www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I am considering a wooden flooring for a kitchen/diner but am worried of the potential problems water spillages/leaks could cause under the 'wet' appliances of the kitchen.

How should I approach this problem? I appreciate that a laminate would be the ultimate 'low risk' approach, but the look of a natural wood floor is irresistable.

VMT

heeelllooo doug 99 and welcome

!"laminate is ultimate low risk" if you are talking laminate wood effect flooring without a wood veneer you are actualy talking the worst possible choice almost anything would be more sutable as long as its flooring

or was there a hint of sarcasm there

I have not done much flooring, but what type of natural wood are you thinking about...
Also do you mean you have a concrete floor rather than joists, so you need to do a floating floor the same way laminate flooring is laid. you want to know how to go about it or the pro's n con's ?

The house is only 17 years old and I am looking to lay the flooring on top of the existing tiled floor which is sound and level.

Flooring I have been considering is the wood engineered type with 4-6mm layer of real wood (oak is the preferred option), but I am worried whether this type is suitable for underneath my 'wet' appliances in the kitchen. As I am installing cabinets around 'free standing' appliances, I need the floor layer to extend to the full length behind the appliances. Leaving gaps underneath the appliances would be unsightly.

One particular laminate which was tempting in a showroom is the Quick Step 950 Natural Varnished Oak with all bevelled edges. When I asked the showroom staff on its suitability for kitchens, he suggested using a sealant along the joints, which when set, a top layer is removed to leave a waterproof seam.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

VMT

laminate must not get wet it will cope with the odd splash wiped up within a minuit or two but not lots off splashes

in general you clean laminate with a fully wrung out cloth with isufficient moisture to transfer

you can use laminate in kitchens but it must be kept fully dry

no spills or splashes no muddy boots no leaky washing machines or plumbing no pets or children having little accidents

and last of all no manufacturer will give a comprehensive gtee in kitchens and bathrooms

In my opinion wood and water do not go together in anyway or situation unless its a boat

Tiles and wood can look quite good together

Think of a tile perimeter of 300mm to the front of kitchen units and under appliances which would take
most droppings from worktops and protect against any leakage from appliances

Solid wood flooring should always be fixed mechanically to wood floors and notch trowel glued to cement
screed floors unless there is an issue with acoustics insulation

Engineered flooring construct as a floating floor

And all laminate flooring belongs in the skip

As i said in my opinion

And all laminate flooring belongs in the skip