Your Kitchen Flooring Replacement Questions

Kitchen Flooring questions - kitchen floor 101

Alright, it’s time to finally replace your kitchen flooring. It’s been well-used, but is now out of style or may be part of a larger kitchen remodel. We’ve gathered a few of your kitchen flooring replacement questions and got some great answers for you below.

kitchen flooring, cabinets, and hood vent

Table of Contents

Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can put flooring under kitchen cabinets. Installing flooring before cabinets gives the kitchen a much cleaner look. You don’t have to spend time cutting around the cabinetry.

Also, you can be flexible with the layout of the cabinets. You’re not as committed to one layout as you would be if you install cabinets first.

But, installing flooring first costs a little more. It covers your entire room, even under the cabinetry.

You can also install your kitchen cabinets before flooring. This saves you time and money on flooring underneath the cabinetry that no one will see. It makes replacing flooring much easier and cost-effective down the line because you won’t have to remove the cabinets.

Also, by installing cabinets first, you won’t damage your new flooring during the cabinet installation.

If you install floating floors, it’s best to put in kitchen cabinets first. Unlike standard flooring which is glued down, floating flooring is not glued. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle: several pieces of wood combined together. This type of flooring may not handle the weight of cabinetry well over time. It may crack or buckle under the pressure of your cabinetry. To prevent this, start by installing your cabinets.

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What flooring is best for the kitchen?

Tile flooring is one of the best options for your kitchen. Porcelain tiles are the most popular. They are durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, nonporous, and easy to clean. This is the perfect combination for a high-traffic area of your home that’s prone to spills and messes.

Hardwood is also a durable option, but it’s water-resistant, not waterproof. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it means you have to clean spills immediately to avoid damage to the flooring. Using a good range hood will also lower humidity in your kitchen.

Can you put a refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, vinyl plank flooring is exceptionally durable. Just one plank will support several hundred pounds of force. So, you don’t have to worry about damaging your vinyl flooring under heavy appliances.

Avoid dragging the refrigerator into place during installation. This is one of the most common ways durable kitchen floors can become damaged.

Can you put engineered hardwood in the kitchen?

Engineered hardwood is a beautiful and durable option for your kitchen. It won’t absorb dust or debris and will rarely ever need replacement. But, keep in mind that hardwood flooring is not waterproof, only water-resistant.

Clean up all spills immediately and avoid steam cleaners to keep your flooring in great condition. Also, put all your indoor furniture on furniture pads. This will prevent scratching when you move the furniture.

Engineered hardwood is not as durable as real wood, but it can still last you years. If you’re installing a floating floor (i.e., the pieces are arranged in a puzzle and the floor is not glued down), it’s best to install kitchen cabinets first. Floating floors may buckle or crack under the weight of cabinets.

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Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of items to consider when replacing your kitchen floor, it’s up to you to choose the best options. Because kitchens are so frequently used in our homes, choosing the right flooring is an important decision. Considering how your kitchen will be used in the future, including what phase of life you’ll be in, will help you decide what materials, color, and style to use.