I think it depends on the kitchen. If your walls are straight and you have the new cabinet depth then its possible to get it in the right place. The reason why people tile under units is to stop flooding water forming a pool in the event of a leak from a dishwasher or washing machine and it also gives you options for changing your kitchen units later if you want to. Our oak floor is an absolute horrendous mess under the island. The floor was cut off on all sides to save money, it also is not neatly trimmed. This means we always have to have the island in that spot and that exact size or change all the flooring in the whole open plan downstairs. I would never stop my flooring at the face of the units for that reason. I have always tiled under the units for hygiene reasons too. The unit depth should be 600mm or more.

Many thanks, Isla. I’m sorry about your floor. It sounds awful for you. Our kitchen wasn’t - isn’t - square and we did tile the whole floor first. But I would have liked a chequer-board pattern and that really needs a border to make it look nice in a non-square room. I did ask the kitchen company (Neptune) if they square up the units but they looked blank so thought it best not to risk it.

I don't blame you for being disappointed that they were not prepared to commit to getting it straight. When I worked in kitchen design we had some horror projects with the floor not lining up with the units properly. The squaring up should absolutely be done after the floor with spacers if necessary. I totally agree about the chequer-board pattern needing a border. There are not many fitters around today with an exacting eye or the patience for small but crucial details.

Such helpful comments, Isla. Thank you.