LifeProof Flooring Under Cabinets? The Critical Mistake to Avoid

You’re standing at a crossroads in your home renovation. The beautiful, new LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is ready to go, and the new cabinets are waiting. Now comes the million-dollar question that can make or break your project: can I put LifeProof vinyl flooring under my cabinets?

This single decision seems simple, but it carries significant weight for the longevity, appearance, and warranty of your new floor. Getting it wrong can lead to buckling, separation, and a voided warranty, turning your dream kitchen or bathroom into a costly nightmare. This guide will provide the definitive answer and walk you through the correct process for a flawless, lasting installation.

Understanding the Core Issue: The Nature of a Floating Floor

The vast majority of LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is designed as a “floating floor.” This is the most crucial concept to grasp. A floating floor does not adhere directly to the subfloor with glue or nails; instead, the planks lock together to form a single, continuous surface that “floats” on top.

This design is intentional and brilliant. It allows the flooring to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity. Think of it as a living, breathing part of your home that needs a tiny bit of room to move.

The Problem with Pinning It Down

Now, imagine placing thousands of pounds of cabinets, countertops, and appliances directly on top of this floating surface. The immense weight acts like an anchor, pinning the floor down in place. When the floor naturally tries to expand, it has nowhere to go, leading to pressure build-up that can cause planks to buckle, warp, or separate at the seams.

This is the fundamental conflict. You cannot anchor a floor that is engineered to move. Doing so negates its core design and is the primary reason why manufacturers have strict rules about this installation method.

The Manufacturer’s Verdict: Preserve Your Warranty

When in doubt, always consult the manufacturer. The installation instructions for LifeProof flooring, like most luxury vinyl plank (LVP) brands, explicitly advise against installing floating floors under permanent cabinets. Following their guidelines is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement to keep your product warranty intact.

If a problem arises down the road and an inspector determines the issue was caused by the floor being pinned down by cabinetry, your warranty claim will almost certainly be denied. This leaves you responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement.

The Right Way: Installing Flooring AROUND Your Cabinets

The industry-standard and manufacturer-recommended method is to install your cabinets first, directly onto the subfloor. Once the cabinets are secured, you then install the LifeProof vinyl flooring around them. This approach ensures the floor remains a true floating system.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Recommended Method

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Your subfloor must be clean, flat, and structurally sound. This is a non-negotiable step for any successful flooring installation. Ensuring the right foundation is crucial, and understanding your materials, like knowing if 19/32 vs 5/8 plywood are the same, can be vital for your project’s integrity.

2. Install Your Cabinets: Securely fasten all base cabinets directly to the subfloor according to the cabinet manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure they are level and properly aligned before moving on.

3. Lay the Flooring: Begin laying your LifeProof vinyl planks, starting along the longest wall. When you reach the cabinets, you will need to make precise cuts to fit the flooring around them.

4. Maintain the Expansion Gap: This is the most critical part. You must leave a small gap (typically 1/4 inch, but check your product’s specific instructions) between the flooring and the base of the cabinets. This gap is what allows the floor to expand and contract without buckling.

5. Conceal the Gap: The expansion gap is functional, not aesthetic. To cover it, you will install shoe molding or quarter-round trim along the base of your cabinets. This trim is nailed to the cabinets, not the floor, allowing the flooring to move freely underneath.

The Dishwasher and Appliance Consideration

One common concern with this method is trapping the dishwasher. If you install the cabinets first and then the flooring, the finished floor height will be higher than the subfloor where the dishwasher sits. This can make it impossible to slide the appliance out for repairs or replacement.

The solution is simple. Place a piece of plywood or underlayment in the dishwasher bay that is the exact same thickness as your finished vinyl flooring. Install the dishwasher on top of this riser. This ensures the appliance is at the same level as the finished floor, allowing it to slide in and out smoothly.

The Controversial Method: When Can You Install Flooring Underneath?

While installing a floating floor under cabinets is strongly discouraged, there are a few very specific exceptions where it might be considered, though it still carries risks. These exceptions generally do not apply to standard, interlocking LifeProof vinyl plank.

Glue-Down LVP

If you are using a glue-down version of vinyl plank flooring instead of a floating one, the rules change. Glue-down floors are fully bonded to the subfloor and do not expand or contract as a single unit. Because they don’t need to move, you can safely install cabinets on top of them without issue.

Freestanding Vanities and Furniture

The primary concern is with heavy, permanent, and fixed cabinetry. Lighter, freestanding bathroom vanities (especially those with legs that distribute weight) or other non-permanent furniture pieces typically do not pose the same risk. The floor can still move adequately around the pressure points of the legs.

Comparison: Flooring Under vs. Around Cabinets

To make the decision clearer, here is a direct comparison of the two installation methods.

Feature	Method 1: Flooring AROUND Cabinets (Recommended)	Method 2: Flooring UNDER Cabinets (Not Recommended)
Warranty	Maintains the manufacturer’s warranty.	Almost always voids the warranty.
Floor Performance	Allows for natural expansion and contraction, preventing buckling.	High risk of buckling, separating seams, and floor failure.
Future Renovations	Flooring can be replaced easily without removing cabinets.	Replacing flooring requires complete removal of cabinets.
Installation Complexity	Requires more precise cuts around cabinets and installation of trim.	Seems easier initially as you lay a continuous floor.
Appliance Height	Requires a plywood riser for the dishwasher to prevent trapping.	No height difference for appliances, making sliding them in easier.
Cost	You use slightly less flooring material.	You must purchase extra flooring to go under all cabinets.

Expert Tips for a Professional Finish

Whether you’re a DIYer or hiring a pro, keeping these tips in mind will ensure your project’s success. A full home renovation has many facets, and preparation is key. Just as you’d take time to learn how to insulate skylights for winter to protect your home’s envelope, you must take time to prepare your floor.

Always Acclimate Your Flooring

LifeProof flooring needs to acclimate to the environment of the room where it will be installed. Let the boxes of flooring sit in the room for at least 48 hours before you begin. This allows the material to adjust to the temperature and humidity, reducing the amount of expansion and contraction after installation.

Plan Your Layout Carefully

Before you lay the first plank, plan your entire layout. You want to avoid ending up with very thin, awkward-looking strips of flooring against a wall. Measure the room and adjust your starting point to ensure a balanced and professional appearance.

Undercut Doorjambs

For a seamless look, use a handsaw or an oscillating multi-tool to undercut the doorjambs. This allows you to slide the flooring underneath the jamb instead of making a difficult cut around it. The result is a much cleaner, more integrated finish.

The Final Verdict: Don’t Risk Your Investment

So, can you put LifeProof vinyl flooring under your cabinets? The answer for 99% of situations is a clear and resounding no. While it might seem like a shortcut, installing a floating floor under fixed cabinets risks voiding your warranty, causing irreparable damage to the floor, and creating massive headaches in the future.

The correct, professional, and manufacturer-approved method is to install your cabinets first and lay the LifeProof flooring around them, using trim to cover the necessary expansion gap. It protects your investment, guarantees the performance of your floor, and ensures peace of mind. A successful renovation project means paying attention to every detail, from the floor you walk on to fixing an unexpected problem like a stuck gas fireplace valve.

By following these guidelines, you can be confident that your beautiful new flooring will look and perform its best for many years to come.