When planning a new kitchen, one question we are often asked is whether the flooring should be installed before or after the kitchen. While it may seem logical to lay the floor throughout the entire room, we strongly advise against installing kitchen units on top of laminate or click LVT flooring.
Here’s why.
Floating Floors Need Room to Move
Laminate flooring and click-fit LVT are both floating floor systems. This means they are designed to expand and contract naturally as temperatures and humidity levels change throughout the year.
For this movement to happen correctly, the flooring must remain free to move beneath the skirting boards and expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room.
When heavy kitchen cabinets and islands are installed on top of the flooring, they effectively pin it down. This restricts the floor’s natural movement and can lead to problems such as:
- Buckling or lifting
- Gaps appearing between boards
- Joint failure
- Premature wear and damage
By allowing the floor to “float” as it was designed to, you give it the best chance of performing beautifully for many years to come.
Manufacturer Guidelines
This isn’t simply our opinion—it’s the advice of the manufacturers.
Leading flooring manufacturers, including Quick-Step, clearly state in their installation guidelines that fixed furniture such as kitchen units should not be installed on top of floating laminate or click LVT flooring. Ignoring these recommendations can also affect the manufacturer’s warranty.
Following the manufacturer’s installation instructions helps ensure your new floor performs exactly as intended.
You’re Paying for Flooring You’ll Never See
Installing flooring beneath the entire kitchen means you’re purchasing materials that will be permanently hidden beneath cupboards, integrated appliances and kitchen islands.
By fitting the kitchen first and installing the flooring up to the cabinet plinths, you only pay for the flooring that will actually be seen and enjoyed every day.
Not only is this a more cost-effective approach, but it also makes far better use of your flooring budget.
Future Repairs Become Much Easier
Even the highest-quality flooring can occasionally become damaged. Whether it’s from a dropped pan, a plumbing leak or general wear and tear, replacing a damaged plank is much simpler when the flooring hasn’t been trapped beneath fitted kitchen units.
Most laminate and click LVT floors are installed using a click-lock system. To replace a damaged board, installers often need to dismantle the floor back to the affected area, starting from an exposed edge.
If the flooring continues underneath the kitchen units, that starting point may be hidden beneath fixed cabinets, making what should be a straightforward repair significantly more difficult. In some cases, kitchen units may even need to be removed before the flooring can be repaired.
Planning the installation correctly from the outset can save considerable time, inconvenience and expense in the future.
The Best Installation Order
For laminate and click LVT flooring, our recommended installation sequence is simple:
- Install the kitchen units first.
- Lay the flooring up to the units, leaving the correct expansion gaps.
- Fit the plinths and finishing trims for a seamless, professional finish.
This method follows manufacturer recommendations, protects the integrity of your floor, avoids paying for unnecessary materials, and makes any future maintenance much easier.
Let Hereward Carpets Help Bring Your Kitchen Project to Life
Whether you’re updating your flooring or planning a complete kitchen renovation, choosing the right flooring is an important decision. Here at Hereward Carpets, we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Our large showroom in Werrington, Peterborough, features an extensive range of laminate flooring, luxury vinyl flooring (LVT), carpets and vinyls from many of the industry’s leading manufacturers. With so many styles, colours and finishes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect floor to complement your new kitchen.
Our friendly and highly knowledgeable team will take the time to understand your project, explain the best installation methods, and guide you through every step of the process to help you achieve the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.
We also offer:
- A free measuring and estimating service
- Professional fitting by experienced installers
- A free 12-month fitting guarantee for complete peace of mind
From your first showroom visit through to the finished installation, we’re committed to delivering expert advice, quality products and exceptional customer service.
If you’re planning a complete kitchen renovation, we’d love to help. Pop into our Werrington showroom today to discuss your ideas and discover how the right flooring, installed the right way, can make all the difference.
