Laminate floor under kitchen units ?

[stovesy]

I'm laying a lam floor in my kitchen. Which is best, to lay the flooring right up to the walls (and under the units) or to fit the kitchen units, and floor just under the kick boards.
2 thoughts:
1. If units are installed on the lam. will it settle leaving the units semi-suspended.
2. If I place a washing machine on lam, will it jive about 'cos of the underlay.

 

[GwaiLo]

If the kitchen units have plinths there is no point in laying the laminate floor under them. If the units have exposed legs then you will have to lay the laminate under them.

If the laminate is laid properly and your kitchen units fitted properly. then neither of your worries should be a problem

 

[masona]

The way I do it,is to take the plinths off the base units and let the laminated floor run underneath (approx 50mm) then re-cut the plinths resting onto the laminated flooring.This way would allow laminated expansion and when butting up to wall or skirting you should allow 3/8" gap round the edge (follow the manufacter instruction).I wouldn't advise you putting the washing machine on top of laminated flooring as it tend to vibrate the whole floor area and could find the flooring lift up like a tent in the middle.Also make sure the laminated flooring is suitable for kitchen.