Why You Might Want To Upgrade Your Cabinets & Floors In Anticipation Of Tariffs

Have you been contemplating upgrading your cabinets and floors? If so, the best time to start your kitchen remodel could be sooner rather than later. United States President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on goods imported from China that may raise the cost of materials used to build cabinetry and flooring. The 10% tariff on imports from China went into effect Feb. 4, 2025, however, the 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are currently on pause. This means that you still have time to buy what you need to upgrade your cabinets and floors without paying extra.

Since many of the building materials you'll use for your remodeling project come from Canada and Mexico, you could end up paying more if you wait until tariffs on the goods imported from those countries also go into effect. Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, confirmed that key building materials used in the U.S. come from Canada and Mexico in a statement shared to the association's website. "More than 70% of the imports of two essential materials that home builders rely on — softwood lumber and gypsum (used for drywall) — come from Canada and Mexico, respectively," Harris explained. The chairman added that this will increase the overall cost of construction, too.

So, how long do you have to purchase building materials imported from Canada or Mexico before tariffs go into effect? Unfortunately, you may only have a few days. President Trump's pause on goods imported from the two countries, which was announced on Feb. 3, 2025, lasts only 30 days. Whether or not it will be extended is still up in the air, so it's a good idea to buy what you need to upgrade your kitchen now. You may want to take some time to research whether the cabinets or flooring you have had your eye on are imported from either of the two countries so that you can act now if needed.

It's also important to note that China supplies the U.S. with much of its building materials, too. This includes ceramic, laminate, vinyl, and other supplies used for flooring and cabinets. Any of these items imported from the country are currently impacted by a 10% tariff imposed by the United States. As a result, you may want to search for alternatives to any materials you need that enter the U.S. from China since tariffs could make the cost of building materials higher.