Should Vinyl Panels Be Laid Under Kitchen Cabinets?
No, vinyl panels should not be laid under kitchen cabinets. It is recommended to install them up to the cabinet stabilizing legs, always leaving an expansion gap (a few millimeters). This applies to both standard kitchen cabinets and kitchen islands.
All heavy furniture placed directly on the floor surface, as well as nailing, screwing, or gluing click-mounted panels, prevents the flooring from moving properly. Vinyl panels installed as a "floating floor / click system" expand and contract with temperature changes. Incorrect installation can lead to floor damage, such as gaps forming between panels.
Vinyl Panel Installation Instructions
A valuable source of information on how to install vinyl panels in the kitchen is the instruction manual included with the purchase. It is worth reading carefully before starting the work. Important recommendations include:
The need to prepare a proper subfloor. Unevenness, cracks, dirt, or an unstable base are unacceptable.
The surface should be clean and dry. Thorough vacuuming is recommended beforehand.
When installing vinyl panels on ceramic tiles, pay particular attention to the grout lines. These should not be wider than about 3 mm or deeper than 1 mm.
Before installation, allow the unopened panels to acclimate in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours (at a temperature between +18°C and +24°C).
Plan for expansion. It is important to maintain an expansion gap between the panels and walls or other fixed elements like cabinets, door frames, pipes, radiators, or stairs—at least 5 mm wide.
The installation is done without glue. As stated earlier, gluing, nailing, or permanently attaching the floor can result in damage.
This instruction applies to WENINGER vinyl panels from the Ideal collection. More details can be found on our website among our waterproof flooring options and in the warranty card for Ideal vinyl panels and Aqua Profi.
Vinyl Panels in the Kitchen – Good to Know
Vinyl panels are appreciated for their comfort and the variety of patterns that allow for unique designs. They are easy to clean and maintain, which is particularly important in a kitchen. They are waterproof and therefore durable. To preserve their appearance longer, protect the panels from direct sunlight using curtains or blinds in kitchen windows. Also, avoid contact with hot objects such as an iron, a hot baking tray, or a pan taken off the stove, as it may damage the panels. Remember that while vinyl flooring is waterproof, it is not entirely watertight – water or other liquids can seep underneath through gaps between the PVC trim and the wall.
