Installing laminate flooring under cabinets can be a tricky process, but with the right preparation and techniques, it is definitely achievable. Laminate flooring is a versatile, affordable, and attractive flooring option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms in your home. With some strategic planning and effort, you can successfully install laminate under cabinets for a seamless, beautiful finished look.
Should You Install Laminate Flooring Under Cabinets?
Many homeowners wonder if they should install laminate flooring only up to the cabinet toe-kick or under the cabinets as well. Here are some key considerations:
Pros of Installing Under Cabinets
- Provides a uniform, seamless look throughout the floor space. No transition strips needed from floor to toe-kick.
- Allows uninterrupted flooring under fixed cabinets and appliances.
- Gives a clean, smooth appearance as laminate continues under toe-kick.
- Allows easy floor replacement later without transitions at toe-kick.
Cons of Installing Under Cabinets
- More difficult installation around obstructions like cabinet legs or plumbing.
- Cannot easily access subfloor underneath for maintenance or repairs.
- Need to carefully cut laminate planks to fit around cabinets and fixtures.
- Toe-kick and cabinet area will not have same floor visibility.
Overall, installing under the cabinets creates a tidier, more integrated look. But it requires more time and skill for a good fit. Consider access needs, your skill level, and the cabinet layout when deciding what will work best.
Planning for Laminate Installation Under Cabinets
Careful planning and preparation will ensure your laminate flooring installation under cabinets goes smoothly. Follow these key steps:
Choose the Right Laminate Product
Opt for a quality laminate flooring product that is:
- Water-resistant – Important for kitchens and baths.
- Durable AC rating – Withstands impact. AC3 or AC4 rated.
- Flexible – Can handle slight subfloor unevenness.
- Tight-locking mechanism – Prevents gaps from forming.
Also choose a laminate style and color that coordinate well with your cabinetry.
Prepare the Subfloor
Make sure the subfloor under cabinets is level, clean, and structurally sound:
- Level any irregularities with floor leveling compound if needed.
- Eliminate any bumps, debris, staples, or nails.
- Check for moisture issues and address before installing laminate.
- Consider adding foam underlayment for extra moisture protection.
Address Doors and Transitions
Before starting, ensure:
- Doors can clear new flooring thickness after install. Cut doors if needed.
- Appliances are removable or can be lifted enough to fit flooring underneath.
- Transition pieces allow the new flooring thickness as needed at room edges.
Acclimate the Laminate Planks
Laminate flooring must acclimate to interior conditions before install:
- Unpack planks and let sit in room for 48 hours.
- Ensure room temperature is 60-80°F and relative humidity is 30-50%.
- Stack planks neatly without leaning on walls.
Proper acclimation prevents excessive expansion or contraction later on.
Gather Essential Installation Tools
Having the right tools will make installing under cabinets much easier:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Miter saw or jigsaw
- Table saw (for rip cuts)
- Utility knife
- Spacers
- Tapping block
- Pull bar
- Rubber mallet
- Foam underlayment
- Moisture barrier (if needed)
Prepare everything you’ll need ahead of time for a smooth install process.
How to Install Laminate Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets
Once planning is complete, use the following steps to install laminate flooring neatly under kitchen cabinets:
1. Remove Doors, Drawers, and Moldings
Before installing laminate planks, remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and any existing base moldings or trim. This allows full access to the cabinet toe-kick area and creates clean edges.
Set hardware aside carefully for reinstallation later. Use painters tape to label removed pieces.
2. Establish Your Starting Line
Determine the best starting wall for your first row of planks. Often the longest, straightest wall works well.
Measure out from the wall the width of one plank plus 1/4″. Mark a starting line across the floor at this point using a chalk line.
Make sure your starting line is perfectly straight using a level. This ensures the first row is aligned correctly.
3. Cut Your First Planks to Width
The first row of planks needs rip cutting to proper width to align with starting line.
Measure distance from wall to line. Rip cut planks to this width, allowing 1/4″ expansion gap at wall. Cut planks so pattern aligns across first row.
Use a table saw to rip planks cleanly and accurately to required size.
4. Begin Laying Planks Along Starting Line
Once first planks are cut, begin installing your first row along the starting line:
- Place foam underlayment as needed. Tap joints into place with block.
- Use spacers at wall edge for expansion gap. Keep ends staggered at least 6″.
- Check straightness with level frequently. Keep planks aligned.
- Use pull bar to tap final plank into place in row.
Take care to keep this first row perfectly straight as it guides the entire floor.
5. Cut Around Cabinets and Fixtures
Once the first row is complete, begin installing planks out into room.
When you reach a fixed cabinet, appliance, or fixture, take time to measure and make precision cuts around them:
- Use a scrap plank to map out exact cut needed around obstructions. Mark plank.
- Use jigsaw or handsaw to slowly and carefully cut laminate following lines.
- Test fit piece. Check for tight seams before fastening permanently.
Make fresh cuts for each cabinet or fixture you work around.
6. Scribe Planks to Fit Uneven Walls
As you install across the room, you may hit uneven wall sections.
Scribe cut planks to fit contours or angles:
- Set plank against wall and use a scribe tool to mark uneven shape.
- Break plank on cut line. Use jigsaw for any curved cuts needed.
- Test fit scribed piece before fastening to ensure tight seams.
Scribing takes precision but creates a custom fitted floor.
7. Allow Space for Laminate Expansion
Laminate floors expand and contract slightly. Leave adequate expansion gaps to prevent buckling or separation:
- Use spacers at start to maintain 1/4″ gap at wall edges.
- Leave 1/4″ gap around pipes, posts, and other fixed objects.
- Do not force planks tightly against any fixed vertical surfaces.
Allowing room for expansion ensures planks can move naturally without damage.
8. Reinstall Moldings and Transitions
Once the main floor is installed, reinstall any trims or transitions needed:
- Replace base molding or quarter round with finish nails. Brad nail shoe molding.
- Install any needed transitions at doorways or room edges to allow for floor thickness.
- Use transition glue or clear silicone to adhere any metal transition strips.
Reinstalled trim and transitions create a polished, finished look.
9. Replace Doors and Drawers
The final step is replacing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware once the flooring is complete:
- Adjust hinge height so doors sit just above new flooring. Fill old screw holes.
- Ensure drawers have clearance over new floor and slide smoothly. Make any adjustments.
- Replace all hardware tightly in original locations. Follow diagram if needed.
Proper door and drawer replacement completes your new laminate floor beautifully.
Installing Laminate Floors Under Bathroom Vanities
The process for installing laminate under bathroom vanities or linen closets is very similar to kitchen cabinets. Follow these tips when working in small bathroom spaces:
- Remove vanity doors and drawers to access toe-kick space fully.
- Cut planks to fit around close toilet flanges, drain pipes, or plumbing valves.
- Use silicone caulk around tub, shower, and cabinet bases to prevent moisture penetration.
- Leave adequate expansion gap behind vanity for normal laminate movement.
- Test drawer clearance over new flooring. Make cuts or use spacers as needed.
Take your time with precision cuts in tight quarters. Follow all moisture prevention steps carefully in bathrooms.
Helpful Tips for Smooth Installation Under Cabinets
Keep these additional tips in mind for your laminate flooring installation success under cabinets:
- Start install parallel with longest wall and straightest cabinets for easier alignment.
- Minimize seams under cabinet toe-kick when possible. Use full length planks.
- Use painter’s tape to hold planks together temporarily as you work.
- Always leave 1/8″ gap between planks and heat ducts or AC vents in floor.
- For heavyFixed appliances, install flooring only up to units, not underneath them.
- Check level and straightness frequently as you install using a 3-4 ft. level.
- Use a jigsaw and fiber cement blade for easiest curved cuts around pipes or drains.
- Go slow with precise measurement and double check fit with each custom cut piece.
- Leave planks laying on floor overnight after install; only apply edge molding the next day.
FAQs About Installing Laminate Under Cabinets
Some common questions about laminate flooring installation under cabinets include:
Q: Is special underlayment required under laminate flooring under cabinets?
A: Quality foam underlayment is recommended under all laminate to help smooth small subfloor imperfections, provide moisture insulation, and improve sound absorption. Use underlayment rated for laminate flooring.
Q: What is the best way to cut laminate planks lengthwise for narrow pieces?
A: Table saws with fine finish blades make the cleanest, smoothest rip cuts along the length of laminate planks. Make several passes raising blade slowly for precise cuts.
Q: How much expansion space should be allowed between laminate planks during install?
A: Leave at least 1/4″ expansion gap between laminate plank ends during installation. Also allow 1/4″ at all edges and around fixed objects for needed expansion area.
Q: Can excess glue that squeezes into joints between planks be removed once dry?
A: Carefully scrape away dried glue with a plastic scraper. Avoid damaging plank finishes. Wipe with a damp cloth. Minimize excess glue during install by using a glue bottle nozzle.
Q: What kind of saw blade is best for safely cutting laminate flooring?
A: Use a fine-toothed saw blade designed for cutting laminates and wood flooring. Carbide-tipped blades stay sharpest longest. Never use a ripping blade which can chip laminate edges.
Q: How long should you wait before allowing heavy traffic and moving appliances onto newly installed laminate flooring?
A: Wait 24 hours before moving any heavy furniture onto new laminate flooring. Allow at least 72 hours before moving heavy appliances to allow planks to set properly.
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring under kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities creates a beautiful, seamless look and feels wonderful underfoot. With careful planning and preparation, the process can go smoothly. Allow enough time, use the proper tools, and work carefully around cabinets and fixtures for best results. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and care. Your new laminate flooring will look fantastic and perform beautifully when properly installed under cabinets.