Can You Put A Refrigerator On Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Are you planning to install new vinyl plank flooring in your kitchen, and want to know if your refrigerator will be too heavy and cause damage? Well, you've come to the right place. We've done all the research to provide you with a detailed guide on the dos and don'ts of vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen.

Yes, you can put your refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring without fear of breaking the planks.

You may be wondering if there are other consequences of placing your refrigerator on vinyl plank floors or how to move your refrigerator without scratching and scuffing the flooring. Keep reading to learn all about the best ways to maintain vinyl plank flooring in your kitchen.

Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Handle Large Appliances?

Yes, vinyl plank flooring can support up to 500-pounds of weight without cracking or snapping. It's very strong and can hold most large appliances without an issue. Since a single plank is only several inches wide, most appliances will have their weight dispersed over several planks to help reduce the amount of stress placed on a single plank.

Since vinyl plank flooring is so strong, it's hard to damage and resists scratches, scuffs, and chips very well. This type of flooring is more likely to get damaged while moving furniture than it is by having large appliances placed on it. Overall, it's an ideal type of flooring for any kitchen and makes an excellent choice for underneath appliances.

Will Heavy Appliances Leave Dents and Divets In Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Very large or heavy appliances may cause the vinyl plank flooring to indent over time under their weight. This usually occurs with items with legs that support the bulk of the appliance's weight. Placing a buffer of some sort between your floor and your appliances can help to avoid these kinds of depressions.

Rubber King All-Purpose Rubber Mat

This rubber mat is 3-feet wide by 4-feet long, and it can be cut to size or pieced together to meet your needs. It's 5 millimeters thick to provide a protective cushion between your floor and your appliances.

Click here to check out this mat on Amazon.

Can You Fix Vinyl Plank Flooring That's Been Dented?

There are a couple of things you can try if your vinyl plank flooring has gotten dented from the weight of furniture or appliances. The first uses a clothing iron, and the second option requires a hairdryer, both very common household items.

How To Fix Dents In Vinyl Flooring With An Iron?

1. Start by cleaning the affected area with soap and water to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Wet a towel or hand towel and lay it over the dent folded in half.
3. Set your iron to "cotton" and allow it to heat up.
4. Move the iron around the towel for 2-3 minutes where the dent is, being careful not to apply pressure.
5. Remove the iron and towel to see if the dent is gone.

How To Fix Dents In Vinyl Flooring With A Hairdryer?

1. Set your hairdryer to low and hold it over the dent for several minutes.
2. Take a seam roller or similar item and go over the area to even it out.
3. Repeat as necessary until the dent in the vinyl is gone.

Blulu Seam Roller

This small seam roller is perfect for fixing minor dents in vinyl plank flooring. It's easy to use, and its compact size makes it easy to store out of the way. This seam roller is traditionally used for quilting, but it's great for other uses too.

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Do You Put Flooring Under The Refrigerator?

Yes, you should install flooring underneath the refrigerator. It is highly recommended to use snap-together vinyl plank flooring specific to kitchens under large and heavy appliances to reduce the risk of damage due to weight. Without putting flooring below your appliances your kitchen may not have a nice, finished feel.

Do You Install Flooring Before Appliances?

Yes, flooring should always be installed before you install your appliances. You should install appliances after you install the flooring to make it easier if you ever need to replace either of them. Laying the flooring first will create a uniform height for your appliances.

Lucida Vinyl Plank Flooring

This vinyl plank flooring comes in a ten-count package and is available in various colors. The planks are interlocking for easy installation and they look like real wood. It's also completely waterproof, scratch-resistant, and UV-resistant.

Click here to see these planks on Amazon.

How Do You Move A Refrigerator On Vinyl Plank Flooring?

To move your refrigerator without scuffing or scratching your vinyl plank flooring, you can carefully use a dolly to lift it from underneath and roll it away. You can also use carpet scraps or cardboard to protect the flooring by placing pieces under the four legs and then sliding it across the floor using the carpet or cardboard to glide it across the floor.

Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Scratch Easily?

Vinyl plank flooring doesn't scratch or scuff easily, but it's not entirely impenetrable either. When moving furniture across vinyl planks, always use caution to avoid scratches and chips. Always protect the floor with cardboard or carpet scraps to avoid damaging it.

Pad N' Protect Floor Protector

This roll of anti-slip floor protector is 32-inches wide and 100-feet long, plenty to provide a path for moving a refrigerator. It's easy to use, reusable, and provides excellent protection from scratches when you don't have cardboard handy.

Click here to take a look at this floor protector on Amazon.

How Do You Protect A Vinyl Floor From A Refrigerator?

To protect your vinyl floor from the weight of a refrigerator, use felt pads on the legs of the fridge or a rubber mat underneath the refrigerator. If you are moving the fridge and want to protect the floor from friction, use cardboard, carpet, or other materials that make for good floor protection. The best way to avoid damaging your floor when moving a fridge is to use a dolly to transport it carefully.

Are There Treatments To Reduce Wear On Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Yes, you can wax your vinyl plank flooring to help protect it and buff out any existing minor scuffs. It also provides your flooring with an extra layer of water and stain resistance to help it last longer and look nicer. Wax does create a more slippery surface, so if you have concerns about slipping, you may want to stick with things like felt pads.

Green Gobbler High Gloss Floor Wax

This floor wax is ideal for vinyl and hardwoods. It protects your flooring, adds shine, and can help to remove minor scratches and scuffs.

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What Is A Floating Floor?

Floating floors are not adhered or secured to the subfloor of the room. They are loose-laid over the subfloor for easy and convenient removal and replacement. Since the floor is not secured, it is more susceptible to damage and displacement.

Can You Put A Fridge On A Floating Floor?

It is not recommended to put a fridge on a floating floor since it is not as stable as a secured or adhered floor. Since refrigerators are such large appliances, having an unstable floor is not good. If the flooring slips out of place and the fridge falls, it could cause serious damage to anyone standing nearby.

Zazous Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl is commonly used for floating floors because it's so easy to work with, but it's best to use an adhesive with it. It's also a better option for loose-laying than things like planks since it's flat and can be cut in one large piece, improving stability.

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In Conclusion

Now that you know everything you need to have vinyl plank floors in your kitchen, you're prepared to choose your new flooring. Remember that vinyl is extremely strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for any home. Have fun shopping and good luck with your project!

To Learn More

If you want to learn more about coordinating your kitchen floor remodel, read our article "Should Kitchen Countertops Match The Floor?"

To learn about maintaining your new kitchen floor, read our article "How Often Should You Sweep And Mop The Kitchen Floor?"