Replacing laminate installed under kitchen units.....

[moonhog]

Hello

I want to replace the laminate in my kitchen (with new laminate of same thickness). Unfortunately the owners before me fitted the laminate before the kitchen, and it goes back to the walls. In my mind I have 3 options:

1. Lay new laminate on top of old laminate, up to the feet of the units and cover with trimmed kickboards.
2. Physically cut-out existing laminate up to the line of the unit feet (using mini-circular saw with depth gauge set to 9mm) and fit new laminate. Kickboards will hide the join.
3. Try and gently raise the units by 1mm (car jack??)/screw-up legs to pull out the existing laminate, and then slide new stuff under.

I know that any none of these are ideal, but I don't want to remove the kitchen units (they're in good nick, and the worktop is perfectly jointed and level). I am aware that the membrane/underlay might be damaged during the process.

Any suggestions as to which is the least cowboy-like option, and likely to give the best result?
Thanks

 

[OwainDIYer]

If the units have adjustable legs then you could wind them up to take them off the floor, leaving the cabinet supported by its connections to its neighbours.

It'll be easier if the laminate is running perpendicular to the units rather than parallel, as then you'll probably only need to wind up one pair of feet (a front and a back) at a time, slide a strip of laminate under, then move on to the next strip and legs.

 

[moonhog]

Thanks. I've got a U-shaped kitchen, so will have some units perpendicular and others parallel.

I think this job will involve lots of frustration and swearing.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

2

 

[big-all]

definitely 2 as laminate needs an angle to click in or space to get a hammer and block in to close up

 

[Mikefromlondon]

save yourself a lot of bother, just lay new ones up to the carcase legs, the kick plate will hide joint behind, and no one would even know they are not running all then way to the wall and besides what difference it would make, none what so ever, not even make your house price go up if you were to sell. Oh yes that s option 2.

 

[moonhog]

Done - option 2 it is

Cheers Chaps.

 

[dazlight]

That's the way mate. Laminate should not be fitted under kitchen units.