Absolutely necessary or optional: Expert advice on installing flooring beneath kitchen cupboards
In the world of residential construction, the question of whether to install flooring under kitchen cabinets is a common one. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Ryan Meagher, Business Development Manager at BVM Contracting, shares his insights. With a diverse background in residential construction, he offers valuable perspectives on this topic.
One of the main advantages of installing flooring under kitchen cabinets is the clean, uninterrupted aesthetic it provides, especially in open-plan kitchens. It also simplifies the installation of kitchen cabinets and appliances, as everything is at the same level. Additionally, hiding flooring under appliances makes them easier to pull out for repairs or replacement.
However, when it comes to floating flooring systems like luxury vinyl plank, it's generally not advisable to install them under kitchen cabinets. Floating floors are designed to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, and installing them under cabinets that are fixed in place can restrict this movement, potentially causing problems. In some cases, this can even void the flooring's warranty.
For other types of flooring systems, the decision to install under cabinets depends on the method of installation and remodel plans. For instance, installing kitchen cabinets directly on plywood or concrete floors is possible, but it's important to ensure the surface is level and sealed.
Magda Callery, an experienced interior designer in the UK, suggests considering the extra cost of flooring under kitchen cabinets for fancy drawer organizers instead. This approach can save money and simplify the installation process.
On the flip side, leaving out flooring under kitchen cabinets can save time and effort, particularly when retrofitting new flooring and working with an existing subfloor and new cabinets. Furthermore, a consistent level floor makes installing cabinets and appliances easier.
In some cases, flooring under kitchen cabinets can also protect the subfloor from moisture. However, this benefit should be weighed against the potential complications of future cabinet replacement or repair, as the floor would have to be removed or cut around the cabinets.
In summary, it's crucial to avoid installing floating floors underneath kitchen cabinets to avoid warranty issues and structural problems. For other flooring types, the decision depends on the method of installation and remodel plans.
This advice does not contradict other common considerations like moisture resistance in kitchen floors or cabinet care. It focuses specifically on the issue of flooring placement relative to cabinetry.
Ultimately, the decision to install flooring under kitchen cabinets is a personal one, balancing aesthetics, budget, and practicality.
- In residential construction, the debate over installing flooring under kitchen cabinets is frequent, with different perspectives to consider.
- Ryan Meagher, Business Development Manager at BVM Contracting, emphasizes that under-cabinet flooring lends a sleek appearance, simplifies installation, and eases appliance repair.
- However, floating flooring systems such as luxury vinyl plank aren't recommended for installation beneath kitchen cabinets due to potential contraction and expansion issues.
- Alternatively, Magda Callery, a UK-based interior designer, suggests allocating the budget for flooring towards fancy drawer organizers instead, saving on installation costs.
- Leaving out flooring under kitchen cabinets can simplify the process of retrofitting new flooring and working with existing subfloors.
- Furthermore, a level floor makes installing cabinets and appliances easier, although it might not protect the subfloor from moisture in some cases.
- A contractor must weigh the potential complications of future cabinet replacement or repair when choosing to install flooring under kitchen cabinets.
- When thinking about home improvement ideas, homeowners should consider aesthetics, budget, and practicality in relation to the placement of flooring around their kitchen cabinetry.
