Renovating the kitchen is always accompanied by many technical questions, among which a dilemma often arises: is it necessary to cover the floor under heavy household appliances? In particular, linoleum for a refrigerator causes controversy among many craftsmen and apartment owners. On the one hand, you want to save material, on the other hand, to ensure reliable protection of the base and aesthetics.
If you are planning to replace the floor covering, but are not yet ready to buy new household appliances, it is important to understand the installation features. Refrigeration equipment has significant weight, especially when full, which creates constant pressure on the floor. Properly laid material will prevent the unit from being pressed and displaced.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of preparation and installation so that you can make an informed decision. You will learn how to prepare the base, what tools will be needed and why compensation gap is a critical element when installing in the equipment installation area.
Analysis of the need for installation under equipment
Many people wonder whether it is worth spending additional money to cover an area that will be hidden forever. However, professionals agree that laying linoleum should be done over the entire area of the room. This is connected not only with aesthetics, but also with the physics of the processes.
If you leave the floor open, over time dust, moisture, or even insects may accumulate there, access to which will be difficult. In addition, if you possibly replace the refrigerator with a model with different dimensions or design, you will be faced with the problem of a “hole” in the floor, which will be impossible to close unnoticed.
⚠️ Attention: If you decide not to lay a covering under the appliances, make sure that the old floor is perfectly flat and dry, otherwise moisture may be preserved under the bottom of the unit, causing metal corrosion.
It is also worth considering that modern models are often equipped with adjustable support legs. They have a small contact area with the surface, which creates a high point pressure. Without an intermediate layer, hard plastic or metal legs can damage the concrete screed or wooden subfloor.
Preparation of the base and selection of materials
Before starting the main work, it is necessary to carefully prepare subfloor. The quality of the finishing coating directly depends on the evenness of the base. Any bumps, pits or remnants of old glue will appear on the surface of the linoleum over time, especially in areas of high traffic or under the weight of equipment.
When choosing material for the kitchen, give preference to a commercial or semi-commercial wear resistance class. Household options may be too thin to support the weight of the refrigerator, even with distribution stands. It is important that the base is dense and does not deform under load.
To prepare the surface, you will need to perform a number of actions:
- 🧹 Thoroughly clean the floor of dust, debris and grease stains.
- 🔨 Seal all cracks and potholes with cement mortar or putty.
- 📏 Check the horizontal level using a long strip.
- 🌡️ Ensure the base humidity is no more than 5% before starting work.
If the height differences are significant, filling may be required self-leveling floor. This will create an ideal plane on which the material will lie without tension or air bubbles. Do not neglect the primer, it will improve the adhesion of the glue and reduce the consumption of the composition.
Calculation of material and necessary tools
Purchase planning is a key stage to avoid material shortages or unnecessary waste. When calculating the area, always take a margin of 5-10 cm on each side for trimming and leveling the pattern. For a kitchen with a niche for a refrigerator, this is especially important, as it requires an exact fit.
In addition to the roll itself, you will need specialized glue or mastic, as well as double-sided tape to secure the edges. The tools must be sharp and comfortable so that the cut is smooth and the joints are invisible. A dull knife can damage the structure of the canvas.
The master's standard set includes:
- ✂️ Construction knife with replaceable blades.
- 📐 A long metal ruler or rule.
- 🖌️ Notched trowel for applying glue.
- 🧱 Heavy roller for rolling seams and removing air.
How to calculate the amount of glue?
Glue consumption depends on the teeth of the trowel and the absorbency of the base. On average, one liter is enough for 3-4 square meters when using a comb 2-3 mm high. Always read the instructions on the packaging of a specific manufacturer.
It is important to prepare the room in advance: the air temperature should not be lower than +18°C, and the material itself must be kept flat in the room for at least 24 hours. This will allow the linoleum to acclimatize and take on its natural shape.
Installation technology: step-by-step instructions
The installation process begins with cutting the canvas. Lay out the linoleum so that it covers the entire area, including the area under the future installation of the refrigerator. If there are pipes or difficult corners in the room, make neat cuts without reaching the wall.
Next comes the gluing stage. Apply glue evenly, starting from the center of the room and moving towards the edges. Avoid leaving dry areas, especially in areas where heavy equipment will be parked. The air from under the coating must be carefully expelled with a roller.
Main stages of work:
- Spread the cloth and let it rest for a day.
- Wrap one half and apply glue to the base.
- Roll out carefully linoleum back, pressing it.
- Repeat the procedure for the second half of the room.
☑️ Check before installing the refrigerator
Pay special attention to the joints if you have to use several pieces. They are best welded by cold welding, which will ensure tightness and protection from moisture. For the kitchen, this is a critically important parameter, since spilled water should not get under the covering.
Installation features in the area where the refrigerator is installed
The area where the refrigerator will be located requires a special approach. Here it is important not just to lay the material, but also to ensure its immobility. Even if the equipment is on legs, when doors are opened or the compressor vibrates, a micro-shift of the coating may occur.
It is recommended to use a thicker adhesive composition or additionally coat the perimeter of the niche. This will create a kind of “pocket” into which the equipment will fit like a glove. If you use linoleum with a thick felt base, make sure that the legs of the refrigerator will not fall into the soft structure.
There is a compatibility table for types of bases and loads:
| Base type | Maximum load (kg/cm²) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete screed | High | Ideal for any equipment |
| Wooden floor | Medium | Requires additional plywood |
| Old tiles | High | Requires alignment of seams |
| Laminate | Low/Medium | The risk of piercing is high |
If the floor is wooden or made of laminate, it is better to place special metal or plastic plates under the legs of the refrigerator, or use a wide plywood base, which is then covered linoleum. This will distribute the weight and save the floor from deformation.
Finishing and installation of equipment
After the glue has completely dried, you can begin the final stage. Install skirting boards around the perimeter of the room; they will press the edges of the covering and hide technological gaps. A plinth is usually not placed in the refrigerator area, since it will be covered by the housing.
Before placing the refrigerator in place, wipe the floor with a damp cloth to remove construction dust. You need to move the equipment extremely carefully; it is best to use special slides or invite assistants so as not to damage the fresh coating.
⚠️ Attention: Do not drag the refrigerator along the linoleum! Even a brief slide of the metal leg can leave an irreparable cut or abrasion.
Make sure that there is a ventilation gap between the back of the refrigerator and the wall, as specified by the manufacturer's instructions. Linoleum should not bend upward onto the wall, creating an obstacle to air circulation.
Check the stability of the unit. If the floor seems “boomy” or the refrigerator wobbles, adjust the height of the support legs. This will also reduce the noise level when the compressor operates.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is laying linoleum without taking into account temperature expansion. The material can change its size depending on the temperature in the room. If you press it too hard or do not leave gaps against the walls, waves or swelling may appear over time.
Another problem is saving on glue. Cheap compounds may not withstand the weight of the equipment and dry out over time, turning into dust. Use only specialized dispersion adhesives designed for PVC coatings.
Beginners often forget about moisture. If you put linoleum on a wet screed, condensation will form underneath, leading to the appearance of mold and an unpleasant odor. Always use a moisture meter before starting work.
It is also worth mentioning the cutting error. Do not try to cut complex shapes by eye. It is better to make a paper template or use a flexible ruler to repeat the contours of pipes and corners with maximum accuracy.
Caring for the coating in the area of heavy equipment
After installation is completed, it is important to properly care for the new floor. The area under the refrigerator is difficult to clean, so prevention is important. Regularly wipe visible areas with a damp cloth, avoiding aggressive chemicals that can corrode the protective layer.
Once every six months, it is recommended to move the refrigerator (being careful) and check the condition of the floor. If you notice darkening or swelling, this is a signal that moisture has entered or the tightness of the seams has been compromised.
For washing, use neutral products intended for PVC coatings. Abrasive powders can leave scratches, which over time will become clogged with dirt and become noticeable. Careful care will extend the life of your renovation for decades.
Is it possible to lay linoleum on old linoleum?
Technically, this is possible if the old coating holds tightly and has no swelling or holes. However, professionals advise removing the old layer to assess the condition of the subfloor and not increase the height of the threshold.
How long does the glue dry under the refrigerator?
Complete drying of the glue takes from 24 to 72 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. It is strictly not recommended to install heavy equipment before this date, as the glue may be squeezed out and the coating will shift.
Is it necessary to glue linoleum over the entire area?
For commercial premises - a must. In an apartment with an area of less than 20 sq.m. and using high-quality material, fixing only around the perimeter with double-sided tape is allowed, but under the refrigerator it is better to use glue.
What to do if the linoleum has waves under the legs?
This means that the load is too great for this type of coating or the base is uneven. It is necessary to remove the equipment, level the floor and, possibly, replace the linoleum with a more rigid class or lay distribution plates under the legs.