laminate on laminate?

NowRetired

I am going to replace the laminate flooring, which is looking a bit shabby, in my kitchen.


The problem is the old laminate was laid before the cupboards were installed so is it OK to lay the new laminate on top of the old?

phill99

I wouldn't do it.

The laminate will come up relatively easily. Take the plinths off and wind the legs up, pull the laminate out and wind the legs back down.

This is the prime reason flooring should not be laid prior to the kitchen being fitted.

cyclonebri1

phill99 wrote: »

I wouldn't do it.

The laminate will come up relatively easily. Take the plinths off and wind the legs up, pull the laminate out and wind the legs back down.

This is the prime reason flooring should not be laid prior to the kitchen being fitted.

This assumes that the kitchen range in question has loose plinths and adjustable legs, some basic ranges don't, they are simply shimmed level.
Most floor fitter would remove the plinths where possible and floor at least part way under, it's both easier and goes someway to preventing minor spills running under the laminate at the edge.

Angie_B

I have a kitchen where the cabinets were installed first and then the flooring laid up to the plinths and it looks awful. I would always lay the flooring first, at least to beneath the first set legs, if only for cleanliness sake. The mess that gets down past the edge of the flooring when it is not laid properly under the cabinets.

virtuallyfree

Nooooooooo!

keystone

Angie_B wrote: »

I have a kitchen where the cabinets were installed first and then the flooring laid up to the plinths and it looks awful.

Lazy or incompetant fitter.

I would always lay the flooring first, at least to beneath the first set legs, if only for cleanliness sake. The mess that gets down past the edge of the flooring when it is not laid properly under the cabinets.

Cabs should go in first. Floor fitter takes plinths off. Lays floor to the legs as you suggest (laminate, ceramics same, same), trims plinths to fit and then replaces plinths. If you have a sheet vinyl floor all too frequently the fitter will lay to the plinths. Thats wrong IMHO.

Cheers

scheming_gypsy

phill99 wrote: »

This is the prime reason flooring should not be laid prior to the kitchen being fitted.

I'm glad you said that. I've taken up all my downstairs floor to put down laminate but also decided to move the fridge and replace with a unit for more storage space and extended work surface... but couldn't decide if I should floor first or after.

cyclonebri1

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

I'm glad you said that. I've taken up all my downstairs floor to put down laminate but also decided to move the fridge and replace with a unit for more storage space and extended work surface... but couldn't decide if I should floor first or after.

I think you will find phill is on his own in this 1, most will agree logic dictates flooring after, given that most modern kitchen styles have wind up legs.

For my money the main issue is that you will form a lake at the lower level behind the plinths if you floor up to them. Also any leaks from plumbing will not seep out and be visible, important in my mind.

This is a kitchen, there will be spills, and the plinth is not rigid enough to hold back any fluids