Laminate flooring has come a long way since the 80s, when it was synonymous with cheapness and tackiness. 

Thanks to the recent wave of popularity in renovating kitchens, many homeowners are wondering whether or not they should install laminate flooring under their ovens.

While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to doing so, the main thing to keep in mind is that you can install laminate flooring under the oven.

Today’s laminate flooring is not only stylish but also affordable, which is why it’s one of the fastest growing segments of the flooring market. 

Because of all the benefits, it’s not surprising that most homeowners are choosing laminate for their floors. 

For many people, it’s the flooring of choice for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and basements.

Laminate flooring is a practical solution for homeowners who are looking to give their floors a facelift without a huge financial investment. 

Now, before you rip out the wood flooring and make a mess of your kitchen, let’s take a look at a few things you should consider when installing laminate in this location.

Information on what laminate flooring is

For anyone thinking of improving the look of his/her home, then he’s/she’s probably considering a complete renovation, or at least a few makeover projects. 

One of the first areas you’ll be considering is the flooring. 

There are many different choices to choose from, such as carpets, wooden flooring and laminate flooring. 

Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to update their flooring without paying for the higher-end hardwood or tile options. 

This type of flooring is made of two or more layers. 

The top layer is a high-quality plastic that is usually made of PVC. 

The material is highly resistant to scratches, stains and dents. 

The bottom layer is made of a core of pressed layers of wood, paper, or other material. 

Each layer of wood is laminated together to create a finished product that has the appearance of solid hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring looks a lot like solid hardwood flooring but is a lot cheaper and easier to maintain than solid hardwood flooring.

Benefits of laminate flooring

Flooring is one of the key elements of a successful interior design. It plays a crucial role in determining the overall interior design and ambience. 

Flooring is one of the most important investments in any home or office, as it’s an integral and permanent part of the interior. 

Because of its high price tag, the flooring should be chosen after a detailed investigation. 

Laminate flooring is the perfect option for people who want to decorate their home with a classy look, but without the high price tag.

Here are good reasons to consider laminate flooring over its hardwood counterpart.

1. Laminate flooring is a multifaceted flooring option; it is fairly durable, easy to install, and affordable, making it a top choice for many homeowners.  

2. Although it is also commonly referred to as “fake” or “faux” wood flooring, laminate flooring is a wood-like flooring material that has a wide selection of colors, textures, and patterns. 

3. It is also more affordable than hardwood flooring and is easier to install than most other types of flooring. 

It can cost as much as $15 per square foot to install. That’s cheaper than the $30 per square foot you’ll pay for hardwood flooring.

4. In addition to the many benefits of laminate flooring, it is also very versatile and can serve as a beautiful, comfortable addition to any space in a home.

What to consider when installing laminate in this location

Laminate is the perfect flooring for kitchens, since it’s easy to clean, durable, and inexpensive—not to mention it comes in a ton of styles. 

It’s available in everything from traditional wood planks to brick, marble, and even metallic tile patterns. 

The good news is that installing laminate flooring is fairly easy. 

It’s also a cinch to remove, should you ever want to.

However, laminate flooring does have its flaws; of course, no flooring material is perfect.

You will need to consider a few things before you take the plunge and install laminate.

• It’s often hard to match: Laminate flooring is built to be affordable, so it’s sometimes not made of the highest quality materials. This means it’s not easy to match to your existing flooring. 

• It’s not always installed correctly: When laminate flooring isn’t installed correctly, it can warp, buckle or bunch up, which affects its durability.

• Laminate can be slippery when wet, and this can be dangerous for anyone who may be walking around the kitchen.

• It is not as durable and it can get damaged by heat.

• Laminate is a thin material, at least compared to stone or concrete, and that means it’s not as tough as it may seem: It can be dented with a hard enough hit, and the surface can be scratched or gouged by sharp objects.

• But while a laminate floor can handle the occasional spill, it’s not a good idea to install it over a damp area. 

Since it’s made of wood, you’ll want to make sure that you install it somewhere that’s protected from moisture, away from the sink or dishwasher, where water can seep through the floor and cause mold and mildew.

How to make laminate under your oven more heat-resistant

Given how many homeowners purchase laminate flooring for the kitchen’s floor, it’s surprising how few people realize that this flooring choice needs a little extra help to withstand the damaging effects of heat.

One of the most common issues is how the floor can warp and shrink when it’s placed under the oven.

Making laminate flooring more heat-resistant is a great way to make it last longer. 

Laminate flooring is not as heat-resistant as other flooring, such as hardwood or tile, so you need to be careful when using your oven. 

• Make sure that the flooring is not too close to the oven. The best idea is to leave around one-half inch between the edge of the flooring and the oven, so that even if you don’t have a gap in your flooring, the oven will not heat it up too much.

• The oven should be preheated at 400 degrees F, and if you need to bake something that has a short, high-heat cooking time (like a batch of cookies), you should move it to the microwave.

• Another easy fix is to place a piece of tinfoil directly below the oven when you use it. The tinfoil will reflect the extra heat back up at the oven and prevent the floor from warping.

If you’re willing to pull out the glue gun and a roll of heavy duty aluminum foil, you can have your laminate looking as good as new.

• Covering the laminate with oven mitts or pot holders may provide extra protection, but it’s best to take a more permanent approach by installing an additional layer under the laminate.

• In order to make your laminate more heat-resistant, you can apply a clear heat-resistant coating to the backsplash, or purchase a laminate overlay to create a new surface.

Conclusion

It used to be that the only way to get hardwood look in a kitchen was to install solid hardwood floors. 

Now, you have another option: laminate flooring. 

When it comes to looks, a laminate floor is a close match to a wood floor: it has a wood-grain pattern and comes in a wide range of colors and designs. 

However, it is much more resilient and resistant to stains than wood, and it’s easier to clean than hardwood. 

A laminate floor can be installed in a kitchen, although it may not be the best choice for a kitchen in a house with children who are prone to spills.

Laminate can be installed over just about any existing flooring surface, making it a great way to improve the appearance of your kitchen without the hassle of ripping out the old floor.

If you’ve ever cooked with a gas stove, you’ve probably seen the problem that laminate can have around heat sources. 

The hot pans and grates can cause the laminate to bubble and lift, creating an unattractive appearance. 

While you can’t stop heat from hurting laminate, you can make it less susceptible to wear. 

Simply cover the laminate with a layer of aluminum foil; the foil will reflect the heat, and protect the laminate beneath.

If curling edges are a problem when you’re remodeling your kitchen, you can prevent it by placing a molding or spacer between the laminate and the heating appliance. Any simple molding will do, as long as it blocks the laminate from coming into direct contact with the appliance.