Guides on how to renovate kitchen floors without shifting cabinets and achieving a proficient result
In the world of home renovations, one task that often causes a significant amount of disruption is replacing kitchen flooring. However, Matthew O'Grady, Director at Thomas Matthew Kitchens & Furniture, has a solution that could change the game - replacing kitchen flooring without moving the cabinets.
With a background in carpentry and joinery, and training as a fitter for high-end kitchen companies, O'Grady shares his expert insights on this innovative approach.
The Process
To replace kitchen flooring without moving cabinetry, follow these general steps:
- Measure carefully to know how much flooring you will install around the base of the cabinets.
- Prepare the subfloor by cleaning, leveling, and repairing any damaged areas.
- Choose a floating or click-lock flooring system that can be installed in sections and slide under cabinet bases slightly, or fit tightly against cabinets without needing removal.
- Install the new flooring starting from an open area, cutting pieces to fit snugly around the cabinetry edges.
- Add transition or trim pieces at cabinet bases to cover gaps and create a finished look.
Benefits
This method offers several advantages:
- Avoiding the complex, labor-intensive, and costly process of uninstalling and reinstalling cabinets.
- Minimizing disruption to plumbing and electrical connections inside cabinets.
- Shortening project time and reducing mess.
Easiest Flooring Options
The easiest flooring options for this kind of installation are typically floating floors or those using a click-lock mechanism. Examples include Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or vinyl planks, Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc flooring, and laminate flooring with click-lock systems.
Cost and Considerations
The labour cost for professional floor installation depends on the flooring type, the area size, and the professional's experience, with an average cost of around £100 to £200 a day plus the cost of materials.
When replacing kitchen flooring, it's essential to ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing the new flooring. Additionally, check for signs of water damage or rot in the subfloor.
If the previous flooring was fastened down, use a scraper to cut it into tiny pieces. When the wooden flooring runs under cabinets, use a circular saw or plunge saw to cut it close to the cabinet edges.
Finishing Touches
After installation, fill any gaps with caulk or trim, and finish off the edges with new kickboards or toe kicks for a seamless look. If the wooden flooring runs under cabinets, use a circular saw or plunge saw to cut it close to the cabinet edges.
When considering a new floor, it may be a good time to think about the rest of the kitchen, such as modern kitchen design ideas and painted kitchen ideas. O'Grady suggests choosing the right finish for flooring around cabinets, such as using trim and caulk for a polished effect.
In summary, installing click-lock or floating floors like LVT or Marmoleum plank/tile flooring lets you replace kitchen floors efficiently without disturbing existing cabinetry. This method offers durability, water resistance, and ease of installation, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a streamlined renovation process.
- In the realm of home renovations, a remarkable solution for kitchen flooring replacement is proposed by Matthew O'Grady, suggesting work around the cabinets without their removal.
- O'Grady, a carpentry and joinery expert, reveals innovative techniques for kitchen flooring replacement that could revolutionize the industry.
- To replace kitchen flooring without moving the cabinets, the process involves careful measurements, subfloor preparation, selection of a suitable floating or click-lock flooring system, installation, and final touches with transition pieces.
- Minimizing labor-intensive work, this innovative method eliminates the need to uninstall and reinstall cabinets, saving time, effort, and costs.
- Also, by avoiding the complex process of moving cabinets, this technique minimizes disruptions to plumbing and electrical connections within the cabinetry.
- Easiest flooring options for this installation method include floating floors, click-lock mechanisms, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), vinyl planks, Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc flooring, and laminate flooring with click-lock systems.
- Homeowners would benefit from considering the rest of their kitchen's design while deciding on a new floor, such as modern kitchen design ideas and painted kitchen ideas, to create a harmonious lifestyle and home-and-garden environment.
- O'Grady suggests finishing touches like the use of trim and caulk for a polished effect, ensuring durability, water resistance, and a streamlined renovation process when using click-lock or floating floors like LVT or Marmoleum plank/tile flooring.
