Laying laminate flooring

[sigma]

When laying a laminate floor in a kitchen, can the units and appliances stand on the floor or does it have to be layed around them

[Clanad]

Firstly, one should install the laminate throughout the workspace, including under appliances with the exception of the dishwasher. However, when moving the fridge or stove back onto the new laminate, be sure to use a sheet of 1/4 inch plywood or other sturdy board on which to roll or skid the appliance to eliminate the chance of the rollers on some appliance (like our fridge) from causing roller grooves or scratches in the new laminate.
Lay the laminate as close to the front of the dishwasher as possible, then using a clear, latex sealer, apply a bead to seal the edge facing the washer at least 18 inches beyond each side of the washer to prevent any spilled water from infiltrating the laminate. If there are joint seams close to the front of the washer, I would apply a bead of ordinary wood glue (the white type) to each joint so they are made water tight as well. This should, in my opinion, extend out from the dishwasher at least 24 inches or at least the length of the washer door so any drips when it's open won't enter the seams.as well. If you wipe it down immediately after snapping the joint together it won't show....

Best of luck!

[parkesquay]

Most modern kitchens have adjustable feet so it is no great problem to lay under the feet.
However you may have units that don't have feet and it is easier to fit the laminate around them. In this case don't forget that the 'kickboard'(under unit cornice) will cover the gaps between the cut around laminate and thus the cut parts won't)or shouldn't) show.
If you take my advice you will put laminate sections under the feet of your white goods(WM,fridge/freezer etc) as in this way they will slide out easily onto the main flooring. If you don't do this and you need to pull out say your WM you may have a lot of bother lifting it over the main laminate flooring.

[clever trev]

I would say dont put laminate in the kitchen spent more time taking it up in the past 2yrs and replacing with ceramic tiles you wont beat them for a kitchen.

[sigma]

Thanks for your answers. I was concerned that the weight of appliances would hinder any movement in the flooring and render the gap around the edge useless.
Thanks Clever Trev, I'll take your comment onboard.

[PAUL55]

Unlike Clanad If I was instructed to lay a laminate floor in a kitchen I would also lay the floor under the dishwasher , If it ever broke down it would be easier to remove and iv'e removed quite afew over the last few years. But like Clever Trev, I wouldn't put laminate in a kitchen in the first place if it was my house. Stick to tiles in wet areas thats one of my motto's as a kitchen fitter

[sigma]

Cheers Paul, looks like a laminate floor is a non starter.