Is it worth it to install flooring under the dishwasher, fridge, and oven?

Question

I'm putting Ikea wood laminate in this week, and wonder if I need to go to the trouble of installing the flooring under these appliances. Maybe just a little ways under each? Or should I go all the way to the wall?

Answer 1

I don't know what kind of laminate you're talking about here. Thin overlay or Prego or Bruce planking? Either way, you should definitely go under the fridge ... you move it periodically to clean behind it and you can see down the sides of it. Depending on the thickness of the flooring, you have to at least go several inches under the front of the stove and dishwasher. Most major appliances have adjustable feet to level them. If the rear adjusters can compensate for the height difference of the flooring, stop just under the front edges and screw the rear feet down. If not, you may get away with just putting a small piece of the flooring under just the rear feet and leave it that way. Why don't you check with Home Depot or Lowe's. They have guys working there that can tell you the correct thing to do for each appliance. Good luck!

Answer 2

The cost saving in doing all the way and just upto the edge of the appliance is minimal. Unless, this is an issue for you.

I will go all the way. Appliance balances better, you can get to those pieces under the appliances later for pattern match if something happens to your floor elsewhere. It is like an added insurance.

plus, they will not pull out well if not done all the way. Due to difference in height you will actually damage the flooring.

Answer 3

If you install the flooring in front of the dishwasher and not under it you won't be able to get it out with out tearing out the floor or the counter top. Also consider that your refrigerator might be off balance (leaning back slightly) and you may have a hard time pulling it out over a ledge.

Answer 4

If the appliances are built in, then just put under as far as you can. Definitely pull the fridge out and put the flooring there.

Answer 5

LOL--you sound like me.

But in all reality, you probably should install it all the way. There may be a day you will want to sell this house. And the new owners are going to be really mad (and talking to an attorney) when they go to take possesion of the house and those vacant spots are now visible after you moved your appliances.

The only one I probably wouldn't worry too much about would be under a built in dishwasher.

Answer 6

You should always go wall to wall or wall to cabinet.
You might have to move something and trying to move to up ove the floor hump will be hard and could damage the flooring.
It will also make the height different from your counter tops to your stove and fridge. The cabinets / counter tops are made to come out flush with the tops of the stove - fridge.

Answer 7

One thing is for sure, those spaces will always be covered by appliances. Whenever you want to move the appliance it could pull what you have put down up, causing damage over time. If your money is short, skip it. If you have a budget for it, do it right.

Answer 8

Little trays that would capture an early leak will save you some grief. Laminate warps fast when wet. Dishwashers and refrigerators will all eventually spring a leak. I wouldn't worry about the stove.

Answer 9

I would just go up to/slightly under....enough where it looks like it is all the way back without disrupting the balance/levelness of the appliance. No need to waste the money going all the way back!

Answer 10

Unless there's real cost issue, go the whole way to the wall. It gives you the freedom to change or move appliances and it can be hard to match lamiante later if you need to patch the hole.