Laminate flooring is known to handle heavy items, but is it OK to put laminate flooring under a dishwasher? What happens if you do?
You can install Laminate Flooring under a dishwasher, but it’s not obligatory. You’d only install Flooring under a dishwasher when there is a big gap between the floor and the dishwasher.
It’s not just about whether it’s possible or not, but should you and how do you install laminate Flooring under a dishwasher? Which type of Flooring is best in this situation? These are all questions that make it hard to decide.
Is It OK To Put laminate Flooring Under the Dishwasher?
Yes, you can install laminate floorboards under your dishwasher in the kitchen. Even though there are no big drawbacks to installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher, it does have one that might make it hard to decide. Exposure to moisture might lead to damage which in the long run might cost you.
As far as installation challenges are concerned, moving the dishwasher can be quite tricky, so you have to figure out the right technique for installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher. The process is not the same as installing underneath other kitchen appliances.
Installing laminate flooring under appliances is generally without much risk. This applies to any type of installation like H-Pattern, L-Shaped, or in a Herringbone pattern, as long as you do not move them often, and the same can be said about dishwashers.
The essential is to do things the right way from the beginning to avoid problems later down the road. Such as installing your laminate flooring before you put any appliances in the room. This can simplify the installation process significantly.
Some other precautions you need to consider when installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher and other appliances are:
- Weight of the appliances
If you’re unsure how much weight Laminate flooring can handle, this article will give you all the necessary answers. But the most important thing to remember is that you should ensure that the appliance under which you are installing laminate Flooring is not too heavy, as this can damage the laminate flooring panels.
- Moisture
You should remember that it’s not recommended to install laminate Flooring under appliances where there can be moisture exposure because it will ruin your Flooring in the long term. It is similar to using it on your shower walls unless you use the correct type of Laminate planks.
Do You Have To Install A Flooring Under The Dishwasher?
Generally speaking, you’d install Flooring under a dishwasher only when there is a bigger gap between the floor and the dishwasher. You can install Flooring only in the front because removing the entire dishwasher can be extremely complicated, not to mention time-consuming.
How To Prevent Moisture Damage From Dishwasher?
Moisture damage is usually not something to worry about, even if your Laminate floor is causing dampness. But if left unattended, you might end up with laminate floors that peel, crack, bend, or even worse, they can start molding. You may be able to limit the damage by sealing your laminate floor in case they didn’t come pre-sealed, but this is not a long-term solution.
- Dishwasher Leak Pans / Pan Trays
A dishwasher Leak pan is probably one of the best things you can buy to protect your floor from getting wet, so you must get one. These can be bought separately and come in different shapes – like hourglass or square-to-fit standard-sized cabinets! They’re made of heavy-duty plastic, lasting for years without rusting or corroding.
- Water Leak Sensors
Leak sensors are your second option; they can identify if there is a leak beneath your dishwasher. However, this would mean that the leak has already occurred. A few types exist; some may only cost $20 while others require professional installation, but all work effectively to pinpoint leaks.
What Happens If You Install Laminate Flooring Under Dishwasher?
Nothing drastic can happen during the installation, that is, if adequate space is available and there are no other issues like moisture damage. The few smaller “problems” you may face upon installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher are:
- Dismantling the dishwasher
The first and probably most likely disadvantage you’ll probably face is the need to dismantle the dishwasher to install your laminate flooring underneath it. This will depend on the height of the opening available underneath the dishwasher because you’ll it has to go under it.
Lack of space will mean that you have to dismantle the dishwasher, which is a complex process. Make sure the dishwasher has adjustable front legs, or you will need to disconnect the drain line, water feed line, and all the electrical wiring to dismantle it.
- Replacing is difficult
Another problem with installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher is that you’ll have a hard time removing it in the future if you have to replace it due to limited space.
- The Flooring may be damaged.
If you don’t take the necessary precautions to prevent moisture or leakage from reaching your Flooring, you’ll have to replace the area beneath it, which is a hassle and might also cost you a lot in the long run. Don’t forget, even if there is no leak, excessive exposure to moisture can damage the laminate flooring over time.
How To Install Laminate Flooring Under Dishwasher?
In most cases, you don’t need to disconnect a dishwasher to install laminate Flooring. Follow the steps below to do it quickly and easily.
- The first thing you need to do is cut off the dishwasher’s power. This would mean that you just need to flip off the dishwasher’s circuit breakers.
- After you have disconnected the power, the next step involves removing the front cover plate of the dishwasher. You can do this with the help of a screwdriver or a nut driver.
- The front legs of a dishwasher are usually adjustable, and you need to turn them counterclockwise to raise the dishwasher as much as possible. Put a wooden shim, or block behind the legs to support it.
- As you have to retract the legs of the dishwasher next, these blocks can give it the required support. All you need to do is tighten the adjustable front legs of the dishwasher for retraction.
You’ll need a pair of pliers or a wrench for tightening purposes. When you’ve tightened the legs of the dishwasher, they’ll retract automatically into the support housing of the appliance.
Some dishwashers are more adjustable than others. This is because their legs have been designed to recess as much as possible, which can save you from the hassle of raising the dishwasher altogether. Check to see if that is the case with the one you have.
- The next step is to install the laminate flooring underneath the dishwasher in the space available. The manufacturer will provide instructions for this installation, and you should follow them accurately.
Make sure you cover all the area underneath the dishwasher that is exposed. You have to extend it enough that when the dishwasher is lowered, its legs will rest upon the laminate flooring you have installed.
- Now go back to step three, which means that you have to turn the support legs of the dishwasher counterclockwise. The dishwasher has to be raised enough that you can remove the wooden shims or blocks that you placed there earlier for support.
- The support legs of the dishwasher should be adjusted until they are aligned with your kitchen cabinets. Keep the dishwasher level because you want it in the same position as your cabinets and not look out of place.
- The final step is to replace the front cover plate of the dishwasher that you had removed in the second step.
There are some things to remember when installing laminate Flooring under the dishwasher. If there is limited space and the laminate floor planks cannot snap together, you can cut a laminate floor plank and glue it to the floor. But, it would be best if you first placed some underlayment over the subfloor.
Which Flooring Is Best to Go Under Dishwasher?
As far as the type of Flooring is concerned, it goes without saying, waterproof type Laminate flooring is the best option by far. But, ensure to opt-in for a not too thick because it’ll make it very hard to remove the dishwasher for replacement or repair.
Tile flooring is a good choice for installing under the dishwasher, as they are durable. Plywood and hardwood flooring can also be used, but they should be treated to ensure they can withstand spills and can last for the long term.
FAQs
Do You Put Flooring Under Kitchen Appliances?
There are pros and cons to putting Flooring under kitchen appliances. The Flooring is not usually visible, so you can go with cheap options or skip it altogether. It will also save you money and effort.
But, if you decide to change the position of the appliances down the road, then it might become a problem because part of the kitchen floor will not have any flooring, making remodeling difficult.
Should I Install Vinyl Flooring Under the Dishwasher?
It’s possible to install vinyl flooring under the dishwasher, but you should note that it’s not advisable. This is because even though this kind of Flooring is designed to be water-resistant, there will be damage because of continuous moisture exposure.
It can lead to mildew and mold, which are health hazards. Remember that the dishwasher should not be too heavy because vinyl flooring planks can break under excessive weight.
Where Should I Not Install Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring should not be installed in areas with moisture, such as saunas, laundry rooms, enclosed porches, bathrooms, or anywhere else where wet mopping is needed.