Well, do you install LVP under cabinets? If you are thinking about installing LVP under cabinets, let me tell you. There is a whole lot of controversy about this. While trying to find the answer you may also feel the same.
I also know you are disappointed because you couldn’t find many reliable answers to your question. Do not worry. You have reached the right place! I will clear out your doubts about the floor under cabinets.
Here is the deal-
There can be a debate on whether you should install LVP under cabinets or not. To put it in short, you can definitely install LVP under cabinets, but under a few conditions. First, you need to find the right type of LVP. Then, you need to follow the right installation process.
These are just some facts. There are a lot of these facts that can help you easily install the LVP under cabinets and use them for a long time without any damage. Want to learn how? Let’s jump into it!
Table of Contents
Core Findings-
| Estimated Cost | Estimated Duration | Skill Level |
| $1500 | 5\6 Hours | Beginner |
Do You Install LVP Under Cabinets?
It is the most common question that comes into everyone’s mind while installing LVP. To put it briefly, you definitely can. However, there are a lot of things you will need to consider throughout the entire process. Sounds confusing? Let me explain.
The first obstacle is that you need to find types of flooring that are suitable for installation under the cabinet. The second obstacle is to follow the right installation process while keeping all the instructions in mind. It is kind of challenging to replace kitchen tiles without removing cabinets. So, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions properly.
Types Of LVP Flooring Suitable For Installation Under Cabinets
Can you install LVP under cabinets? Yes. However, not all types of vinyl plank are suitable for installation under heavy cabinets. LVP flooring is not hardwood flooring. You will need vinyl wood floors that can work as a support for your cabinet base. These are
SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring
SPC or Stone Plastic Composite a type of luxury vinyl flooring known for its stability and resilience. Do you wonder why? SPC has a special ability to resist almost everything. From expansion and contractions to dents, scratches, and other impacts to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
It not only provides a long-term performance but also it will protect your kitchen base cabinets. If you use an under-cabinet range hood without a cabinet, SPC is the most suitable option as it is highly resistant.
WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring
WPC or Wood Plastic Composite is a type of flooring known for its comfort. It is highly resistant to dents, impacts, water, and moisture. It is great for the kitchen and bathroom as it is prone to spills and leaks.
It provides superior durability and stability, which is important for under-cabinet kitchen floors as they are constantly under the weight of the cabinets.
Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring
There’s a common confusion between SPC and rigid-core vinyl flooring. Though SPC is a type of rigid core, not all rigid core vinyl floors are SPC. However, it has the same benefits as SPC.
Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring
It is known for its stability and strong adhesion to the subfloor. It provides a reliable foundation, which is important to bear and withstand the immense pressure and weight of the cabinets. However, you may need to install backsplash before cabinets as these are not as resistant to water as the previous ones.
Among all the vinyl-finished floors, these are the most suitable for installation under cabinets. You can choose any of the above depending on your personal preferences.
Things To Keep In Mind While Installing LVP Under Cabinet
Do you install LVP under cabinets on concrete? Yes, you can install LVP on any type of floor as long as you keep some things in mind while installing. These are;
Preparations Before Installation
The subfloor must be well-prepared for a smooth installation. If the subfloor is not properly cleaned, the floor will have bumps underneath. Also, it will reduce the lifespan of the vinyl floor.
Expansion
LVP’s tent to move and expand. Make sure to leave enough space between the kitchen floor and the cabinet for the betterment of the vinyl floor.
Cabinet Height
Keep the cabinet and floor height in mind while planning the layout. It will result in a seamless installation and appearance.
If you want to keep granite and replace cabinets, you will need to consider a lot of things, too.
How To Install LVP Under Cabinet?
The right method and following proper instructions are a must to install LVP floors under cabinets. It provides precision and effective installation. Want to learn the process? Here you go;
Prepare The Floor
It is a must to prepare the subfloor before installing vinyl planks. Do you put LVP under appliances? Yes, but you need to move all the heavy appliances and furniture outside the room during the installation process. This will help to install the vinyl planks easily and more effectively. It will also save a lot of time while ensuring a smooth installation. You don’t need to remove thermofoil from cabinets to install LVP.
Clean The Floor
It is important to clean the subfloor before installing vinyl floors. How? There is dust, debris, stains, and other impurities on the subfloor, especially under the furniture and heavy appliances you just move. If you install the vinyl planks on top of those, the floor will not smooth everywhere. It will stick out in the places where it needs to be cleaned.
Also, all these impurities will cause damage to the kitchen cabinets. Vinyl flooring is generally more expensive than other planks and laminates. Replacing or repairing vinyl floors will be very difficult and expensive.
Gather The Materials
Gather all the materials needed for this installation process. It will make the process more efficient and effective. Also, it will save a lot of time as you will have all the things you need around you and not have to look for them.
The tools and materials include measurement taps, a utility knife, a ruler and pencil, pull bars, spacers, etc. Be careful to keep everything together in a place where there is no risk of getting yourself hurt by the tools unknowingly. If you want to replace the medicine cabinet door or other cabinet doors to match the floor, you will need a drill and some nails.
Measure The Floor
Before installing the vinyl planks, carefully measure the entire floor where you are going to install the new vinyl flooring. Be mindful of the sides of the room. Carefully measure them to get the exact measurements. It can be tricky because of the kitchen cabinets. You can remove the shoe molding and the baseboards if it feels more convenient that way.
Install Vinyl Planks
Trim The Corners
Should LVP go under kitchen cabinets? Yes. It helps to provide a seamless look and also works as a base for heavy cabinets. Trim the pillars of the kitchen cabinets and door frames to install LVP underneath them. If you want to replace the cabinets, replace them after you are done installing the floor. You can always reuse countertops when replacing cabinets.
Plan The Layout
Consider the layout of the room and plan how to put the planks. Keep in mind that the vinyl planks tend to expand. So, account for the possible expansions and plan accordingly. If you want to hide under cabinet lighting with a frameless cabinet, make sure to keep enough space for that while planning.
Install Underlayments
If you want to reduce noise, underlayments can be a great help. It also provides cushioning that makes the floor comfortable. This step is optional as a lot of vinyl planks come with built-in underlay.
Cut And Lay The Planks
Can you run LVP under cabinets? After you are done trimming, planning, and installing the underlayments, cut the planks according to the measurements you collected previously. Now, lay the vinyl planks on the floor and level them.
Secure The Planks
All the planks should be attached to each other. If there are any unleveled planks, level them using a pull bar and a hammer. Slightly hit the planks to hit any potential damage. If you want to match the cabinet doors with the floor, you can always replace kitchen cabinet doors with IKEA doors.
If you face any issues, contact a professional floor and cabinet installer. Make sure to follow all the steps in order. If you do, you are bound to achieve a great outcome.
Pros And Cons Of Installing LVP Under Cabinets
People think installing LVP under cabinets only has disadvantages. However, there are also advantages to it that most of them don’t talk about. Here are some of my personal findings on the pros and cons of installing LVP under cabinets;
| Pros | Cons |
| Vinyl floors provide a seamless surface that adds an aesthetic look to the home. | Vinyl floors are difficult to replace once installed under cabinets. |
| Vinyl floors add additional support for the cabinets. | Vinyl floors can expand after some time which can damage the cabinets. |
| Vinyl floors protect the subfloor from potential damage that can be hard and expensive to repair. | There are a lot of things to consider before installing Vinyl floors. A little carelessness can cause a lot later. |
I can only suggest you. The decision is yours to make. A last suggestion would be to prioritize your needs and personal preferences rather than listening to others.
Tips For Successful LVP Installation Under Cabinets
Now, if you are asked Can you put LVP under cabinets, you can certainly answer Yes. Also, you have learned everything about how to install it. To finish this, here are some tips for successful LVP installation under cabinets;
If you follow all the instructions and tips I just mentioned, I can assure you will certainly achieve a great outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I Install LVT Flooring Before Or After Kitchen Cabinet?
You should always install LVT flooring after the kitchen cabinet. It gets difficult to change the damaged floor if the cabinets are installed after the floor.
Should I Lay Flooring Under The Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes. For a seamless appearance, you must lay flooring under kitchen cabinets.
What Comes First Cabinets Or Flooring?
Cabinets always come first. Because of how difficult it gets to change the flooring for any reason if the floor is installed first.
Are There Special Considerations For Waterproof LVP Under Cabinets?
No. You can install waterproof LVP under cabinets the same way you install the normal ones.
Conclusion
Do you install LVP under cabinets? Yes. It might sound weird, as most of the people online are saying you may not. However, from my personal experience, it is completely fine to install LVP under cabinets as long as you use the right type of LVP and installation process. Also, the most important thing is that floorings always come after cabinets. If you are interested in learning more about restoring a Cabinets, stay with- Restore Journey.
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