Wood Floors Under Appliances - Refrigerators, Stove

We are often asked.."what should we do with the kitchen appliances?" Refrigerators and stoves should be moved out so the flooring will be installed under them. Dishwashers on Installing floor under dishwasher the other hand require a plumber and electrician to disconnect and reset. In most cases it's best to raise the front legs to allow the flooring to run under about two to three inches or where the stop area won't be visible.

For thicker flooring the dishwasher may have to be removed. Otherwise if it has to be serviced it may not come out without causing damage to the floor itself. When moving any appliances be certain you have proper protection when rolling it over a completed area. At all costs, lift and remove.

Refrigerators by far, cause the most damage when they're removed and re-installed. It may be brand new with all the wheels working right. However, if some

grit gets caught under one, expect a nice scratch across the area you've pushed it to. Our suggestion is the use of clean 1/8" masonite board. Cut into strips and push across the floor, keeping a close eye that the wheels don't fall off the masonite board.

T-Molding At Tiled Areas

T-moldings are typically 2" in width and used in areas where wood floors are installed next to tile. To allow proper expansion in these areas, stop the floor approximately 1 T Molding between tile and floating floor -3/8" away from the tile when installing. It's a good idea of placing a scrap spacer of similar measurement to keep the gap from getting smaller as you tap boards into place down the line. With the bottom part of the T usually measuring 1/2" we'll have our 3/8" expansion and the molding will cover both floor coverings by another 3/8"

NOTE: Some floating floor manufactures have different profiles on their moldings. Plan ahead and make necessary adjustments. There's nothing worse than laying the floor only to discover you needed a wider area.

For concrete subfloors these moldings are best attached with construction adhesive. After you've made your desired cuts and everything fits snug, squeeze some adhesive (caulking tubes) in the center and set your molding. Often they may not want to sit flush with each other where angles meet. Use 3M type blue painters tape or weights to keep them down until the glue sets. One day usually suffices.

Back To: Floating Floors Introduction

• Types of Trim Moldings - Profiles
• Installing Quarter Round Trim
• Care Of Wood Floors - Includes Moving Furniture & Appliances