Do You Put Laminate Flooring Under Refrigerator? (Explained)

It’s the foundation beneath my feet, influencing how I experience each room, especially the kitchen. One question that often comes up for homeowners is whether to put laminate flooring under the refrigerator. This might seem trivial, but it’s a topic that deserves a closer look. After all, the kitchen is where we gather, cook, and create memories. So, let’s explore this together.

The Importance of Flooring Under Appliances

In my years of experience as a flooring contractor, I’ve learned that flooring installation isn’t just about aesthetics; functionality matters too. When I was working on a kitchen remodel for a family in my neighborhood, they decided to go with laminate flooring. We had a lovely design in mind, but the question arose: Should we install laminate under the refrigerator?

The Pros and Cons of Installing Laminate Under the Refrigerator

Pros:

1. Uniform Look: Having laminate flooring under the fridge provides a seamless appearance. It makes the kitchen look put together without awkward gaps or transitions.
2. Ease of Cleaning: With laminate installed under the refrigerator, cleaning becomes easier. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen dust and crumbs accumulate in hard-to-reach areas beneath appliances. This helps keep the area tidy.
3. Preventing Damage: If moisture leaks from your fridge, laminate can act as a barrier against damage to your subflooring.
4. Enhanced Aesthetics: A unified floor surface enhances the overall design of the kitchen. It creates visual cohesion and can make the space feel larger.

Cons:

1. Weight of Appliances: Refrigerators are heavy and can cause dents or damage to laminate if not properly supported. This was a challenge during a recent project where we had to reinforce the subfloor before installation.
2. Moisture Concerns: While laminate can handle some moisture, it’s not waterproof. If a fridge leaks, it could compromise the laminate underneath.
3. Potential for Uneven Surfaces: Depending on how the refrigerator is positioned and its weight distribution, you might find that the flooring can warp over time if not installed correctly.
4. Difficulty of Replacement: If you ever need to replace your fridge, moving it can be tricky, especially if you haven’t left space for expansion or movement in your flooring plan.

My Experience with Different Approaches

Throughout my career, I’ve tried several methods when installing flooring under appliances. In one memorable project, I installed laminate under a refrigerator but decided to apply a moisture barrier first. This added step was crucial because the homeowner had experienced leaks in the past.

In contrast, there was another job where I left out the laminate beneath the fridge to save on costs. While it looked fine initially, over time, it became a hassle during cleaning, and there were complaints about dust accumulation.

Here’s a breakdown of some of my most notable projects concerning appliance installations:

Project 1: The Family Kitchen

For a family of four, I remodeled their kitchen with an open layout that transitioned into the dining area. They opted for laminate flooring for its durability and versatility. As we discussed installing the refrigerator, they expressed concern about potential water damage from spills or leaks.

To address this, I recommended using a moisture barrier. We installed a high-quality barrier beneath the laminate, ensuring that any moisture would not reach the subflooring. The result? A beautiful kitchen that remained functional and easy to clean.

Project 2: The Rental Property

I worked with a landlord who wanted to enhance his rental property’s appeal without breaking the bank. We decided on laminate flooring throughout the kitchen but debated whether to place it under the refrigerator.

To save costs, we left that section bare and used vinyl tiles instead. While this approach saved money upfront, it created difficulties later on when cleaning and maintenance were required. The landlord learned that sometimes cutting corners can lead to more work down the line.

Project 3: The High-End Remodel

In another instance, I worked on a high-end kitchen remodel where the homeowner insisted on using premium laminate flooring throughout the entire space, including under all appliances. We took extra precautions by reinforcing the subfloor with additional plywood layers to support the heavy refrigerator.

This project went smoothly, and the homeowner loved how everything looked in harmony. The seamless design made the space feel welcoming and sophisticated.

This tool simplifies cost estimation by pulling local material and labor rates into one platform. For that kitchen remodel I mentioned earlier, I used FloorTally to generate an accurate budget that included the laminate needed for under the refrigerator.

The estimated costs were $3 per square foot for laminate and an additional $1 for the moisture barrier. Overall, this helped me present a realistic budget of around $800 for materials and installation—something that the homeowners appreciated.

Using FloorTally also enables me to compare prices from different suppliers quickly. For instance, during another project in a neighboring town, I found that one supplier offered a significant discount on laminate flooring if purchased in bulk. This insight allowed me to save my clients money while still delivering quality work.

Tips for Installation

Here are some practical tips based on my experiences:

1. Use a Moisture Barrier: If you decide to install laminate under your fridge, consider using a moisture barrier. It can help prevent damage in case of leaks.
2. Reinforce Your Subfloor: Before laying down laminate, ensure your subfloor is strong enough to support the weight of the fridge. You might need to add additional plywood or support beams.
3. Leave Room for Expansion: Laminate needs space to expand and contract with temperature changes. When installing, leave a small gap around the fridge for movement.
4. Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on your refrigerator’s condition. Regularly check for leaks and clean under and around the appliance to avoid buildup.
5. Consider Appliance Weight: If you’re planning to install heavier appliances like double-door refrigerators or commercial-grade units, always consult with professionals about reinforcement options before proceeding with installation.

The Challenge of Weight Distribution

One challenge I’ve faced is managing weight distribution when placing heavy appliances on laminate flooring. During one installation, I had a homeowner who wanted a large French-door refrigerator that weighed nearly 400 pounds.

To prevent damage, we used plywood sheets beneath the fridge during installation to distribute the weight evenly across a larger area of the laminate floor. This helped avoid any potential dents or cracks in the flooring.

Additionally, employing leveling feet on the refrigerator can help distribute weight more evenly across its base, reducing pressure points on the laminate below.

Maintenance Considerations

After installation, maintaining your laminate floor is vital to ensure longevity—especially in areas under heavy appliances like refrigerators. Here are some straightforward maintenance tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that could scratch or damage your floors over time.
2. Use Appropriate Cleaners: When mopping or deep cleaning, always use cleaners specifically designed for laminate flooring to avoid damaging its surface.
3. Check Seals and Gaskets: Regularly inspect your refrigerator’s seals and gaskets for wear or damage that could lead to leaks or condensation buildup on your laminate floor.
4. Monitor Humidity Levels: Laminate floors can be sensitive to humidity changes. Keep an eye on humidity levels in your home as excess moisture can warp your flooring over time.
5. Routine Inspections: Every few months, check underneath your refrigerator for any signs of moisture or debris buildup that could compromise your flooring.

Final Thoughts

When considering whether to put laminate flooring under your refrigerator, think about both aesthetics and practicality. From my experience, having laminate below your fridge can enhance visual appeal and ease of maintenance while also requiring careful planning to avoid pitfalls like moisture damage.

Ultimately, every project is unique; weigh your options based on your specific circumstances and preferences. Whether you choose to go with or without laminate under your refrigerator, make sure you’re comfortable with your decision and prepared for any challenges that may arise along the way.

And remember: planning ahead is key! If you’re considering new flooring in your kitchen or elsewhere in your home, take time to assess all aspects—design choices, material selection, maintenance needs—as these will contribute significantly to how enjoyable and functional your space becomes.

So what do you think? Are you leaning towards adding laminate flooring beneath your refrigerator, or are you considering other options? Whatever you choose, feel free to reach out if you have questions or need advice!

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