You’ve finally decided to upgrade your kitchen with beautiful, new floating floors. But as you’re planning out the installation, a question pops into your head – what about the appliances? Do they get the same floating floor treatment, or do they need a different approach? It’s a common dilemma for many homeowners, and to be honest, it’s not an easy one to answer.
Image: woodpeckerflooring.co.uk
Imagine yourself in this situation: you’ve painstakingly laid out your new floating floor, admiring how seamlessly it blends with the rest of the kitchen. You’re just about to place your refrigerator in position when a friend cautions, “Don’t do that! You need to do something about the appliances first.” The friend might be right, and understanding why is crucial. This article delves into the considerations and steps involved in installing floating floors around appliances, ensuring you achieve the best aesthetic and functional outcome for your kitchen.
Understanding Floating Floors and Appliances
Floating floors, as the name suggests, are not directly attached to the subfloor; they “float” on it, relying on the locking system between individual planks for stability. Their “floating” nature is both a blessing and a curse; they’re easy to install and relatively forgiving of slight unevenness in the subfloor but susceptible to movement and the need for special considerations around fixed objects like appliances.
Appliances, on the other hand, are built to be stationary. Even the lightest appliances, like dishwashers and ranges, are designed for fixed use, demanding a sturdy and level surface. Placing a floating floor directly beneath them can cause several problems.
What Happens When You Place a Floating Floor Under Appliances?
Potential Problems With Floating Floors Under Appliances:
Placing floating floors directly under appliances can lead to a number of problems, some more obvious than others:
- Movement and Gaps: When the appliances are shifted or moved, even slightly, the pressure applied to the floating floor can cause it to move or separate, leading to gaps around the appliance, unappealing from a visual standpoint and potentially creating tripping hazards.
- Uneven Surfaces and Shifting: The movement of the floating floor under appliances might cause the appliances themselves to begin to sit unevenly or shift over time. A wobbly washing machine or refrigerator, thanks to a shifting floor, can be both annoying and potentially damaging.
- Damage to the Flooring: The constant pressure or movement from the appliances can cause scratches, dents, or even warping of the floating floor, ultimately impacting its lifespan and appearance.
- Noise and Vibration: Appliances generate a certain amount of noise and vibration when operating. This can be amplified by the vibration of the floating floor beneath them, making a noisy kitchen even more disruptive.
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Addressing the Problems
The good news is that these problems can be avoided or mitigated with proper planning and execution. Here’s how:
Solutions and Expert Tips
While a full floating floor under an appliance might not be ideal, several strategies exist to manage the challenges.
1. Leave a Gap
Leaving a small, intentional gap (about 1/4 inch) around the appliance is a common solution. This allows the floating floor to expand or contract naturally, preventing movement when the appliance is moved or vibrated.
Tip: Use a flexible material like caulk or a floor transition strip to fill the gap. This helps to smooth out the transition and prevent moisture infiltration.
2. Use a Subfloor Under the Appliance
Another approach involves installing a separate subfloor under the appliance. This creates a firm and stable base that’s independent of the floating floor. The subfloor can be made of plywood or another rigid material and can be cut to fit the appliance’s footprint.
Tip: If employing a subfloor, ensure it is level and securely fastened to the existing subfloor.
3. Install the Floating Floor After the Appliance
A simpler, albeit slightly less versatile approach, is to install the floating floor around the appliance after it has been installed. This eliminates the need for gaps or additional subflooring as the appliance itself provides the stable base.
Tip: You’ll need to be careful when cutting and installing the flooring around the appliance to ensure a seamless appearance. Using a good-quality flooring underlayment can also help to reduce noise and vibration.
4. Consider a Different Flooring Material
For a more permanent solution, you may also consider a different flooring material entirely. Tile or concrete are more stable and less prone to movement.
Tip: While these materials might require additional time and cost, they provide a more durable and potentially less maintenance-intensive solution for areas with potential movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use a floating floor under a dishwasher? A: It’s generally not recommended due to the constant movement and vibration of dishwashers. A separate subfloor under the dishwasher is a safer choice.
- Q: What if my appliance is freestanding, do I still need to worry about this? A: Even freestanding appliances need a level surface. The floating floor could shift due to the weight of the appliance. It’s advisable to use a separate subfloor for freestanding appliances.
- Q: Can I use a floor transition strip around an appliance? A: While floor transition strips help to bridge the gap between different flooring materials, they might not be the best choice for areas where appliances are regularly moved.
- Q: What is the best way to install floating floors under appliances? A: The most effective approach is a combination of using a separate subfloor directly under the appliance and leaving a small gap around it for expansion and contraction.
Do You Put Floating Floor Under Appliances
Conclusion
Installing floating floors under appliances presents unique challenges, but with careful planning and execution, you can overcome these hurdles. Remember your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics are paramount, so choosing the right approach for your specific appliances will ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Are you planning to install floating floors in your kitchen? What are your concerns about installing floating floors under appliances? Let me know in the comments below!
