber, and vinyl.
• Easy “peel and stick” installation in most cases.

When selecting cabinet floor pads, look for ones made of durable, moisture-resistant materials. Felt pads compress nicely but tend to flatten out over time. Rubber vinyl pads provide excellent protection and stability. Get pads at least 1/4″ thick for adequate cushioning.

Use a Carpet Protector Mat

Another option is to place a carpet protector mat under the cabinets. This is essentially a durable plastic mat that gets positioned between the cabinets and carpet. Here are some benefits of using a carpet protector mat:

• Creates a solid, flat surface for cabinets to rest on.
• Prevents carpet crushing and fiber damage.
• Non-porous surface blocks moisture from seeping through.
• Easy to trim pads to fit with scissors.
• Works for wall-mounted cabinets too.

Look for protector mats made from vinyl or polycarbonate plastic for the best durability. The mats come in large sheets or rolls so you can custom cut them to size. Get a mat thickness of at least 1/8″ for proper carpet compression. The mats can also help smooth out minor floor unevenness.

Use Shims if Needed

For cabinets installed on very uneven flooring, shims may be necessary to level and stabilize the cabinets. Shims are thin wedges that can be positioned under cabinet corners or legs as needed to even them out. Here are some tips for using shims effectively:

• Get high-quality wooden or plastic shims for durability.
• Use a carpenter’s level to identify unlevel cabinets.
• Gently tap shims into place with a hammer until stable.
• Trim excess shim length once cabinets are properly leveled.
• Only use shims in problematic spots, not all cabinet legs.
• Test cabinet doors after shimming to ensure proper alignment.

Be careful not to over-shim and tilt cabinets. Only use the minimum shimming needed to stabilize and level the cabinets at critical points on the flooring. Remove and replace shims later if they compress over time.

Install a New Subfloor

For the best carpet protection and cabinet stability, installing a new subfloor is recommended. This entails creating a 3/4″ plywood layer on top of the carpet before setting cabinets. Here are some subflooring advantages:

• Creates an extremely solid base for cabinet installation.
• Prevents any carpet compression or damage.
• Levels out pre-existing floor unevenness.
• Allows for secure cabinet anchoring into the subfloor.
• Adds only a minimal height change.

Plywood sheets can be cut to size and screwed into place on top of the carpeting. Use screws long enough to secure the plywood without penetrating the carpet below. Fill seams with wood putty for a seamless subfloor. This is the most involved option but provides the strongest and most durable cabinet base.

Add Cabinet Feet

For freestanding cabinets without a fixed base, adding cabinet feet is an easy way to protect carpeting. Here are some tips for utilizing cabinet feet:

• Look for tall, sturdy metal or rubber cabinet feet.
• Get feet at least 2″ tall for adequate clearance.
• Ensure feet are wide enough for cabinet weight distribution.
• Adjustable cabinet feet allow levelling on uneven floors.
• Feet can be screwed, bolted, or attached with adhesive.
• Use feet on both stationary and movable cabinets.

Proper floor clearance helps prevent carpet crushing. Wider-based feet disperse weight better without sinking. Cabinet feet also allow for easy cabinet repositioning as needed. Just be sure to test for tipping stability after foot installation.

Summary

Protecting carpeting underneath metal cabinets is important to prevent floor damage, maintain cabinet stability, and control moisture issues. Cabinet floor pads, protector mats, shimming, subflooring, and cabinet feet are all great options depending on your needs. With the right under-cabinet solution, you can safely install metal cabinets on carpeted flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Put Under Metal Cabinet on Carpet

What is the best product to use under metal cabinets on carpet?

The best products are thick rubber or vinyl cabinet floor pads and carpet protector mats. They provide cushioning, moisture protection, and a smooth surface to stabilize cabinets.

How thick should the padding be under metal cabinets?

Aim for at least 1/4″ thickness for cabinet floor pads and 1/8″ for protector mats. This adequately compresses the carpet without excessive squishing.

Should you use shims to level cabinets on carpet?

Yes, shims are useful for correcting minor height differences and stabilizing unlevel cabinets on carpeted floors. Just don’t over-shim, and check doors for proper alignment.

Is plywood subflooring required for installing cabinets on carpet?

No, subflooring is not required but it does provide the most solid base and prevents all carpet compression. Other options like pads and mats work sufficiently in most cases.

What height cabinet feet should be used on carpet?

Look for cabinet feet around 2″ in height minimum. This allows ample clearance under freestanding cabinets to prevent carpet damage. Wider-based feet also help disperse the weight.