Kitchen Installation

Rosa_Damascena

grumbler said:

andyhop said:

Laminate is meant to be floating . Not heavy kitchen units placed on top.

Really? How about heavy wardrobes, bookcases, sofas etc.?

It's a matter of personal preference, and mine is the opposite.

That said, personally I wouldn't use laminate in kitchen unless it's really water-proof (does such laminate exist?)

I have yet to be convinced, which is why in the end I bought porcelain tiles that look like wood.

grumbler

J_Smotthies2021 said:

grumbler said:

J_Smotthies2021 said:

Hi Andyhop,

what you are saying make sense. However, my builder has already put the laminate but not units yet. Can he just cut the units area without removing flooring?

This can be done at any time in the future - if really needed. Cut the old laminate and replace it with the new one.

I am not sure about, the legs will be sitting on top of small plank pieces from the old laminate right? 

This depends on the legs design. Adjustable metal or plastic legs can be lifted  a little to have the laminate replaced under them.

J_Smotthies2021

thanks, reading all of these now, it is better to ask him to remove a section of laminate now and put the legs next to the laminate rather than on top. It seems a section fo laminate can be cut much easier while we do not have the units sitting on.

Jeepers_Creepers

I don't have the definitive answer to that, Smoothy, but - yes - laminate floors 'float' and should have an expansion gap all around the perimeter to allow natural movement - expansion and contraction - over the changes in the year. 

Free-standing heavy objects shouldn't be a problem as these can move with the floor. The potential issue with kitchen base units is that they are not only heavy, but are fixed to the wall, so could prevent the floor from moving from that side. This movement will only be a few mm, but if the floor cannot move properly, then it could well open up joints.

Will this be a problem in your case? Dunno. What's on the other side of the kitchen - just a wall, or is there another run of base units?!

If the former, I reckon chances are you'll be fine - the floor can still move from the other side. If the latter, then it must surely be a risk?

I'd lay a laminate flooring just until it goes comfortably under the units, but stops short of the front legs. The kickplate is then trimmed to suit and gives the required neat finish.

Your call. But it shouldn't be difficult to trim away the unwanted boards now.

Or, if the base unit run is only on one side, then chances are it;'ll be fine (Good chance in any case.) Or, make sure you have a record of this discussion, so if the fitter convinces you "It's ok - trust me", then you can always call him back should it go wrong.