When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, the question of substrate placement often arises: do you put floating floor under cabinets? The short answer is generally no, and for good reason. Installing a floating floor system requires leaving a deliberate expansion gap between the planks and the perimeter of the room to allow the material to move with changes in temperature and humidity. Placing heavy, fixed cabinets directly over this gap creates an instability that can lead to uneven weight distribution and potential structural issues.
Understanding Floating Floor Mechanics
Unlike traditional glued or nailed flooring, floating floors do not adhere to the subfloor. Instead, the planks lock together and rely on pressure or a thin layer of underlayment for stability. This design necessitates an expansion gap, usually ranging from ¼ to ½ inch, around the edges of the room. The gap is a critical component of the installation because it provides the material room to expand without buckling. If this gap is subsequently covered by a cabinet plinth or base, the floor is restricted, which can result in the planks pushing upward or the cabinet legs sinking into the soft gap.
The Issue with Plinth Blocks and Fixed Cabinets
In many traditional installations, cabinets sit on plinth blocks or a fixed baseboard that extends to the floor. This configuration creates a void underneath the cabinet if a floating floor is installed afterward. The depth of this void varies depending on the thickness of the floating floor and the height of the cabinet legs. A deep void looks unfinished and collects dust, while a shallow void creates a pinch point where the cabinet catches on the floor during opening. This physical interference can crack the floor planks or cause the cabinet to lean over time.
| Feature | Floating Floor | Traditional Floor (Glued/Nailed) |
|---|---|---|
| Perimeter Gap | Required (¼" - ½") | Not Required |
| Subfloor Adhesion | None (Floating) | Direct Bond |
| Cabinet Placement | Requires Leveling Shim | Direct Contact |
| Risk of Void | 8 High if installed after cabinets
The Correct Installation Sequence
To avoid the issues associated with voids and instability, the industry-standard practice is to install the floating floor first. By laying the planks edge-to-edge and finishing the expansion gaps, you create a solid, continuous surface. Only after the floor is fully installed and the gaps are accounted for should you place the cabinets. This ensures that the cabinet's weight is distributed evenly across the rigid floor structure. If the cabinet legs do not touch the ground due to the plank thickness or leftover gap, installers use shims to level the unit before securing it to the wall.
Solutions for Modern Cabinet Designs
Modern kitchen designs often feature wall-mounted cabinets or handle-less finishes that create a seamless look. If your cabinets are designed to hover or sit directly on the wall without touching the floor, the concern about floating floor gaps disappears. However, if you have base cabinets that must rest on the floor, you have two primary options. The first is the "floating cabinet" approach, where the cabinets are attached to each other and the wall but intentionally left above the floor. The second option involves trimming the bottom panels of the cabinet to match the floor height, creating a clean transition that hides the expansion gap without compromising the floor's ability to move.
For homeowners who have already installed cabinets on a traditional floor and want to replace the surface with a floating product, the process is more complex but achievable. It requires careful removal of the old floor without disturbing the cabinets. The expansion gap must be meticulously calculated to ensure it is hidden under the cabinet plinths. While technically feasible, this scenario demands precision measurement to ensure the cabinets remain level and the new floor functions as intended.
Ultimately, the decision revolves around structural integrity and long-term durability. Prioritizing the floor's ability to expand and contract ensures the longevity of the material. By respecting the expansion gap and adjusting cabinet placement accordingly, you protect your investment and maintain a stable, professional finish that stands up to the daily stresses of kitchen or bathroom use.
